graphicpush

Awesome Post – Really helpful. Thanks :)

Fantastic list. Hopefully more designers read this, especially recent graduates.

This is great. Thank you!

Great advice. #6 is a tough one for web designers, and arguably unnecessary, but I like the idea of leaving a physical book behind at interviews. If nothing else, I’ll enjoy making it. Immensely. :)

As for whether or not designers should have an online portfolio or not, the answer is “oh yes” for web designers — even if you’re not a “coder” — and “yes, if you want to play on a level field with your peers/competition” for everyone else. I’ve not been in the position of doing the hiring, but I have been in the position of filtering applicants. No online portfolio puts you at the very bottom of the list, if you even get on the list. There are enough portfolio-building services out there to remove any excuses.

Jared, you are correct. An online portfolio is mandatory for a web designer applicant; those without don’t just get sent to the bottom of the list, they are kicked off the list.

Every so often I have the chance to talk to students about our field, I’ll definitely be sharing these. Thanks..

#2 has always made me crazy. If a designer has a lot of their own projects in their portfolio it tells me they are either one or both of these things: arrogant, not doing a lot of work.

Sometimes having a great portfolio, that meets all of the recommendations noted above can be a struggle though, depending on your employer. If you work for a big company you may not be able to share that work online, let alone your creative process, which obviously makes it difficult when you want to make a case for why someone else should work with you.

Very useful thanks for sharing. Working on mine so i might keep this for reference =D

Regards

I have to rework my book I think :)

Good advice, and honest.

Everyone has weak spots in their portfolio; mine sure does.

Your comments will help me think about them from a potential client/employer’s perspective and, I hope, spin the process in my direction.

This is very informative. a good portfolio really matters, especially when you’re a web designer.
Thanks a lot for this advice!!! :D

So I have a question on # 2
I been out of school for about 5 years, and when I graduated I couldn’t find a job in this line of work so I was have been doing another kind of work (medical) and here lately I have been wanting to try again to find a job in design. I have in the past year done a little work with a logo here, a t-shirt design for someone, and a poster for a fair. But other then that I have only done design for my t-shirt/clothing “business” that I make business cards, letter head, website, and a catalog. I also have quiet a bit of work that I have done to just keep my design skills up, you know giving myself homework assignments by making packaging, labels, coaster, matches book covers, things like this. Should I not include any of this? Would it make my portfolio look unprofessional? I haven’t had a job in the field so does it not show ambition that been trying to keep my skills up even with out a job?

Very well stated. Everyone NEEDS follow these guidelines.

Do this and you’ll be in much better shape. I would only add that if you want to stand out a bit, the trend these days for web designers is to show a movie clip or reel of their websites. Websites are interactive. Sometimes it’s not enough to show static images of the site. Find a recording tool and surf your site recording the cool stuff. Again, editing what interactions you show is key… Then edit more. Pay your friend to help edit if you can’t yourself. Man-up & get it done… No excuses.

Sample: http://www.trueaction.com/09/reel

@Jason — This is a tough spot to be in, for sure. Your best bet is to be completely honest in the interview. If you were talking with me, I’d ask the following question more than once: “If you love design so much, why didn’t you work harder to get into the field? Why did you settle for something you don’t love?” This may seem a bit unfair, but be prepared to give a better answer than “the economy”, because the economy always sucks for someone, somewhere.

Furthermore, I’d want to hear the following things:

1. You have a passion for design. You just want to get your foot in the door to show that you can take the work you’ve done for yourself and apply it to the needs of my company. (Remember, always stress me, not you.)
2. You’re actively working with real clients on a freelance basis. That you’re listening to them, building relationships with them, and creating design solutions that fit their needs. Even if you’ve only done a small amount of work in this regard, stress its importance.
3. You are current with the design industry, and that you pay attention to trends. You read design books, blogs and magazines.
4. You want to learn from other team members and from the creative director. (Subtle flattery never hurts.) That you know you have the talent to contribute at a high level.
5. Draw a line between your current non-design role with what it takes to be a designer on my team. You work well with others, and collaborate. You understand deadlines. You know some days are going to require more caffeine than others. You are professional, and not an asshole. Remember, being a designer often has little to do with actually designing.

I hope this helps. Its not a comprehensive list of suggestions, but you’re going to have to sell yourself hard, and at the end of the day, you’re going to need to catch a break from an understanding CD.

@C. Gollatz — Welcome to the site, my old friend. :)

awesome advice you got there! ill take note of this :D im sure these things we’ll help me make a better portfolio later on

thanks for this keep em comin \m/

great share. thanks!

I have a question that I would really love some feedback and insight on. I have been working for various companies full time for over 10 years. For the past 2 years I’ve been very busy doing freelance work on the side and even though I would never let it interfere with my full-time job I think it’s hurting my chances of finding a new full time position. I have a lot of freelance samples in my portfolio and I’ve recently removed some because I think potential employers are being turned off by the amount of freelance work in my portfolio.

Would you all agree or disagree with that statement?

Fantastic advice without any unnecessary sugarcoating. I will pass this along to my friends and classmates who are building portfolios right now- and of course keep it in mind for myself too.