Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
When judging a portfolio, a key
criteria for us is control. Is the
designer demonstrating a sense
of being in control, whatever the
task? We judge our own work by
this standard as well.
—David Heasty
Self-confidence is important, but it should be
based on reality. Without real experience or formal edu-
cation or training, you may not be qualified to tackle
the challenging or sophisticated projects you crave. Or
you might find that you're hired for a job that becomes
a nightmare because you're behind the learning curve.
If you don't have enough training or experience
to land the position you want, don't lose hope. Address
the problem by focusing on a short-term goal—creating a portfolio that plays to your
current strengths—while you upscale your skills and knowledge.
Goals
Begin a portfolio without understanding why you're making one, and it will fall
prey to one of the classic portfolio concept errors (see the section, “What a portfolio
is not”). A portfolio begun in ignorance or pure desperation telegraphs its weaknesses.
It's not enough to say, “I need a job!” A job is a financial requirement, not a
goal. You could fix plumbing or drive a cab. It is equally insufficient to say, “I need
clients!” You can do work for clients who aren't a perfect fit, but it would be a mis-
take to create a portfolio that will only bring in the wrong type of work for you.
Never lose sight of the fact that you're in this because it's work you want to do—it
is satisfying and it matters.
Set two goals now: your long-term career and your short-term job. The first
should rule your portfolio's presentation format and the type of work you show. The
second will determine the specific projects you include and how you customize the
portfolio for individual needs. Perhaps you want to spe-
cialize in packaging and identity projects. Short-term,
you need a job that gets you a step closer to that goal.
That might mean creating a portfolio to interest com-
panies that specialize in print, rather than those that
specialize in interactive design.
What if you have started out in one direction,
and your goal is to strike out in a new one? If you have
been designing CD covers and want to design for the
medical industry, you will be competing against people
who are already “experts” in a demanding and complex
field. When you make a risky and demanding change, you may have to construct your
portfolio from scratch. Be sure that there is a fit between how you feel about risk and
the goal you choose.
Particularly if you're still young
enough to stay up all night, don't
squander your energy, drive, and
excitement on anything other
than the people you really want
to work for. You want to learn the
right skills from really good
people.
—Nancy Hoefig
