Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Based on your past projects, why would someone hire you? It's possible that
you love the work you do and hope a revised portfolio will help you to do more of it.
But if you don't have any good examples of the work you'd like to do, or any that can
simply be revised, it's time to invent your own.
Invention is not a lame response, or “make work.” Creative directors often look
for freelancers and employees who will take initiative without losing sight of the proj-
ect goals. If your portfolio shows evidence of these traits, you could very well beat
out someone whose portfolio is stuffed with pedes-
trian color material, even though you have only one
four-color piece (the one you invented). That can
hold true even if the other person's portfolio contains
professionally printed samples, and yours are printed
on an Epson. In a digital portfolio, where all surfaces
become pixels, it might be enough to get you in
the door.
Not all projects are equally worthwhile as
professional hole-patchers. The sidebar that follows,
“Classic projects,” is a starter list. Your best bet is to
stick with projects that are realistic but that offer an
opportunity to express your creativity. Unless you are
inexplicably at a loss for structure, there will be plen-
ty of time in your life to do product spec sheets, identity systems, and web forms.
Just keep some ground rules in mind before you begin:
I'm looking for creativity, and for a
designer's ability to be commercial
when necessary. I'm looking for
diversity. And for people who have
worked for large corporate design
firms, where they may not have had
an opportunity to work on really
exciting, edgy projects, I want to
see some personal stuff that shows
what they're able to do.
—Cynthia Rabun
•
Select a client first.
Having a real-world company's need to consider is much
better than trying to imagine one.
•
Develop for a different audience.
Limited to the same old teen demograph-
ic? Try a company that sells to children, to retirees, or to farmers.
•
Do your research.
Take the project seriously enough to look at your client's
current material, and that of some reasonable competitors. What fresh and
new approach can you bring to their work?
•
Meet real design constraints.
If you are drawing poster art, produce some-
thing using real poster dimensions. If you are designing a book cover or
magazine, select a standard publication size. Making an identity? Be sure to
use a mailable envelope size and standard business card dimensions.
Reviewers will notice immediately if you haven't done your homework.
