The Portfolio
Brigette Davitt
Your Physical portfolio must include three components:
(A) Portfolio Book in the form of a digital tablet and/or printed publication, (B) 3–5 physical samples to accompany your tablet/book portfolio, and © a carrying case designed to protect and perfectly house your book/tablet and physical samples.
[A] PORTFOLIO BOOK
Whether you choose the tablet or print option, the following requirements apply to each:
Rework current projects: We will continue reviewing and critiquing your projects for inclusion in your final portfolio throughout the term. You are responsible for reworking/rewriting/rebuilding and expanding these projects. I strongly recommend that you have at least 75% of your project revisions completed by the end of Spring Break. Due to class time constraints there may not be any more time after this point reserved in class for peer group or instructor critiques of past work.
* Use your time wisely — focus on hand craft, processes, materials, etc. with the 3–5 pieces you plan to include as physical samples. When revising work (depending on current state and amount of revisions needed) that will only be seen as photos/mock ups in your portfolio book/website, you may elect to revise a selected number of interior spreads/particular components for these pieces rather than reprint, reassemble, and rephotograph everything.
Final portfolio book must incorporate the following:
• 5–8 Final Projects* (2 with process work)
• Include you Personal Branding System and Self Promotion as a project
• Each project you include should have at least one–two spreads (more is ok), plus a cover/intro page for each that includes project title, brief description, specs, typefaces, dates, credits, and awards.
• Personal branding utilized throughout the design!
• The physical samples you include in your case are ALSO featured in your book.
*All 3D work should be photographed and/or mocked up:
• this includes, but is not limited to, publications, packaging, environmental signage and exhibition graphics
• same photography in portfolio will be used on website and in other materials — be consistent!
Option 1: DIGITAL (TABLET) PORTFOLIO BOOK
If you are directing your job search towards an interactive/web designer position, this is a must. The tablet should have it’s own special place in your portfolio case (a sleeve, pocket, well. etc). It is also strongly encouraged for all G&ID students because it allows you to present any websites and/or motion graphics on screen, as intended.
BONUS: Revising your layout, addressing a typo, replacing images, etc. is quick and simple in a digital portfolio, and it is easy to add/reorder and update projects on the fly for particular job interviews. Even if you do not own a tablet, the investment replaces the cost of materials (paper/case/binding) and time involved assembling (production set up, printing, assembling).
Requirements:
• Created in InDesign as an Interactive EPub/PDF
• Apple iPad: An iPad or iPad Pro with Retina Display: Space Gray (has a black border-NO WHITE border) is recommended. No ipad minis or iPhones/Smart Phones, please. You do not need cellular (that is an additional monthly cost) unless you plan on traveling abroad frequently. 32GB should be plenty for your needs. The color BLACK (called Space Gray) is best for viewing work. APPLE CARE is also a good investment.
• iPad case & cover: invest in one that has a magnetic closure that puts the iPad to sleep, covers the back, AND that you can use as a stand for presenting work. Choose a neutral color that compliments your personal branding.
• Stylus and/or Headphones (OPTIONAL) If you have any sound in your projects, headphones are a must!
Option 2: PRINT PORTFOLIO BOOK
A printed book portfolio is still an excellent way to showcase your craft/branding and publication design skills, especially if you are passonate about process, materials and the tactical qualities of design. Just remember: it does not give you the same amount of freedom and flexibility as the tablet portfolio and does not allow you to properly present interactive/screen-based work.
• Must be designed to FIT PERFECTLY in your portfolio case.
Requirements:
• Maximum Size: 12”x18”, Minimum Size: 8.5”x11”
• Recommended: screw post cover
• Printed interior pages, no plastic sleeves
• Must utilize your personal branding inside and out (no blank portfolio book covers!)
[B] PHYSICAL SAMPLES
3–5 of your selected main portfolio pieces must be presented with your tablet/book and designed to FIT PERFECTLY in your case. Custom built presentation boards/wells are the traditional method, but there are other solutions (pockets, dividers, envelopes, etc.). I will show examples and provide demos in upcoming classes.
Requirements:
• Boards/wells/printed examples MUST FIT PERFECTLY in your case
• Provides the viewer with an understanding of your knowledge of craft, materials, printing processes, as well as the breadth and depth of your strongest pieces.
[C] CARRYING CASE
Think of this as the exterior packaging for your final portfolio. You want to make a good first impression and set the tone for the work you’re about to present.
Requirements:
• PERFECTLY houses and protects your portfolio and work samples
*you MUST acquire the case first (have it IN YOUR HANDS) before you even think about building any of your boards/wells or your portfolio.
• Easy to carry/transport
• Includes pocket/space for copies of your printed resume and business card and a tablet for viewing any interactive work (not required, but strongly recommended).
EXAMPLE SPRING 2018 PORTFOLIOS
