How much work should I show in my portfolio?

Okay "Marc"- here's the deal. This can be a deal breaker or a deal maker for you, and there is definitely a fine line. People are visual and make decisions based on first impressions.



What usually happens is, students have the tendency to show as much work as possible. STOP - DON'T DO THIS - IT'S A MISTAKE! It's a mistake that's obvious to people in the industry that this person is "totally amateur". Yes, it's important for your book "portfolio" to be put together nicely for a couple reasons.

1. the design agency is looking for your ability to story tell and create a thought process -- order

2. they are seeing if you pay attention to detail and can be strategic in the samples you show. This means, you are choosing pieces for a reason.

(Here's the biggest mistake I've seen students do: they put samples that they like the best, or they worked the hardest on. Often times, you'll find that companies are not looking for things that look the best, but that COMMUNICATE the best.)


If you chose wisely, you picked a portfolio with a "binder" that allows you to remove blank sheets. NEVER LEAVE BLANK SHEETS AT THE END OF YOUR BOOK Take them out and store them flat - under your bed and never in the car. (Heat from the car makes the plastic film warp and is unrepairable -- you gotta go buy more.)

Here's what I'd like to see in your portfolio ... work that shows:
1. good use of color theory
2. really spectacular use of typography
3. a sample of a magazine spread or something like it to see your publication layout skills.
4. a sample of direct mail
5. a sample magazine ad AND spread
6. a sample of branding (designed logo, business card and materials matching that theme)
7. a sample of some sort of product packaging like a cereal box or a table tent, just something that's intended to have a die cut and be multi-dementional
8. a sample of a campaign (magazine, billboards, in-store campaign, guerrilla marketing, etc.)

Here's what you should get out of this: Choose quality over quantity. Have no more than 12 pieces (total) and no less than 7 pieces (total). Be sure to customize your portfolio for each interview you have, placing the samples that best match the company's work and client.

Any other questions Marc? You're welcome to respond to this posting with a comment. Click the "comment" link below.

What advice do you have for organizing a portfolio? Select the "comments" link below to post your response.