When we were in our early elementary school years, we were introduced to this amazing activity known only as "Show and Tell". We probably think we haven't played a rousing game of Show and Tell since those kindergarten days. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth. When one goes out looking for a job, they bring along with them a very important Show and Tell item. We call it a resume! This is especially true for anyone in the arts, particularly a Graphic Designer. It may be an age old cliche, but a picture really is worth a thousand words. A graphic designer’s entire livelihood depends on his/her ability to communicate effectively with their audience using visually striking material. So it should come as no surprise when I tell you that your graphic design portfolio is the most important thing you bring with you to a job for potential employers. While your education level, previous work experience, industry certifications, or any other qualification you may possess are useful for bringing you into the interview room, it will not suffice if you present a sloppy portfolio or mediocre samples. You can have all the qualifications, all the certifications, all the degrees, and all the prestige, but if you don't have good work to show, you will be going nowhere fast.
I have done some research, and found these tips on how to put together a great portfolio. If you are an up and coming graphic designer, read carefully and heed these small tidbits of wisdom. They could be the difference between your dream job, and the unemployment line...
1. Make it "Catchy" not "Kitschy"
So, you may be asking yourself, "what the heck does that mean?" Well, kitsch is defined as a form of art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an extant style of art or a worthless imitation of art. Now, I may not be an expert on copyright laws, or principles of advertising, but I seriously doubt knock offs, and imitations of other pieces of art will not appeal to a potential employer. "You're trying to show your work to its best advantage, so don't distract from it with too many bells and whistles."
2. Don't lose sight of your primary objective
While it is always a good idea to set yourself apart, don't overdo it. You should differentiate yourself from your competition with a clever layout, but don't lose sight of your graphic design portfolio's objective: to display your WORK. Don't divert attention away from it with "fluff". It doesn't work in a college English course, it won't work in a graphic designer's portfolio.
3. Diversity is not just an old wooden ship used in the Civil War era
Just as a singer can show their vocal range, you as a graphic designer must do the same with your portfolio. "Choose pieces that required you to utilize a variety of design skills. Versatility is an asset. If you've got it, flaunt it. And if you don't, develop it." Bring a smorgasbord of work, to demonstrate how diverse and well rounded your skills are as a designer. Nobody wants to hire a "one trick pony", remember that...
4. Seek out the experts
It's hard to examine your work objectively. It is also not a great idea to seek an outside opinion from a parent, significant other, or close friend. While they may have certain pieces they prefer, they are not experts, nor have they ever presented a portfolio to a potential employer. "Find someone whose design judgment you trust and get their feedback on your graphic design portfolio. Sometimes a brutally honest critique can be the best thing that happens to you." Side note, even if your parent, significant other, or best friend is an expert, it's best to find an impartial third party expert, who won't pull any punches, and can offer truly valuable insight.
4. K.I.S.S.
When asked what the greatest piece of sales advice Michael Scott had ever given him, Dwight Schrute responded, "Keep it simple, stupid." Don't clutter your portfolio with sentimental pieces. "Just because it was your favorite project ever, doesn't mean it should be in your portfolio. Hang it on your wall, or frame it for your mom. If it's not your strongest work, keep it out of your portfolio." The ability to look at your work critically and realistically is vital for a graphic designer. "Your portfolio should reflect both your ability to produce high quality design and your ability to discern what qualifies as high quality design."
5. Go viral with it
We are living in the 21st century, in what is known as the "App Age". The internet is the default tool for everything now. The best thing about this tool is its ability to take something and multiply its value exponentially. Just take Linked In as an example: You make 146 connections with people you know and people in related fields, and you are now "linked" to 2,865,525+ professionals. Imagine how many resume views you are opening yourself up to that way! Another example is Facebook. You post a status update, and your 384 friends view it, and 7 of those friends comment on it. Now, all of their friends have the opportunity to see your update. Should any of those people decide to "like" to comment made by someone within your update, all of THEIR friends now get to see it, too. The internet doesn't multiply viewership by 2 or 3, it multiplies it by 100, 1,000, and for some people 1,000,000. "Why not make it easy for prospective employers and clients to view your work?" Keep in mind that an online portfolio will not replace your hard copy, it's an easy, affordable, and convenient way to get your work out there for the entire world to see.
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
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