Making Your Graphic Design Portfolio Shine

by Sarah Clark
Sarah.clark@graphicdesignschoolreview.com
Graphic Design School Review Columnist

A winning graphic design portfolio can help you land a job or a contract. Graphic design legend Steff Geissbuhler uses AIGA's website to help recent graphic design graduates build better portfolios.

Steff Geissbuhler is an important figure in the field of graphic design. He acknowledges that your portfolio is an important asset in landing a graphic design job, since it demonstrates your ability to solve visual communication problems. To make your portfolio shine, Geissbuhler says, do more than merely assemble your works together.

Steps to a Better Graphic Design Portfolio

First, give thought to the order in which you present your work. Don't put early works last, advises Geissbuhler. Interviewers are most likely to remember what they saw last. Therefore, you should end your graphic design portfolio with a powerful work that represents your strongest skills.

Next, put the same effort into designing the look and feel of your portfolio that you would in any design project. A portfolio is a design problem, says Geissbuhler, and should be treated as such. Create a natural flow through your graphic design portfolio by avoiding jarring mixes.

Preparing to Interview for a Graphic Design Job

Geissbuhler also reminds graphic design job seekers to attend to interview etiquette. Confirm your interview time the day before it is scheduled. Make sure you know something about the company. Learn what their staff wears on the job, and dress appropriately.

Bring a copy of your graphic design portfolio in digital format. Leaving a CD-ROM with your interviewer shows you understand the demands of a modern graphic design job. If you approach your graphic design portfolio and your job interview process the way you would approach pitching a client, you’ll shine in the eyes of your prospective employer.

Sources:
American Institute for Graphic Artists

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who often writes on topics related to education and career development.