10 - Considering the Alternative

Upon conclusion of Eisenman’s Building Design Portfolios I find myself once again looking at my alternative portfolio. Attempting to now sound redundant I explore the various possibilities of alternative portfolios such as the ones provided by Eisenman in her book.

The first alternative portfolio to stand out in Eisenman’s collection was that of German designer, Christian Steurer. Steurer prints his portfolio on newspaper. While he doesn’t do news print design the newspaper printed in some color allows Steurer’s work to really jump off the page. Steurer mailed the rolled up newspapers to potential employers giving him an edge over other designers.

The portfolio of Eramos Tantos design studio in Mexico was the next to grab my attention. The artwork inside the portfolio varies in style as it is all encapsulated within a bound ringed book. What makes this portfolio alternative and interesting is that the portfolio is that the bound book is place inside of a recycled film can. The film can ties into the work that the studio produces and adds a nice touch to the already beautiful portfolio. To top it all off, the film canister is shipped inside a cardboard box which contain movie related stickers on the outside, tying together the entire package.

When considering an alternative package for my own design work my goal is to develop and interesting package that allows me to combine all my interests; music, photography & design. Kristie Downing combines similar interests in her alternative portfolio. Package in a retro (vinyl) Record Box, Kristie displays her work on record sized boards. The packaging is interesting and unique and allows employers and other design to gain more insight of Downings interest and personality.

An alternative portfolio may allow a designer to show even more of their creativity. One major downfall to these alternative portfolios is that they often cost more than a struggling design student can afford.