Building a Portfolio that
STANDS OUT
Kelly Myers-Chunco and Domenic J. Licata
First impressions
are EVERYTHING!
Your portfolio must be able to clearly and quickly communicate your concepts and creative process. What skills will you bring to the table?
Tell YOUR story.
Think of your portfolio as a narrative journey and part of your professional identity. It should be carefully curated, sequenced, and include brief descriptions of your work.
When relevant:
- Showcase your creative process,
not just the final result - Mention the results of each project
- Include work-in-progress imagery like sketches, notes (demonstrating your thought process, critical thinking skills, and ability to problem-solve)
- Pay extra attention to the copy –
PROOFREAD AND DON’T LEAVE
ANY TYPOS! (This goes for all your communications — résumé, cover letter, emails. THIS IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT — it demonstrates your attention to detail.) - Identify your role, and credit any co-collaborators. This is anyone that contributed to the design — group design project, photographers, copywriters, etc.
LESS is More.
- Be thoughtful about what you include.
Carefully choose your work (~10-15 projects) - 3C rule: curated, clear, concise
- Select only your strongest pieces
- Showcase your most unique and creative work
- If your work is varied, include a representative project from each category / label categories
- Don’t be afraid of showcasing personal projects
- as long as they are relevant
Variety & Unity.
- Be consistent in the way you present
each project - Keep your portfolio interesting with varied examples of work, but make sure it still looks like one person’s work
- Tie everything together with the thumbnail / cover images online
- Include close-ups of interesting details
Be Professional.
Always present your work in a professional manner:
- Use high-resolution, original images of your work (archive your projects!)
- Photographed images should be properly lit, color corrected, and free of background clutter
- Printed pieces should be assembled with care and attention to detail (print quality, clean cuts, binding method)
Stay Current.
- Avoid looking dated — work on new projects consistently, even if they are self-assigned. Revisit and refresh often
- Do a spring cleaning each year and set reminders
- Sometimes it is enough to update the imagery and visuals of an older project for a refresh
Tailor It.
- Customize your portfolio, cover letter and CV for each job application. (Yes, you really should!) Research the company and role you are applying for. If you haven’t invested the time, why should they?
- Prepare to talk about your projects in relation to the job you are applying for, and how you will add value
- Sell your work — be passionate, personable and honest. What sets you apart from the other applicants?
- Physical work is always a plus, bring a printed version of your portfolio to interviews
- Consider a “leave-behind” of your work and thank you note.
- Always follow up in some way!
- Say “Thank you”
Print Portfolios.
Bring a printed version of your portfolio to
in-person interviews. This will allow you to:
- Discuss your work in greater detail (they will
be observing how you present yourself and
your work; be confident!) - Demonstrate your creativity,
professionalism and attention to detail - Demonstrate the value you bring to the role
A design portfolio should reveal something about your creative identity. This is something that will help to set you apart from other applicants, celebrate your unique voice as an artist, and demonstrate your skills.
Not sure where to start?
Research! Look at other portfolios. What works? What doesn’t? Make notes.
Begin by organizing and
curating your work.