A portfolio demonstrating your creativity may be the key to getting that new project explains Peter Decaprio. The problem is, writing it can often be difficult if you don’t know what to say or how to say it.
Here are some tips for compiling a creative portfolio that will help you get hired by your next client:
Start Early!
Writing a proper portfolio takes time. Start early and include all the necessary information to give a good impression – about a month in advance is best, but at least a couple of weeks before you need it will work if you don’t start any sooner.
Think about what type of design project you are applying for and tailor your portfolio accordingly. If you’re trying to go for a specific type of design project, don’t write an unlimited general portfolio to send to anyone who asks.
Keep it Clear!
Don’t make your clients guess what you can do for them. This means keeping things simple, but not too simple. If everything is overly simplified, it may appear as though you are incapable of doing much at all – instead try to find the right balance between simplicity and complexity in order to show that you have range enough to be effective on any given project says Peter Decaprio. Only include work that you feel best represents your skillset or creative style.
Be Creative!
No one wants to look through pages upon pages of mundane text – this is why it’s important that your portfolio reflects creativity without being too off-putting for someone who is new to looking through portfolios.
You can do this by using rich images or layouts, but you’ll need to make the text clear enough so that it doesn’t become an obstacle. No matter what type of imagery you choose, remember that simplicity is a key – too many images are just as bad as having no images at all.
Be Organized!
It’s hard enough to find work that you want to include without becoming frustrated by a messy presentation, so keep things organized and easy-to-read for your clients. This means keeping both margins and fonts large and legible (for example: Times New Roman 14 pt). If the design project you’re working on allows for it, try incorporating an interesting and appropriate design into your portfolio, such as a business card or envelope.
Be Professional!
It should go without saying that you need to proofread and edit your work for proper grammar and spelling errors before presenting it to anyone – otherwise your clients may assume that the same types of mistakes will occur on their projects. Your portfolio should also be free from any typographical or design errors. Make sure all images are appropriately labeled so the client knows what they’re looking at (i.e.: Clothing Line Concepts & Layout). Also don’t forget to include any relevant information such as contact details and pricing policies.
Be Original!
Don’t try to recreate other peoples’ designs or styles, unless you can do them better than they could . This is why it is always best to include your original designs in your portfolio instead explains Peter Decaprio. However, don’t be afraid of displaying inspiration boards of artists who have had influence on you or pieces. That you are legitimately inspired by – this shows potential clients how familiar you are with the field of design and will likely impress them more than re-hashing someone else’s work anyway!
No matter what type of design project you’re applying for. Writing a solid portfolio will go a long way towards getting hired. The most important thing is to make sure your presentation is professional enough. So clients know exactly what they’re hiring when they put their faith in your creative abilities.
Conclusion:
Keep your portfolio simple, yet creative. Never include work that you are not proud of. Make sure that your portfolio is easy to read and presents just the right amount of information sayts Peter Decaprio.
Be original! Don’t try to recreate other designers’ designs unless you can do it better. Showcase originality in your designs instead!
Proofread every line before submitting it to anyone so no mistakes you make. Always be professional! This is how you get hired for design projects!
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