Why graphic designer require a portfolio?
A portfolio is a platform of the creativity and talent that you have to offer to whoever is looking at it. It creates an immense pleasure to the user/ employer about your creativity.
How much work do I show?
The general trend for a student is to show as much work as possible. Just as long as it looks good to employer. Candidate thinks these designs are far ahead of what they could do before they were in the program. Showing quality over quantity is a huge mistake. Instead choose few strong designs by consulting the professional. The employer will always remember the average design the most.
What type of portfolio should be created?
There are many types of portfolios that a candidate usually creates.
- Printed (Hard copy): Online portfolio won’t replace your hard copy. It’s a convenient way to get your work out there for people to see. Mainly created by artistic people like Painting, Sketches, Line art etc.
- Online: This is, after all, the 21st century. Why not make it easy for prospective employers and clients to view your work. It’s an easy method to showcase, there are freely available websites wherein a candidate can create his portfolio. Just Google it.
- DVD/ CD: Candidate who has a portfolio like 3D walkthroughs/ Highly quality art images, short films etc
But which one is the right one to create? How do I know I’m choosing the right one?
Well this always depends on what kind of employer the candidate is visiting and for what post/ job the candidate is applying.
Keep your portfolio up to date with fresh new projects, as long as they are better. Sometimes the companies also check the free available websites like blog, portfolio sites where candidate have showcased his projects/ designs. Raising visitor comments on your design can also get your more traffic and potential clients.
Make your contact info easy to find.
I have seen too many portfolio sites with impossible to find contact information. People have a short attention span on the internet so when they get an urge to contact you, they should be able to do so within 5 seconds! Always give your contact information a visibility. Putting a contact info in the footer of your site and should have a “Call to Action” in your content area.
Show customer testimonials or previous clients.
A big part of building trust with a viewer is showing them you have experience! Showing testimonials or a list of previous clients is a great way to quickly build trust with a viewer of your portfolio. It’s ok if you don’t have huge clients like Apple or Honda, but if you have worked with major clients you better have them on your site! So consider creating a page just for testimonials or previous clients you have worked with.
Try adding some elements like? Leave us a comment below!
Some of the essential documents that you can also put in the portfolio are:
- Educational certificates like diplomas and degrees
- Academic awards
- A resume
- Work experience certificates
- Certificates of any voluntary work done
- Career goals or missions
- Letter of recommendation and references from previous employers
- Achievement awards
- Transcripts, etc
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