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Topic : "Help with portfolio please!" |
Frothlord
junior member
Member #
Joined: 07 Apr 2004
Posts: 5
Location: Michigan
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 Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2004 8:36 pm |
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Hello. I was wondering if any of you had any tips on how to put together a portfolio. Right now I still need another year to get my associates, and I dont have too much to show (A couple marker renderings and some illustrator work). The type of job I'm looking for would be in design, either with Illustrator or even page layout. I've been told to get a portfolio together to turn in with my resume, but I really dont know what to include in it.
A couple questions that come to mind are 1. Do I need to use original copy's of my work? Can I take a picture with a digital camera and reprint it? The reason I ask is because my renderings are framed at the moment, and wouldnt fit into a binder very easily. This brings me to 2. How do I present my work? Do I use just a regular binder thats suitable to hold 8.5x11 paper? Is there an unwritten set norm on how to present it? 3. What if I only have a couple things? Would it be better not to even bother with it, and wait until I get more quality projects to present?
Any help with this would be appreciated. A link to a site, or any personal experience. Like I said I'm not finished with school yet, I need 24 more credit hours. This would be for an entry level position also. Thanks!
Nick |
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Gort
member
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Joined: 09 Oct 2001
Posts: 1545
Location: Atlanta, GA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 3:51 am |
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Good questions
| Quote: |
| The type of job I'm looking for would be in design, either with Illustrator or even page layout. I've been told to get a portfolio together to turn in with my resume, but I really dont know what to include in it. |
OK - I say this respectfully meaning I'm not trying to be an asshole: if you want to go into design but am unsure what to go in your portfolio, then you have a problem. How do you if design is the way to go if you don't know what you should show? Granted there are many "sub fields" of design, so if you're having trouble where to go, you need to place a focus on that. Do you mean graphic design? If so where's your strength? Packaging? Desktop publishing? Branding? Is your strength in product design? Set design? Automobile design?
What is your overall goal and intent? Your portfolio should be a reflection of that goal.
Importantly remember this: As a creative looking for work, you are in fact a business, so you're going to have to adhere to the constructs of marketing your skills. You're going to have to sell yourself, so in addition to a good portfolio, you'll need business cards, sample sheets, folders - all the stuff a business needs to make contacts in the industry. Considering representation (getting an agent) can be helpful, although there are some pros and cons (there's a thread on it somewhere here - kick the search engine into gear).
Reproducing your work, like taking a picture of it, is toally acceptable, but make sure you set it up correctly. Taking a snapshot will not do the trick; if possible remove the work from the frame and take an over head shot with equal lighting from both sides. Do it right.
Get some coin together and get a decent book to show your work; don't use a typical binder, as they're cheap and will make you look cheap. Remember that you are NOT the only person wanting a job; try to make a good first impression, as others will be doing the same; try to stand out some by looking reasonably serious and professional.
Know your shit
Be prepared for questions; who is your greatest influence and why? How do you work? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? How well do you work in a team environment?
_________________
- Tom Carter
"You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf" - Jack Kornfield |
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Frothlord
junior member
Member #
Joined: 07 Apr 2004
Posts: 5
Location: Michigan
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| Posted: Wed Jun 02, 2004 6:29 pm |
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Heya,
No offense taken to that. I guess what I wrote was a bit vague. To tell you the truth I really dont care (I say that lightly, I do care, but I have no prefrence) what kind of job I get. I would just like to land something right now so that in the future I can use it as a refrence or for experience. I realize in time, and even now, I could be gathering more content for the portfolio. Right now though I only have a couple of quality things. Here's one, Is a portfolio like a resume, where it should be geared towards the job you're looking for? Or should I include all of my work (as I get it) to show what I'm capable of?
I wanted to thank you for the comments. That really does help me out. I never thought of it as a business before, but it does makes sense.
Nick |
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amichaels
member
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Joined: 28 Mar 2003
Posts: 105
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| Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 8:00 am |
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| If you're looking to find an acceptable way to show a portfolio, having the prints reproduced as slides works too and is probably going to give you a better quality reproduction than taking pics with a camera. |
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