Art portfolios should be clean and organized to make a good impression.
In seeking a design position, your portfolio can be the deciding factor of whether you get the job or not. Portfolios display the work of graphic designers, interior designers, architects, photographers, illustrators and other art professionals. Despite the type of portfolio (a zippered one with sleeves, a hard cover briefcase, or a digital copy), there are several things to consider to create the most successful representation of your work.
Collect Work As You Go
Update your portfolio frequently. As you complete classroom projects or see your work in print or online, pull any work that is worthy of your portfolio. This prevents you from frantically looking through past work to put together your portfolio a few days before a big job interview.
Develop a Digital Portfolio
With the widespread use and convenience of the Internet, it is now crucial to have both a physical and digital portfolio. Many prospective employers prefer to pull up a portfolio on a website in private, before deciding who should come in for an interview and physical portfolio presentation. Compile CD or email portfolios as a slideshow in a single document, which is easily opened and navigated.
Modify for Greater Appeal
Not all employers look for the exact same qualities and skills. Before an interview, sift through your collection of work and change some portfolio pieces to better represent the client or employer. For example, a graphic designer applying at a newspaper should add more publication layout designs, while a graphic job at a commercial print shop would require more letterheads, brochures and business cards.
Be Concise
Include 15 to 20 pieces, or enough to take up about four or five minutes of the portfolio portion of the interview, suggests Columbia College Chicago. (See Reference 1) Showcase enough work to display your creativity and skills, but not so much that it leaves little time to talk afterwards. The interviewer has work to do, so don't take up too much of his time.
Pick Outstanding Work
Your portfolio is a representation of your ability and what you can offer the company. Do not include pieces that aren't your best work. The interviewer will look at many portfolios. Make yours stand out by including work of outstanding quality.
Consider the Order
The order your work is placed in a portfolio can affect its overall appeal. Consciously think about which pieces complement each other. Don't place two strong pieces together. Spread the best work out in the beginning, middle and end to produce a visual rhythm. End with a strong piece to make a lasting impression.
Work on Presentation
Presentation is important. Don't show up to an interview with loose pages falling out or glue residue on the mat board. Center work on black board or paper with margins on all sides. Use a plastic corner sleeve to hold brochures, programs and other pieces that must be taken out and opened.
Include Extras
Keep resumes, sketches, and other pieces that didn't necessarily flow with your portfolio in the inner pocket, in case the interviewer is interested in seeing more. Emphasize additional talents that broaden your appeal, such as illustrations, graphics and more.
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