About Design Portfolios

A design portfolio is a collection of art created by an individual artist. It represents the artist, and therefore contains her best work. A design portfolio is a visual resume because it conveys skill and style to potential clients. It is the single best tool a designer has to show off her ability and unique point of view.

Types

Design portfolios can either be print or digital. Print is the traditional medium. In print portfolios, artwork is printed on high-quality paper and placed in a binded book. This type of portfolio is utilized in face-to-face meetings with clients. In these situations, it's easier to have a book with a collection of printed art to show others.

The second type of portfolio is digital; this is a new media option for those who prefer to do business over the Internet or remotely. Digital design portfolios are most commonly available on websites. A client is able to peruse a portfolio from the comfort of his own browser. Another type of digital portfolio is available on compact discs, or CDs. This is useful for designers who do not have a website. Some artists may also use DVDs to show potential clients a short movie reel of their artwork. Digital design portfolios are popular by all artists, but specifically those who create digital art with the aid of Adobe PhotoShop, Autodesk Maya 3d and others.

Features

Design portfolios feature the best and brightest designs by the artist. The best images are placed at the beginning and end of the portfolio, with the middle images being less of a "wow" factor. All of the images should be stellar, though it's important to start off strong and end with the client wanting to see more.

Design portfolios should be well edited, without too many images that could overwhelm or bore a client. There are no specific guidelines about how much is too much, but a portfolio is never a comprehensive view of an artist's work. It is a glimpse, not a gallery. For some artists, it's 5 images; for others, it's 15.

Significance

Design portfolios provide clients a hint of an artist's abilities. It is important to have a design portfolio that accurately expresses the artist's point of view. A good design portfolio will garner more work opportunities for the artist, especially if marketed correctly. An artist who tries to get work without having a design portfolio will not be successful.

Warning

Design portfolios should always contain original artwork, with no copyright infringement. The images in a print portfolio should use both high-quality ink and paper. All design portfolios should be regularly updated to include fresh images.

Misconceptions

New artists do not often understand the necessity of design portfolios, and consider it something to do after working for various clients. In actuality, all artists looking to secure work should provide a design portfolio. New artists can include images created purely for a design portfolio.