Tips for Building Your Graphic Design Portfolio

Show and tell is not just for grade-schoolers. It's clichéd, but true: a picture really is worth a thousand words. A graphic designer’s career depends on an ability to communicate visually. So it's not surprising that your graphic design portfolio may be the single most important thing you'll present to prospective employers or clients. Your education level, work experience or any other qualification you may possess won't make up for a sloppy portfolio or weak samples.

When you're putting together your graphic design portfolio, keep the following advice in mind:

1. Make it catchy not kitschy

You're trying to show your work to its best advantage, so don't distract from it with too many bells and whistles. While it can be a good idea to differentiate yourself from your competition with a clever layout, don't lose sight of your graphic design portfolio's purpose: to display the work you've done. Don't divert attention away from it.

2. Variety is the spice of your graphic design portfolio

Show your range as a graphic designer. Choose pieces that required you to utilize a variety of design skills. Versatility is an asset. If you've got it, flaunt it. And if you don't, develop it.

3. Get an expert opinion

It's hard to be objective about your own work. Find someone whose design judgment you trust and get their feedback on your graphic design portfolio. Sometimes a brutally honest critique can be the best thing that happens to you.

4. Simplify

Just because it was your favorite project ever, doesn't mean it should be in your portfolio. Hang it on your wall, or frame it for your mom. If it's not your strongest work, keep it out of your portfolio. Learning to look at your work critically is essential for a graphic designer. Your graphic design portfolio should reflect both your ability to produce high quality design and your ability to discern what qualifies as high quality design.

5. Put it online

This is, after all, the 21st century. Why not make it easy for prospective employers and clients to view your work? While an online portfolio won't replace your hard copy, it's a convenient way to get your work out there for people to see.