5 Essentials of Making a Graphic Design Portfolio

Your graphic design portfolio is one of the best resources you have to getting good jobs and clients. In many cases your portfolio will be more important than your CV, as examples of your work and skill will impress potential employers far more than what you have done in the past. For this reason you need to think carefully when putting together your portfolio to ensure that it is representative of the skills you have and shows you in your best light. Here are five essential points to making the perfect graphic design portfolio.

1. Include Contact InformationThis may seem like an obvious point but not including the right contact information can cost you a job. Make sure you have all the information an employer will need to get hold of you including your phone number and email address. You don’t have to include an address but this may be helpful for the employer. You may also want to include your website or fan page. If a client can see more examples of your work and who you have worked with in the past it may sway them more than simply listing these things in your CV or portfolio.
2. Updated Content
   Never have anything in your portfolio that is more than 3 years old. As a graphic designer your style and skills will change and improve the more work you do. Old designs included in your portfolio are not representative of the work you can do now and may put off an employer, especially if they make up the bulk of your examples. Plan to update your portfolio at least once a year if not more frequently.
3. Include the Right Designs
   If you are looking for mostly magazine work then it is no use having your portfolio full of band posters. Include the best of the work you have done in similar areas to what you are looking for. It is good to show flexibility and a range of skills in your portfolio but everything you show to a potential client should relate to the job you are trying to get. You should also make sure that you are including your best work in your portfolio. It is better to have three or four outstanding examples than ten less impressive designs.
4. Cite Other Contributors
   Don’t be afraid to mention other contributors in work you are presenting in your portfolio. A client will not see the fact that you have worked with others to put a design together as a weakness, rather a positive sign that you can work well in a group. If the job you are looking to get requires working with more than one person it is important to show that you can be adaptable and get your own style and ideas across when working with other people.
5. Design Your Portfolio
   Even the most impressive portfolio may pass an employer by if it is presented shoddily. This does not mean you have to go over the top and get your portfolio leather-bound or anything, but a college-style folder with half of its sleeves empty makes you look careless. Present a well designed front page and carefully trimmed and laid out work to show that you are careful with details and have a professional outlook. If your portfolio is a work of art then clients will expect all of the work you do to be the same, and this may be what garners you the job you want.

Author Bio: Shaun works for the UK printing company discount banner printing which specializing in banners and stickers.  He currently runes the social media part of the business.