Creating a physical portfolio
wahit (85 points) | Fri, 2007-09-14 21:20Hi!
I just finished my industrial design course at university, and it's finally time to set up a good portfolio. I want to exclude some of my university course projects. I don't really think they show my design skills/vision these days.
I have about ten A4 books full of sketches and ideas. All together I have thousands of sketches, mainly furniture, kitchen appliances and home products. The next thing I'm going to do is to transform some of these sketches into decent 3D models, in order to put them on my portfolio.
The problem I have is that my weakness is graphic design. I have some pretty good industrial design projects but I always blew them when presenting them to others. I mean, I really suck on graphic design!
I have about three weeks to set up a small portfolio to send to a studio here in Portugal that asked me to send. So I don't have much time.
So, the thing I'm asking you is if you could give me some tips and tricks about creating a physical portfolio (book). What kind of stuff should I put there, and what kind of stuff I SHOULD NOT put there.
And is possible, can you give me a website or something where I could look at some physical portfolio layouts in order to take some ideas?
Thank you very much!
And i hope this thread could help others in this situation! ;)
Commenting on this Forum topic is closed.
I would recommend finding a designer in your area and working with that person. As far as portfolio layouts, they are really up to the individual. I just print my work out on 8.5 x 11 paper and have the same footer on each one with my name, project name, and short explanation of the project.
As your experience grows you are going to want to remove all school projects and replace them with real, paying work.
Here's a good example, but by no means the only way to do it:
http://www.adigitaldreamer.com/articles/graphic-design-print-portfolio.htm
I have a metal portfolio with black paper surrounded by plastic sheets inside, in which I put prints of my past work.
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Powerpoint is not a design application
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Dirt and Rust
You bring up some very good info on this natobasso, I would also like to add that you may have more than a few different Portfolios depending on the area of interest to your client or possible employer. Mechanical design or funiture design would havbe completely the opposite portfolios this is where a graphics designer or Human Relations specialist would come in handy.
Good luck to you and most of all don't panic..
Hi!
Thanks for the input guys! I really appreciate it!
Now I think I need to to an all-around portfolio, covering as much stuff as possible, since I want to try different stuff before I settle on some particular type of design.
I need a portfolio divided on furniture, porcelain & glass and "weird concepts", that may catch the eye.
I agree... i really thtink I should talk to a graphic designer to help me out, but since I just graduated and have no income, money can be a problem. You guys are expensive!! ;)
Cheers!
I feel that you have come to the right place, there are many talented people here that could give you many pointers on any topic you seek.
industrial designers aren't exactly "cheap" either! If i may put my two cents in - many student graphic designers (maybe even from your school) might love the opportunity to do your portfolio book in exchange for something? remember that not every cost is currency.
I did a project for an industrial designer at my college. I got a piece for my portfolio, and even gave me a concept chair that he had made. I think i made out like a bandit on that deal! Not only did i get something totally custom and unique, but I also got something to add to my portfolio.
Secondly, there are tons of books related to the subject of portfolio creation. Start there perhaps?
I would say however, this is not the last time you will ever work with a designer, so maybe this is a good chance for a collaboration
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