7 - Another Perspective on Portfolios

Once again we are brought back to talking about the importance of our portfolio. From pages 40 – 74 of Designing a Digital Portfolio, Sara Eisenman discusses the usage of print portfolios, job hunting and self-promotion as a designer.

Although I have discussed the importance of a web portfolio in many of my previous posts I also believe that print is just as important. In today’s technologically savvy world almost everyone has easy access to a computer and to the internet however for those few chances that you come across an employer who does not, a print portfolio (Print Portfolio Example) will be life saving. Even when an employer has access online portfolio, a print portfolio can help secure that desired job. An essential part to proper usage of print portfolios is the presentation of that print portfolio.

The first thing to consider when presenting a portfolio is the order of things. According to Eisenman, “The first thing in your portfolio or design box should be a strong sample – a drum roll to get the viewer excited or, at least engages.” As Eisenman continues, the piece should not be your strongest, “”but it needs to catch attention and hold it.” From that point forward your work should be ordered so that it continues to build excitement and anticipation until the final piece, which you show the highlight of your portfolio. An unorganized portfolio can become a difficult puzzle for and employer to decipher.

Once you have developed a successful portfolio it is time for job hunting. The first thing to do is to prepare for your interview; practice possible questions, research potential companies, and review your own work so much so that you are able to talk about your design process in a professional manor. Another integral part in preparing yourself is developing your resume. The first step in creating your resume is to simply include as much as you think may be necessary and later go back and weed through those things that are not so necessary. If you have a professor, advisor or colleague easily accessible they can be a great reference when reviewing your portfolio.

Once you have prepared your portfolio and yourself for that next job interview its time to get your next interview. You have a couple of options when applying for jobs; the two main being you can call and ask for an appointment or you can wait for them to call you. As a new designer it’s your duty to start calling. Waiting for the design work to realize how great your work is unreliable and can take a while. Creating promotional pieces for yourself can help in the job process. Any promotional material will immediately get your name out into the design world and can leave an impression at an interview. Successfully designing for yourself allow you to gain a better understanding of yourself as a designer.

Some more great print portfolio examples:
GraphCom Group / Example 2 / Adrenaline Design