Building great portfolios for designers

Karthi Subbaraman

[email protected]

Quality Portfolios !National Institute of Design, Bangalore

Friday, 20 September, 13

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Designer’s Portfolio great complement to resume


What is a portfolio really?

A document of the past which can help build a great future.

creative showcase of actual work and area of interest.


What is needed to build a great portfolio

1. Deep understanding of self.

2. Reflection on what you want to be.

3. Good idea about your target audience.


What will a good portfolio get you?

Great job that caters to your strength. PERIOD.


Know your audiencewhat can you do for them


Who is your target employer?

Brand Agency

User Experience Agency

Consultancy Corporate

Design Consulting firm

Digital Interactive & Social

Digital Publishers

Technology companies

Products

Technology Services

Design Services

Software Solutions

Startups

Digital Products

Mobile - Web

Services

Physical Products

NOTE: employment goal differs based on your choice


What should you know about “them”?

Business focusProduct or ServiceDomain(s) expertiseTheir customersCompany cultureDesign maturity of the organizationCompetitorsPossible design career pathMobility


What are “they” looking for in you?

Problem SolvingQuality of ideasCompetence in conceptualizationAesthetic sensitivitiesStory tellingAnalysis & RigorDesign communication skillsTeam play


What are “they” looking for in your portfolio?

Clear communication of

• who you are (thinker or photoshoper)• what are you good at• creativity & problem solving• showcase your uniqueness• skills & competence• area of focus (UX, Research, Ix, Vx, PD)• specific responsibilities


Let’s get hands dirtyshow off your skills


Portfolio Building Blocks

Elements

Components

Layout

Tool

Review

Iterate

1

2

3

4

5

6


Decisions to be made upfront & iterate (ofcourse!)

Online &/ Offline (PDF)StoryVoice & TonePersonalityHierarchyTypographyPhotographyContentAlignment & Distribution


Focus on Context

Money shot: Tell a story with the product visualization.


Focus on features & benefits

Visually explain how your (digital or physical) product really works. Must show thinking & consideration.


Focus on process

Lay all sketches and iteration printouts out in a composition and make it exciting.


Focus on composition

Product in the light of almighty hero shot.


Add toppingsmake it more special


Make a “case study” to show problem framing and process thinking, deeply.

to show you have a great brain, not only good hands and eyes.


Show a wide variety of work with short project descriptions.

pick the curiosity of the reader. leave him wanting to hear more.


Collection of best sketches

shallow but broad.


Show uniqueness even in best practices.

why you fit the bill perfectly.


Hindsight Wisdomwish i knew this before


“Gain reader’s interest in a short time. You get less than a minute for your portfolio”


“Tell stories through visuals, no one like reading”


“You don’t need to tell a complete story of every project. The portfolio itself should have an over arching story, and the end of the story should be why should i care about you, why should i hire you amongst other graduates. Differentiate yourself”


“Make sure you have a closing page to re-sell yourself. They just looked at all your hardwork. Make sure the last visual they see is your name, contact info along with a summary of all skills with bullet points”


Summaryall you need to know


1. Include a breath of work.2. Include appropriate examples.3. Provide context to your work.4. Non-client work is acceptable.5. Give it a regular spring clean.6. Take step back.7. Include case studies.8. Demonstrate all round experience.9. Sell yourself.10. Index your portfolio.
