How to create a designer portfolio

Regardless of which area of ​​design the designer specializes in (graphic design, web design, advertising design, interior design, etc.), he needs portfolio, in which his most successful projects will be presented. No customer will not want to buy a cat in a poke: if he needs the services of a designer, he must be confident in his professionalism.

Let's talk about how to create a designer portfolio. First, determine the goals and objectives of your portfolio. Will it be used to attractdirect customers or to find a permanent job? From the goals and objectives will depend on the filling of your portfolio. For example, in the first case, you can pick up the work in such a way as to demonstrate all the facets of your design talent. And in the second case, it is better to create a portfolio, "sharpened" for the requirements of employers.

For the designer's portfolio, as for the photographer's portfolio, It is necessary to select only the best works, which you are really proud of. Try not to choose the same type of work, they will not only not be of use, but they can scare off a potential client: he can doubt your creativity and think that you are attracted to stereotyped solutions.

Is it worth it to include in the portfolio of work not taken by the customer? If they seem to you to be really successful - that's fine, because the design sphere is quite subjective. What one did not like, the other can enthrall.

After selecting the works for the portfolio, give them a little "rest", and then take the collection with the final look and make recent edits: you may want to add, remove or replace some work.

After that, you can determine the order of placement of works in the portfolio: the best works should be placed at the beginning andin the end, so they are best remembered. Work in the portfolio should preferably be clearly structured (chronologically, by type of work or other clear and understandable criteria).

By the way, in the portfolio of the designer you can include not only ready-made works, but also the process of creating a particular work. This will help the customer to estimate the amount of work that has been performed, and understand what he pays for. And when the customer understands what exactly his blood money goes to, he parted with them much more willingly.

What are the design options for the designer portfolio? There are two main groups - print and electronic portfolio. The choice of a particular group will depend on thespecialization of the designer. So, for a graphic or industrial designer, a printed portfolio is more suitable, and a web designer can not do without an electronic portfolio. In general, it is desirable to have both types of portfolio - you never know which one can be useful.

The electronic portfolio is also divided into types: electronic document and online portfolio. Portfolio as a PDF file or presentationPower Point can be sent to the client by e-mail or used for presentation. Online portfolio can be a designer's own website, as such a portfolio can be placed on a dedicated website.

The online portfolio has two main advantages. First, in this case, not you are looking for customers,but they themselves find you (there are, of course, certain nuances - if you do not promote your site from the portfolio, it is unlikely that someone will find it). Secondly, the online portfolio is especially important for web designers, because they deal with animation and interactive elements, so a static portfolio (at least printed, at least electronically) will not allow them to fully appreciate their creations.

The designer's portfolio should reflect his creative individuality. Do not be afraid to creatively approach the designportfolio, however, too, do not go too far: the main thing is still content, not form. The design should not come to the fore, eclipsing the presented works.

A well-designed portfolio of the designer will help Attract customers and earn a good reputation in professional circles, so do not neglect its creation.