Your design portfolio is one of your most important assets. For career purposes, it’s basically who you are. For getting work, your portfolio is the only tangible proof you have of your talents. Every element of the portfolio should be considered as being promotional items.

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Design portfolio fundamentals

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In any form of design, whether it’s graphic art, web design or multimedia, it is essential to ensure that your portfolio demonstrates your full scope of skills. The quality of your portfolio must relate directly to the business, technical and content standards of your clients and prospective clients.

For example, a typical design portfolio includes:

• Current commercial work
• Creative work
• Various technical aspects including graphics platforms, production media which demonstrate your proficiency in these areas
• A diverse range of content, some suitable, some not
• A range of quality issues, good and not so good

Creating a portfolio

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The best way to create a well structured portfolio is to systematically develop your portfolio. It is very easy ways of making sure that you have a well rounded easily adaptable portfolio which can be used for any job:

1. Content

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Content needs to be organized according to typical criteria used for contracts and job applications.

These criteria include:

• Software types
• Media types
• Subject matter
• Market type

2. Commercial materials

Commercial materials in your portfolio should the best possible standard you can produce. These are the primary business elements in your portfolio, and they really do have to look good.

3. Technical materials

Technical capabilities are primary issues in all design contracts, usually specified in advertisements or other materials related to obtaining work. These technical capabilities are also often essential parts of contracts.

4. Creative skills

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Your creative skills are your most important, ultimate personal and competitive assets. Your portfolio must provide clients with a clear view of your strongest skills and design capabilities.

5. Relevance

All promotional materials must be targeted to specific jobs and contracts. That means that your portfolio must be organized so that you can easily access and put together presentations for each contract.

6. Archival materials

Archival materials are often useful, but they can also create clutter in a portfolio. It is advisable to create an archive of your portfolio materials and structure it so that you can include older materials when necessary.

7. Online presentation of your portfolio

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Online presentation is a particularly good way of having a ready-to-use portfolio when you need one. The same principles apply to online portfolios as to hard copy portfolios. Make sure that your online presentation is up to date and provide specifications which will show interested parties your technical and other capabilities.

8. Hardcopy

Hardcopy materials must be stored properly and maintained in good condition. It’s best to use a traditional folder with protective coverings.

9. Self-promotion materials

If you have really good portfolio materials, particularly those you can use as promotional gifts, it is advisable to have a few “free samples” available to give to prospective clients.

10. Presentation structure

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It’s a good idea to have a presentation format created so that you can present your materials effectively and engage clients properly. If necessary, rehearse your presentation to improve fluency.

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