Portfolio Tips


Methodology of Portfolio Construction
The portfolio is a document used to provide a personal narrative of an artist's work, process, and belief structure. Designers use their "books" as a constantly evolving collection of their best work. This compilation should provide, in some detail, information about their style, approach, and outlook on design. The content and structure of a portfolio should provide a foundation from which to speak about the work. Process and research are important components to projects and must not be overlooked. Incorporating sketchboks, papers, and process books can provide substance behind a design solution / outcome.


Some General Tips
  • A portfolio must provide a showcase for talent, technical skills, ideas, interests, and experiences.
  • Contents must not be overshadowd by presentation format or techniques.
  • Your portfolio must demonstrate what you do better than anyone else.
  • A portfolio should be easy to reproduce; either in alternate forms or as replacement due to theft or loss.
  • The presentation sequence should contain a beginning, middle, and end.
  • Your presentation and work should be memorable and distinctive.
  • Including personal explorations may help to establish a unique identity.
  • Weak pieces must be discarded; quality supercedes quantity.
  • Sketchbooks, process books, contracts, and reports can provide depth to a collection of individual works.


Faculty members and peers can help to further discussion of portfolios, and students can also contact Sonjala Allen our Career Center Consultant.