Graphic Design Portfolio Strategies for Print and Digital Media

Description

This book presents the task of creating that all-important portfolio for today’s print and interactive design fields in a manageable series of steps.

 

“The beauty of Graphic design portfolio strategies lies in its numerous colorful graphics and examples of former students’ outstanding work. While the authors stress repeatedly the importance of not copying ideas from these examples, it was the figures and images that really grab my attention…” – Tracey Norden Wofford, Mercer University 

 

Graphic Design Portfolio Strategies for Print and Digital Media serves as a sourcebook for graphic design students who are planning the design of their portfolio for applications to graduate schools, grants, scholarships, employment opportunities, and fellowships.  Strategies in design principles are illustrated with examples of successful portfolios from design students along with tips and insights from top professionals in the field. 

 

Addressing the concerns of students transitioning into their design profession, Portfolio Laboratory for Graphic Design takes a thoughtful approach to the choices at every step of the portfolio design process, including selecting appropriate work, deciding among various printing and binding methods, establishing a web presence, and giving the entire presentation a unique and personal quality.

 

This book would be appropriate for any senior level class in portfolio development, while also being useful for new professionals considering the next stage in their career.

• Full-color examples from successful portfolio designs by undergraduate and graduate students
• Step-by-step discussion of the principles and practices of creating a well-designed portfolio
• Tips from top professionals in the field as well as advice from graphic design faculty

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Chapter One: The Purposes of Design Portfolios

Graphic Design Portfolio

Advertising Portfolio

Illustration Portfolio

Interactive Media Portfolio

Graduate School Applications

Grants, Scholarships, and Competitions

Portfolios Through the Eyes of Professionals

Chapter Two: Portfolio Preparation

Conducting a Portfolio Audit

Organizing Your Files

Making Digital Images of Your Work

Making and Using a Digital Slide Presentation

Selecting and Editing

Quantity

Quality

Variety

Chapter Three: Developing a Cohesive Concept

Branding and Identity

Distinguishing Your Work

Can You Tell a Story?

Chapter Four: Process and Collaboration

Why Show Process in Your Portfolio?

The Design Process Book

Using Sketches to Show Concept

Showing Process Online: Website and Blogs

Presenting Follow-up

Collaborative Projects

Chapter Five: Developing the Layout and Sequence

Looking Ahead

Overall Sequence of Projects

Planning the Layout

Developing a Grid

Dealing with the Oversized Piece of Work

Continuity in the Plate Portfolio

The Grid in Web Design

Rehearsal Portfolio and Testing Ideas

Chapter Six: Form of the Book

The Outside Case

Plate Portfolios

Binders and Binding Methods

Printing

Print in a Web World

Chapter Seven: The Interactive Environment

Everyone Needs a Website

Interactive Designer/Developer Portfolios

The Branded Website

Designing Your Website

Site Structure

Differences Between Print and Web

Usability and Web Standards

A Higher Level of Hierarchy

Chapter Eight: The Resume Package and Presentation

The Resume Package

The Cover Letter

The Resume

The Teaser or Leave-behind

And So Your Adventure Begins

Appendix: Design Office Survey

Participating Institutions

Bibliography

This book presents the task of creating that all-important portfolio for today’s print and interactive design fields in a manageable series of steps.

Portfolio Laboratory for Graphic Design serves as a sourcebook for graphic design students who are planning the design of their portfolio for applications to graduate schools, grants, scholarships, employment opportunities, and fellowships. Strategies in design principles are illustrated with examples of successful portfolios from design students along with tips and insights from top professionals in the field.