Learn how to build a winning portfolio and showcase yourself as a designer, and stand out from the competition in the highly competitive field of graphic design.

1. Creating a Winning
for Graphic Designers
Portfolio
Gerardo Robinson
TheArtCareerProject.com

2. Why do I need
a portfolio?

3. A portfolio showcases
who you are as
a designer
It presents your style and
technique to potential clients

4. It is also one of the top things
employers will look at when
considering you for a job
***
Most clients looking for a GD
want quality work
***
So show them
what you can do!

5. How do I do
just that?

6. There are 4 main areas
you need to showcase:
You are
creative
You can apply
good thought
processes
You have a
WIDE range of
skills
You are
ambitious and
enthusiastic

7. Now, let’s talk about
actually building
a portfolio

8. PRINT digitalVS.
Which one should you create?

9. Print
portfolios are
one-off pieces
tailored to the
specific job you are
applying to

10. Digital portfolios
live online and are
often more generic
You can send a link to your digital
portfolio with your
application or use it to acquire
CLIENTS DIRECTLY ONLINE

11. The reality is that
you will probably
need both!

12. Here are some
General Tips
that apply to both,
digital and print

13. Understand
your audience
#1
Research the client you are
presenting your candidacy to

14. What are they looking for?
What is the type of work
and style they need?
Who else works there?

15. Show your
personality
#2

16. Who are you?
Where do you want to go?
What does your portfolio say
about you as a person and
as a designer?

17. For example, if you volunteer to design for your
favorite charity, include that in your portfolio.
It can reflect your personality and interests
This is also a good
place to include some
personal projects
in addition to your
professional ones

18. NOTE OF CAUTION!
Yes, you are selling your skills and your
personality; however, it is important to not
let your personality overshadow
the needs of your potential client
or your technique!

19. Design
Thinking
#3
Clients usually look for
designers who can solve problems,
not just design what they are told

20. How do you
showcase that
in a portfolio?
?

21. Tell a Story!
Your role
Did you lead a
team or were
you the junior GD?
Your process
How did you arrive at
the design from concept
to final proof?
success metrics
Include numbers if you
have them, but a
testimonial from a happy
client is great here too!

22. Show your range
#4
clients want someone that
can be their go-to GD

23. Include SAMPLEs that address
the project, but also show what
else you can do!
Companies look for
versatility and room
for growth

24. To Demonstrate Range:
Include different types of
designs, for example,
digital and print
Show a variety of styles

25. Be careful!
Quality is more important
than quantity
only include your best work

26. The Don’ts
#5

27. Don’t use
an overly
formal tone
But also be careful not to
be too casual
Pick a tone in-between to make
for a comfortable read

28. Don’t forget
the small details
Add customizations, check details
and layout, etc
Pay attention to the smallest details
of your portfolio

29. Don’t leave out
the descriptions
It can be tempting to only include bright
images in your portfolio, but explaining your
projects is just as important
Just be sure to keep it
short and sweet!

30. Let’s talk about
Digital and
Print Portfolios
s e p a r a t e l y

31. Digital
Tips for building
your digital portfolio

32. Today, digital portfolios are essential
Think of it as your
online storefront
Anyone, anywhere can see your work

33. You can share a link to your
online portfolio with prospective
clients or include a QR code on your
business card!

34. #1
Choose the Right
Platform for You

35. You can buy a domain
and create a website
of your own
Pros
CONS
Completely customizABLE
and will allow you to grow
Time-consuming and can
be expensive

36. Alternatively, you can
join an online community
to showcase your work
Pros
CONS
Potential Traffic To Your Portfolio
and Low Up-Front Cost
Not as customizable

37. There are many
platforms out there
So take the time to choose the
right one for you

38. here are a few of our
favorites to get you started:
portfolio website,
attracts millions of
visitors
portfolio and
networking site
networking community
to showcase your work
portfolio website, free and paid options

39. #2
Update Your Portfolio
Frequently

40. You are constantly evolving as a designer
showcase that in your
online portfolio!

41. #3
diversify

42. Unlike a print portfolio, in the digital world
you don’t have a page limit
Include samples that appeal to
a variety of audiences
you never know who will view your portfolio

43. But be careful not to include
all of your work
you should still
be selective!

44. #4
Create Personalized
Links

45. Because you have probably
diversified, you’ll want to
make your
portfolio more personal
if you know exactly who you are
sharing it with

46. If you are sharing your
portfolio with a specific
company or potential
client create a link
only for them
www
This will show the most relevant work and also
your interest and dedication

47. Print
A print portfolio can be a lot of
work, but is necessary if you are
going in for a physical interview

48. #1
Cater To Your
Prospective Client

49. While you might have a
general template
always adjust it for
the specific interview
you are going TO

50. Think of a print portfolio
as your cover letter
it shows why you are
the perfect fit for that specific job
or contract

51. #2
Stand out

52. Remember that you are not the only candidate
Be creative
after all, that’s what the client is looking for!

53. #3
Create Something To
Be Kept

54. If you really want to be remembered...
Give the client something that
can be used in the future
This will ensure that your portfolio
doesn’t get tossed in the trash
Even if you don’t get this job,
the client might remember you
the next time a contract or
position comes up

55. Still need ideas?
Search other designer’s portfolios
and see what you love and hate about them
* This can be a great starting point *
Just be remember not to copy their ideas
showcase yourself as designer instead!

56. If you are interested in learning
more about a career in
Graphic Design
visit our
GD Career Page
CLICK
HERE

57. PRESENTATION BY
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58. Sources
• Lynda.com
• Creativebloq.com
• Aiga.org