You have a great portfolio? But how do you get it seen?
Frequently i see magazines, websites and many other people acting upon their own free will offering great advice on how graduates can “get a better portfolio”. Whether you’re into graphic design, product design, photography, fine art, multimedia, engineering, interior or spatial, interaction or innovation, of course a portfolio is vital.
But i think there is one thing missing from what they say you need. A solid entrance. Think about it, before you even send in your portfolio, you have to be able to communicate who you are, what you believe in and why someone would even want to invite you in to take a look at your portfolio.
“You could have the best portfolio in the world, but if you cannot entice someone to invite you in to take a look, then the message within your portfolio could be lost!”
So, how do you communicate your message before you wow them with your portfolio? Well, there are two things which do this very well and are common to every application. It’s how you use them that counts…
1. The Curriculum Vitae
- Keep it neat and tidy, clean and simple and don’t go blabbering on about a load of rubbish.
- Clearly define who you are, what you do and where you want to be.
- What are your skills? And we’re not just talking which computer programs you can use. What about those skills you learnt before you became stuck in front of that TFT screen? Have you got the basic pre-requisites?
- Experience. Where have you worked? Have you participated in work experience?
- Stick to two pages of A4.
2. The Cover Letter
- Write a solid introduction. Explain in the first short paragraph what role you are applying for and tell them that you are right for the job!
- Why should they employ you for the job, and why would you fit in with their company?
- What qualifications and experience do you have, and why are they appropriate to the job you are applying for?
- Who are you? Remember, there’s a personality behind every company, individual and even your boss. People want to know if you’re human, as well as professional.
Overall
- Buzz words. What are the latest trends, show how up-to-date with your personal favourite subject by dropping a few buzz words about what you are reading at the moment, a current project or something you have been reseaching into.
Be Inspired
Here are a few words to give you a little inspiration:
Ethos, values, sustainability, innovative, effective, contemporary, focused, solution, hot, cold, fear, embrace, love, enjoy, passion, qualities, speciality, disciplinary, technical, creative, wisdom, beauty, presence, aspect.
Above all, remember that you’re entrance is the path to your portfolio. Without a good entrance, noone will take the path to see your real work!
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Get portfolio advice elsewhere:
10 Ways To Build A Great Portfolio
