When a designer has an interview, common interview questions are asked; however, a large chunk of the meeting is spent going through the designer’s portfolio. Most of the time, the work will speak for itself: displaying the talent, techniques, creative problem solving skills, and software proficiency all within the details of the projects.
I have two versions of my portfolio, and the third one (in website form) is in the works. I have a hard version of my portfolio: a sleek, silver briefcase that houses my projects carefully mounted on black foamcore boards. This version allows potential clients and employers to interact with the pieces: feel the stock it is printed on, see the varnish treatment on my typography, and flip the pages of the catalogs.
The other version is a simplified digital version that I can quickly send out via email whenever anyone requests samples of my work. My digital version is much more condensed (typically has 3-5 projects displayed), while my hard version has 10 samples. Below are a few select spreads that I pulled from the PDF of my digital portfolio (click on each image to view it larger).
Depending on the client or employer, I will mix and match spreads to create a customized portfolio that is tailored towards their line of work to show what I can do for their company.
The great thing about a portfolio is that it displays the range of work that you are capable of. Sure, illustration is my favorite, but I’m also a well-rounded designer that has experience in book covers and interiors, branding, marketing materials, and web design.
I also like to include a board/page or two that shows my process. Often times, when heading out for an interview, I’ll toss my sketchbook into my executive tote in case others want to see my process of brainstorming, researching, sketching, etc.
The great thing about a portfolio is the ability to go back and see how far you’ve come. I still have all of the boards I made back in design school, and it’s fun to dig them out every once in awhile and see how much I’ve improved over the years. Also, it’s convenient to have the current version of my PDF portfolio on my iPhone so I can easily pull it up whenever I’m faced with the question of “what do you do for a living?”
I love the career path that I’ve chosen and am so blessed to be able to have a job that feels more like a hobby than a job.
My name is Laura and I'm a designer, illustrator, and blogger from Minneapolis.
This is so cool! You’re so talented and it’s awesome that you get to do what you love doing as a job! : )
Thanks so much! Being an artsy kid paid off!
You are so talented, Laura! So awesome that you have a job that you LOVE. One of my biggest regrets is not applying to the Design School at NCSU for illustration. Never too late, I guess!
Aw, it is never too late! You’ve definitely got a knack for what you do! Design school won’t teach you talent, but rather just the skills you need to use your talent. I’d highly encourage you to pursue this route–even if it means taking a few classes at a technical college just to master the design software. I love your cute little illustrations and could totally see them being used on lines of cards and all kinds of things!
How neat! As Lauren said above, you are so talented! Where does the big chunk of your clientele come from?
Thanks so much, friend! I gain clients through word of mouth / referrals, cold calling / emailing, google searches, and through agencies. I’m so blessed to have so many great clients!
This is really interesting! As everyone else said, you’re so talented — I love that book cover that you designed! I have a portfolio of writing samples, but I really need to update it to make more professional looking!
Thanks so much!
If you’re interested, I could help you put together a professional writing portfolio that you can email to clients/employers. Send me an email if you want to chat details.
Thanks, Laura! Right now I’m not actively searching for anything, but maybe in the future, that’ll be something to think about!
Sounds great! No pressure, either!
This is so interesting an eye-opening to see! I love the sketch that is behind the TREND character – I never would have thought that designers sketched things out beforehand!
This is too cool Laura and so eye-opening too! I truly enjoy reading about different things like this, gives me a whole new perspective on what other people do out there
You are so talented!! I’m so thankful to have an artsy friend. I don’t have an artistic bone in my body!
I miss you!! Let’s catch up asap!
It was so cool to get a peek into your portfolio and work life
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Did you make a book cover? That is amazing!! I also think its cool you can tailor your portfolio to certain clients needs. Can’t wait to see your online portfolio when it’s finished
Have a great day lovely lady <3333
Yes! You can check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/On-Someday-Roxanne-Henke/dp/0736917039
I’ll be sure to send you the link to my online portfolio when it’s finished! I need to text you–lots of updates! Hope you are having a great week so far!
Adorbs! Love it – you’re so talented, Laura!
Thanks, pal! Still working on fixing the colors and fonts but I’m really happy with where this is going!
I love this blog post! Such a great insight on your awesome job =) This makes me all the more excited for your designing of our wedding invites!
Your invitations are going to be so cute! I can hardly wait!
I love the new header, girlfrand!
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