Record, Display, Inspire: The Beauty of SCA Portfolios

Are you enjoying your Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) journey? I bet you are! And creating clothing, armor, and personal items along the way. Building your SCA portfolio might not be your top interest, but trust me, it’s a fantastic idea. And let me tell you why.

Picture this: you’re out there, experiencing the wonders of the SCA. As you immerse yourself in this vibrant community, you’re probably taking countless photos along the way. Well, here’s a little tip: remember to capture what you create too! Whether it’s a masterpiece or a work in progress, every single thing you make is worth permanently noting. And what better way to do that than through digital photos or scans? They’re not only affordable but easy to store, providing you a valuable record of your SCA creative journey.

Now, let’s fast forward to the future. Imagine you’re teaching a class or entering a competition. Wouldn’t it be handy to have copies of any handouts or papers you created? Absolutely! Make sure you keep them and don’t forget to include the date, your name, and the event’s name for future reference.

But you might be wondering, why bother keeping a record for a hobby that’s all about having fun? Well, there might come a time when you want to recreate an item you made years ago. It could be that the original got lost, broken, or even given away. That’s when those pictures you took will be a lifesaver. And if you want to level up your documentation game, consider making journal notes in your portfolio. They will give the future you even more insight and context about your creations.

Speaking from my 30+ years in the SCA, I can tell you that looking back at what I’ve created and taught is an absolute blast. It’s a trip down memory lane that you, your friends, and your family will thoroughly enjoy. But there’s a practical side to having a portfolio—it’s incredibly handy for displaying your accomplishments during demos, exhibitions, or “body of work” displays. Plus, you can see how much you and the SCA changed over time.

Creating a portfolio is easier than you might imagine. If you’re a scribe working with two-dimensional art, all you need to do is scan your scrolls or other works and store them in plastic sleeves within a binder. Add notes about the materials you used and your personal critique of the scans. For any written pages, three-hole punch them and include them in the binder, placing the most recent ones at the front.

If your passion lies in cooking, make sure to include pictures of your mouthwatering dishes and the test meals you whip up. As you recreate medieval recipes, document your experiments with notes and photos, and don’t forget the final recipe with a picture. And just like any other artisan, keep handouts and competition documentation safely stored.

But portfolios aren’t only for artisans. Fighters and archers, you can showcase your achievements, too. Whether it’s attempts at armor creation, a handmade period bow, or arrows, capture them in pictures. And if you’re teaching anything with a handout, make sure to save them, clearly labeled with the date, your name, and where you taught.

Now, let’s brainstorm a bit. Here are some additional items you might consider including in your portfolio:

• classes you’ve taken with dates and notes
• classes you’ve taught with dates and handouts
• record of the offices you’ve held with comments
• compilation of relevant YouTube videos or DVDs you’ve made
• awards received with dates, the monarch’s name, and the kingdom
• catalog of well-researched topics
• meaningful letters you’ve received (like thank you notes or words of encouragement)
• physical samples if possible (snippets of weaving or dyeing)
• pictures of you engaged in SCA activities
• merchant data if you’ve explored the world of selling.

Now, let’s consider how to organize your portfolio. While binders and journals are popular choices, you might store your records on a DVD, a flash drive, or even create a blog. The format you choose will depend on your specific SCA interests and activities. And hey, don’t be surprised if your collection expands beyond one binder. For some, it might even fill a whole file cabinet someday! Don’t stop just because you received that coveted award. Who knows what more you will accomplish?

Remember, in the SCA, we create wonderful things, but we don’t always keep them all. That’s why it’s essential to keep your SCA records organized and preserved. By doing so, you’ll have a wealth of references, displays, and nostalgic moments to cherish in the future.

So, what are you waiting for? Start building your SCA portfolio today, and let your creative journey be forever remembered.