adding personal projects to graphic design portfolio

#ADDING PERSONAL PROJECTS TO GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO ARCHIVE#

A winning portfolio demonstrates excellent work and an ability to present process, strategy, and various design styles. Showcasing value-based design methods, together with soft skills, will go a long way. They want to know how the designer will bring value to their business. If engaged, they will spend 3-5 minutes reviewing a portfolio. Clients want to see polished, high-quality designs.They’re looking for rich visual content and impactful design work with brief project descriptions for context. They spend three minutes or less on a candidate’s portfolio. Recruiters tend to skim and scan design portfolios.In the case of UX/UI/product designers, this final dimension would feature detailed case studies.

The third layer would target design managers and heads of design. It would go a little deeper but still allow for quick scanning.

The second layer would be created for clients. The first layer, targeting recruiters, would be designed for quick scanning, showing the best work, front and center. Thinking in dimensions, making a portfolio would be similar to progressive disclosure in interaction design. The smart way to build a portfolio that caters to all three is to layer the content in a way that satisfies all three types-especially with intricate UX/UI/product designer portfolios. Typically, three types of people review design portfolios: clients, recruiters, and design managers. What type of work is the designer interested in doing?.How best to construct the portfolio to impress the audience?.Who is the audience the designer is looking to engage?.No matter what type of designer-graphic, brand, visual, UI, UX, product-the portfolio needs to consider the following: Meticulous preparation will yield positive results. Toptal design talent expertĭesigners need to consider whom they are targeting with their portfolio carefully. The primary goal of a design portfolio is to get the designer a job. To formulate what makes a good design portfolio, I reflected on my experience, researched industry standards and best practices, and spoke to several of Toptal’s design talent experts who scrutinize dozens of design portfolios every day. Therefore, to convey the designer’s skill level and the quality of the product clients will receive, it’s crucial to strategically plan a portfolio and carefully consider every detail. They’re looking for unique, exceptional, innovative work that will solve business challenges and make a difference in the marketplace. Well-crafted design portfolios showcase designers’ strategic problem-solving skills and understanding of how design delivers value.Ĭlients want design work that stands out. It needs to be a focused, compelling value proposition built to capture a potential client. It’s not about bragging or flaunting previous projects.

#ADDING PERSONAL PROJECTS TO GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO ARCHIVE#

They may lack crucial information, don’t convey a personal brand, or don’t communicate professional goals-all of which diminish the chances of being hired.Ī design portfolio is not an online archive of past projects. They’re either not thorough enough or too confusing and overly complicated. Too often, many design portfolios disappoint because they are uninspiring, misguided, and indecipherable. The opportunity to make an impression, convey a compelling personal brand, and exhibit the designer’s unique style may only last a few seconds. A designer may be highly skilled and talented, but if the presentation is underwhelming, it will lead to a yawn instead of a wow and clients clicking away to the next portfolio.ĭesign portfolios need to focus on one goal: sell the designer. Following recommendations and best practices from industry professionals empowers designers to craft an ideal portfolio that perfectly showcases their talent and skill.Ī design portfolio needs to impress and make an impact. Yet, most fail to create one that intrigues, engages, and sells the designer effectively. A designer’s aim is to clinch the next job with their portfolio.

Adding personal projects to graphic design portfolio