Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
In a vast wasteland of
predictable site design,
a portfolio like S. Kevin
Longo's is a refreshing
taste of his distinctive
design personality. It
demonstrates that he
can take a fresh look at
projects and might be a
fun creative voice on
a team.
Personality
Does your work display a unique flavor? This question is subjective but goes
to the heart of your portfolio. If your profession is style-based, your portfolio and all
the work within it should express a personality. The words you've chosen in the self-
assessment profile should describe the flavor of your work. If you create images
(illustrations, photographs, and so on) the words you've chosen should be strong,
related descriptors. Impulsive, clever, and sarcastic might work together. Intuitive,
trendy, and complex might be too far apart to provide a focused sense of who
you are.
In professions, like graphic design, that
emphasize variety, your personality should be less
obvious in a client project. A designer works for a range
of clients. A poster for a theater troupe shouldn't look
like a financial firm's prospectus. The words you've
chosen should describe how you approach your work,
rather than describing a personal or house style.
Elegant, crisp, or confident are more likely to work for
you than brash, sexy, or impulsive.
I think that less happens to be
more in portfolios, unless you
have solid, stellar work and you've
done 30 pieces that you think are
great. That's unlikely. I mean, I
can't even find ten in my own
portfolio that I think are great.
—Bill Cahan
