Your portfolio represents your storytelling, technical skills, creativity, and professional journey as a graphic designer.
In this installment of our series, we’ll explore strategies for building a robust portfolio and additional support content that highlights your strengths and sets you apart in the job market.
Let’s get into some of our suggestions for what to work on, add, and highlight in your portfolio. The following has helped us build out our bodies of work.
Self-Initiated Projects
Self-initiated projects offer a unique opportunity to showcase your creativity, initiative and discipline as a graphic designer. Whether it’s a type study, making a zine, redesigning a famous brand’s logo, or creating a series of illustrations on a topic of interest, self-initiated projects allow you to explore new concepts, hone your skills, and expand your portfolio with original content that reflects your personal style and vision.
It’s ok to work a little loose here, but the more you treat yourself as the client, you’ll be developing your own creative process as well as learning how you like to work — all good things to know as you start interviewing or taking on freelance clients. Letting others know how you like to work helps define expectations.
Freelance Work
While searching for a full-time position, don’t overlook the valuable opportunities that freelance work can provide. Engaging in freelance projects not only helps you maintain and sharpen your skills but also enhances your portfolio with fresh and diverse experiences. Plus, let’s not forget about the steady flow of money it keeps coming through the door.
Deciding on the frequency and extent of your freelance commitments is entirely within your control. At times, you may find yourself slammed with freelance offers, to the point where pursuing a full-time role takes a back seat. While this can be an exciting prospect, particularly if you aspire to establish your own solo studio, it’s essential to align your actions with your long-term career goals.
However, if running a one-person studio isn’t your ultimate aim, it’s crucial to strike a balanced approach between freelancing and actively seeking full-time opportunities. Treat your job search as a dedicated project, allocating time and resources accordingly. By maintaining this disciplined balance, you can effectively leverage freelance work to boost your skills and portfolio while remaining focused on your overarching career goals.
Blog/Journal Writing
We can almost hear you now, “But I’m a visual communicator!” We get it. However, developing your writer voice is always good. We’re not asking you to write a novel, but you do need to be able to articulate, explain, and defend your work. Starting now will definitely pay off. Consider incorporating blog or journal writing into your portfolio to provide context and insight into your design process, client experiences, and aesthetic preferences.
Document your creative journey, share design tips and tutorials, and reflect on industry trends and challenges. Be vulnerable: explain and show work that didn’t make the final cut and lessons learned from those experiences. Writing engaging, informative content unique to your voice not only demonstrates your thought leadership and insights but also enhances the storytelling aspect of your portfolio, making it more compelling to your network and potential employers.
Volunteering Opportunities
Give back by paying it forward — it is always rewarding to serve others. Volunteering your design services to non-profit organizations or community initiatives can be an edifying way to gain hands-on experience, and contribute to meaningful causes. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and values, whether it’s designing promotional materials for a local charity event, or creating branding assets for a grassroots campaign. Volunteering not only allows you to give back to your community, but also adds valuable projects to your portfolio that demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and creative problem-solving for the greater good.
By incorporating the tips above, you can build a diverse and impactful portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the design industry. Investing in your portfolio is essential for success in the competitive field of graphic design.
SINCERELY,
Sean Fermoyle
Graphic Designer/Art Director
SEANFERMOYLE.COM
Robert Robbins
Creative Director
ROBERTWROBBINS.COM