What is a Portfolio
A portfolio is a folder where you gather the work you want to use to convince school recruiters that you have the abilities to succeed as a design student. You’ll update it as your career progresses and refresh it for each new job interview.
Note that some good schools may still accept your application even if your sketching ability is not strong. They know that everyone has the potential to learn how to sketch. However, not all creative types are meant to be designers. Your strength can be amplified by storytelling skills when you present your projects.
STUDENT ART PORTFOLIO
Start Your Portfolio Early
As a young candidate,
- I recommend you start your research EARLY! 1 year is good. It will give you time to prepare in optimal condition.
- I suggest that you start working on a project that interests you personally. Your interest in the subject will give you motivation and the school will be able to recognize this and feel the energy you have towards your subject. For example, if you’re really into roller blading, go with that! Design your project around it. Rethink how people move around the city and come up with your own designs for safety gear that’s both comfortable and trendy. Be innovative!
DRAW BY NIGHT #18: The Uncollectables
Be a Story-Teller (Not only a Sketcher)
- Make sure you’re not creating a product for yourself, but a product that the people around you will love to use. To be a designer, you will have to think and care about others. This is why a good design school will also teach you sociology.
- Bring out your best sketches for your portfolio, but don’t forget about your research. This will include many ideas in which the quality of the drawing matters less. Usually, recruiters like to dig around in applicants’ portfolios to discover a gem of an idea – while the candidate prays that the recruiter will find something they think is uber cool.
- A designer works smart and prioritizes their ideas and time. They decide when an idea is worth a great sketch, and when it’s worth a doodle. So don’t be ashamed to show your research, including ideas that may have some great points, even at the doodle stage. Don’t hesitate to add arrows and write in comments on your research, especially if your sketching is still clumsy.
- Don’t just draw your product; also make a point to draw people using it in their environment. Many students and designers don’t do this enough. Thus, including these drawings could make the difference between you and another candidate
- Bonus: Bring anything which could show your creativity. If you like for example taking pictures, feel free to include some.
Remember, if you don’t have well-developed drawing skills by the interview day, creativity and passion are your best allies!
Cheers, Chou-Tac
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Hi Mr. Chau- Tac,
Your ideas are great.Please advise if it is advisible to replicate logos & designs of famous brands & designers in my portfolio ?
With Regards
Aditya Sastry
You can do anything you want in your portfolio :).
You may even play at creating your own mix of brands to mix different universe together.
i.e Sergio Rossi x Puma http://www.lyst.com/puma-by-sergio-rossi
Have fun !