Key question
How do I show what I can do?
A portfolio is the most important calling card in design. It does not just show results, but how someone thinks and works.
Learning objective: You will be able to select and prepare projects for a portfolio, apply for jobs in a targeted way, and build a network that supports you.
A portfolio shows how you think.
8.1 / Show projects
Task, role, process, result.
A good portfolio project tells a short story:
01
Task
What was it about, and who was it for?
02
Role
What was my contribution?
03
Process
How did I reach the solution?
04
Result
The solution for real-world applications, with impact.
Less is more: six to ten strong projects are more convincing than twenty mediocre ones.
Tell the story behind the result.
8.2 / Apply
Tailored, not mass-produced.
An application stands out when it fits the role: the portfolio showcases relevant projects first, and the cover letter briefly explains why you want to work there in particular.
Many jobs in design are awarded through networking. Work placements, exhibitions, and competitions all help to raise your profile.
One tailored application beats ten generic ones.
8.3 / Network and Comparison
Competition is also community.
There are many talented people in design. That can be unsettling, especially on social media, where only the best work is visible. More helpful than comparing yourself to others is comparing yourself to your own progress: What can you do today that you couldn't do a year ago?
Colleagues share knowledge, recommend one another, and collaborate. A network grows when you nurture it before you need it: an industry event every now and then, regular catch-ups with a few contacts, and genuine interest in the work of others.
You nurture relationships before you need them.
Exercise
Build a portfolio
Task: Build a portfolio with six projects.
STEP 1
Choose six projects and justify your selection.
STEP 2
Describes each project with task, role, process and outcome.
STEP 3
Checks the portfolio using the tool.
STEP 4
Get feedback from two people, one of whom should be from the industry.
Evaluation: Which projects were others most interested in, and why?