Seeking portfolio tips
- Started
- Last post
- 13 Responses
- antoine_101
Hi everybody!
I am currently studying Graphic Design and I am also looking for a design job. Because I havnt really worked full time as a designer yet, I dont have much to put in my portfolio. Is it worth doing mock ups/ stuff that hasnt gone live or used by a client just to show my skills? I was thinking of just making up some logos, mag spreads, ads etc... or would this seem misleading to people?
Thanks for your help guys.
- liquid0
and also redesign current stuff thats out there...
- megarad0
It is good to have a bunch of moch ups just to show different styles or types of designs that you can do. If they ask if they are real that is when you can lie or tell them they a moch ups but they represent your abilities. Try to find some freelance work also, maybe free stuff for a local youth group or sports team etc.
- liquid0
youth group.......yup.......local churches and community centers....
- megarad0
even personal projects like posters or tshirts or skateboard designs. Also enter into design contest, or online magazines and then show them in your portfolio
- function820
my personal experience is that a nice portfolio will get you in the door, but getting the job is about so much more.
most companies are looking for someone that can work with a team as well as independantly, can take critisim, can take direction, etc. Ironically, a McDonalds job may demonstrate your ability to work more than your portfolio, at least in an office setting.
My advice is to make some mockups, do some freelance, and apply to some places to see how the process goes. even if you dont get the job you'll get the experince of a real design interview. if you cant get a job right away in your field, freelance, and try for a lower level job related to your field, that way you can gain in office experience.
- jimeeboy510
Comming from a print designer point of view...somethings I've noticed is that people like to see projects that you can present that shows that you did it from concept to completion. Like create a logo, brand it, throw it on a package, create a couple ads for it. That shows a lot and makes a good piece. But don't stop there, make businesscards and a stationary for that brand. It doesn't have to be made up. It could be your take on someone else's brand and how you would have done it from your research and your abilities. Explain to them why you did the things you did so each piece has more meaning. Don't throw in kiddie bs projects in there. Throw some real world stuff in there like brochures, mailers, marketing collaterals, packaging design, and so on. And if you don't have any real work, make it up but make it look real and believable. Look for contests/competitions if you can't come up with your own projects. Its tough freelancing right out of school, so school your self and pick up GAG (Graphic Artist Guild book) and AIGA resources and so on.
Man, I can keep goin and goin but I won't. Theres so much more info you can find just reading all these endless threads.
- tshongi0
Be bold and brave. Start desigining stuff out there that looks crap. Send it to people that you want to work for. Develop a cool ID for yourself. Show it off to others. Hear crtits about it. Imporve it, rework it. Self promo is important. After all it's all about what you do as a designer. Design what YOU WANT to design.
- clerk0
make up things and called it school projects.
- jamble0
Don't underestimate the importance of being able to work to a client brief and meeting the ever important deadlines and budgets.
It's all well and good being able to create amazing work that takes three months to complete but in a real situation, you will be expected to work quickly and under a lot more client pressure to deliver.
I'd suggest including mockups and work that shows your skills but try to temper that with showing how you can work on your own initiative or as part of a team and try to find portfolio work where you can demonstrate how you worked to a brief or tight deadline too.
- function820
After all it's all about what you do as a designer. Design what YOU WANT to design.
tshongi(Feb 24 05, 22:33)
i disagree, design what a client would like, and design pratically... self serving design wont get you a job.
- jamble0
totally agree function, it's absolutely useless designing shit hot stuff if it serves no purpose and doesn't meet your clients requirements!
- nick0
function82,
i think he was talking about self-promo when he said that...
- function820
fair enough, self-promo is one thing, demonstrating the ability to work to client specifications is another. If i was trying to beef up my portfolio, i'd evaluate companies brand strategies and making up ads or logos etc. that compliment their current brand direction, this shows that you understand brands and can come up with work that keeps true to a companies target market. Just coming up with random designs is great artistically, and great if you're a superb designer, but it doesnt show that you understand a companies needs and can convert their needs into a proper adversitment, logo, etc.