Why A Strong Portfolio is Important
As designers, our portfolio speaks beyond measure for what we are capable of designing.
In a stack of resumes, your portfolio is what makes you stand out!
Today we dive into:
The Harsh Truth About Portfolios
Essential Components to a Strong Portfolio
How Your Portfolio Speaks for Yourself
This Summer I encourage you to revisit your portfolio to make it even stronger!
There’s a harsh truth about portfolios that isn’t talked about enough.
Most people won’t spend longer than 10 seconds looking at a portfolio. Keep it short, strong & to the point. Your design portfolio is what separates yourself from a stack of resumes.
Let’s talk about essential components to a strong design portfolio.
Essential Components to a Strong Portfolio
A creative title page saying who you are.
Your skills briefly explained.
Your design concepts & proposals with softwares used listed.
A 20-25 page portfolio max.
How Your Portfolio Speaks for Yourself
Your Skill
Technical Skill
Your portfolio should be an accurate display of your technical skills. Don’t include every design you’ve ever done. Instead, focus on projects that emphasize your understanding of design rigor & technical skills.
Conceptual Skill
Your talent to create a concept & transform it into a strong design proposal is what makes you stand out. What does your creative process look like? Be clear!
Graphic Skill
This is your opportunity to showcase your strongest designs in a presentation format. Be clear, concise, & innovative. What are you capable of producing?
Your Work Ethic
Consistency
A design portfolio is an opportunity to exhibit your ability to be consistent. Are your designs consistently clear? Is your skill consistent or improving with each design project?
Growth
If there are designs that showcase your growth as a designer, include them. This is a chance to show you have perservered & learned new skills that make you a strong designer.
Development
A design portfolio’s final obligation is to let people know your development doesn't end with the last design included in your portfolio. We are constantly learning & developing as designers.
Your Design Mantra
Your Mantra
Lay your passion for architecture & design on the table. Are you passionate about what you do? Is your passion for architecture & design inherent in your portfolio?
Your Personality
Your portfolio should act as a mirror; reflecting who you are as a designer & as a person. Don’t be afraid to have strong & clear design narratives.
Your Aspirations
Make your personal aspirations as a designer clear in your portfolio. Is it sustainability, community engagement, affordable housing, etc?
