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strong concept and ideas

Professionals are reading in between the lines of the text and imagery you are showing. Your portfolio content needs to convey your passion, your research, and your ideas that inspired your design. We want to know that you’re inspired by what you do!

process work

Just like you would propose to a client in the working world, employers want to see the phases of design you went through from start to finish. This doesn’t simply mean a few bubble diagrams and a complete rendering on a page. Tell your story of how you got to your end goal. What worked? What didn’t? Show that!

clarity

Everything you show in your portfolio should have a reason. Professionals are looking for clarity in understanding who you are as a designer. Be clear in your concept statements, on what your project is about, and what your design goals were and how you achieved them.

Portfolio layout & design

The attention to detail in your graphics, text, imagery, and how you present yourself and convey your ideas within a portfolio format are very important. Consider things like your font choice, ratio of text versus imagery on a page, alignment of text and imagery, and consistency when working on your portfolio.

grammar & spelling

Poor grammar and typos stick out like a sore thumb in a portfolio, even more so when it is well-designed. Always use spellcheck and have a friend proofread your work. Designers are definitely looking at your attention to the details.