I really want to shout about the work that Hartnack and Co produce. Putting together a print portfolio is an incredibly personal and time-consuming task, Hartnack & Co made this process easy and enjoyable. The first decision was deciding whether to print the images myself or outsource the printing. I decided to print the images myself for a higher degree of control. Calibrating my printer and monitor, testing different papers and determining form factor made for a fun few days.
I initially tested the Hahnemuhle Photo Rag Pearl 320gsm from the ‘Album’ Range. I loved the fact it was pre-scored and precut, as I did not want to use plastic sleeves. However, I found the colour images a little dull compared to the Canson Infinity Baryta Photographique 310gsm paper I ended up using; a satin finish lets both black and white and colour images sing off the page. To protect the prints from handling, I used Hahnemuhle protective spray which doesn’t affect the finish of the paper but does protect against fingerprints. Excellent stuff!
The easiest part of the process was the part that Jackie and Nick led me through at Hartnack and Co; they promptly sent swatches and a PDF Proof of the personalisation placement as well as being fantastic on the phone and by email. The value of what they have made for me far exceeds the time put into its creation and the money paid for it. I now have a flexible screw-post portfolio that I can change the contents of easily for different client meetings. Thank you so much, Nick and Jackie!
Jackie - Hard at work in the studio where all of the portfolio’s are handmade. Photo: Nick Hartnack