How much is too much?
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- Jugarelly
I'm finally doing a new portfolio after about 4 years.
Reason being: http://www.qbn.com/topics/605600…
I'm pretty much wiping the slate clean and putting in entirely new work because my old stuff is pretty out dated. However, I've been doing this for a long time, and I'm trying to figure out many pieces to include. I narrowed down the 100s of projects I've worked on over the years to about 40, but that seems like it's still too much. I was thinking maybe cutting it in half down to 20 from there.
Thoughts? Does 20 sound reasonable? I just don't want to overwhelm possible employers or freelance clients.
- bulletfactory0
i'd say 30ish is good
- MSTRPLN0
I would stick with 20ish pieces of your best work on display as a "hook" to grab their attention, and maybe a link for potential clients/employees to contact you for more work to see.
Less is usually more in these cases.
- grafisk0
Use krop.com, and focus upon the work, not the folio. Then you can concentrate on the work and making it look great. Worked for me, just landed a $30k up on my current wage.
- I like the Krop format, but I think I should do something on my own as an interactive designer.Jugarelly
- nice going grafiskbigtrick
- have enough reflections on your logos? my god.iCanHazQBN
- doesnotexist0
krop sucks balls
do your own site narrow it 20, less is more on teh web. I would get frustrated that there's so much work to look at - where would I begin? keep it simple. make it clear.
- rosem0
yeah, I wouldn't do anything more than 20 — make sure it's your best work. you can always send a client more specific examples if needed.
- jamble0
I'd say if you can't give a good idea of what you're about in 20 projects you need a bit of rethink. Do bear in mind that the average person will hit your site, scan it for a couple of things of interest and perhaps view them then leave.
Having more than 20 might be a bit overkill.
- Jugarelly0
Great, thanks for the feedback. It seems like the general consensus is in line with my thinking. I'm sure I'll be posting up another "Portfolio Crit" in the Public Voice in the next week or so.
- WildPony0
20? Back in my day, 12-15 was considered the norm. I mean, who wants to look at 20 plus pieces? You're either going to get way to much repetition, or way to much diversity. Either can look bad in a portfolio. The less, the better. 15 is the most I would put in a portfolio.
- Douglas0
I've found that showcasing around 10 of your most current, favorite, projects upfront is best, but having a link to a massive archive shows that you have a load of experience and that many clients choose you. Sorta gives newer, bigger clients confidence in choosing you.
- ukit0
10? Back when I was cutting my teeth on this shit, we'd never show more than 5 pieces, 7 tops.
- imnotadesigner0
when you can't take much more...
- CyBrain0
I'd say it depends on your range of experience. If you're a web designer, then sure 10 - 15 is fine, but if you're an AD who does a little web design, Ads, minisites, maybe a little print, motion graphics, then you need more. Sounds like a lot, but if you've been around a while or are a creative director, you'll need more to tell your story.
- boobs0
If you can't convince them with 11, you're doomed. Plus, it's the first prime number after 10!
- monNom0
Max 5-6 for each specialty. Pick ones with a good story, then flesh these out and make them shine. Maybe a case study to show your thought process and the goals you were trying to meet?
- imakethepictures0
Pick your best piece, add a LOL cube to it, and you're golden.