What type of
presentation do employers expect of student portfolios?
Local employers share their thoughts about what a student portfolio should be.
The presentation must be special. If it looks cheap you send the message you are a desktop publishernot a Graphic Designer
SPEND SOME MONEY AND DO IT RIGHT, that is what we tell our clients everyday. We are in the business of visual communication so it is very important to practice what you preach. It makes a difference in how an Art Director perceives you.
I like pieces about 11"x16" mounted on black matte board with vinyl type pockets when appropriate in a special custom case. Your presentation is a direct signal to how bad you want the job. It is a chance to show how creative you are and if it is great will leave a lasting impression.
Darin Klundt
President/Senior
Art Director
Klundt|Hosmer
(regarding small, plastic cover, pre-bound presentation books)
These types of portfolios can be fine as long as they still are done professionally. They may even be preferred for jobs that are on the production end.
As a production manager at the Journal, I look for indications in the portfolio material that show a knowledge of the software, as well as a good grasp of different mediums. But I am looking for visual "experience" in the portfolio and not so much for the aesthetic presentation.
In fact, I have offended some interviewees by not taking great interest in their marvelously created portfolios.
I think type houses, other newspapers, print shops would all be in line with this thinking. We need someone who can come in and fill shoes and quickly adapt to our processes when we hire someone.
I think the more expensive, more elaborate, traditional portfolios would be more suited for designer positions at ad agencies or design groups or higher end shops, magazines, that sort of thing.
Basically it
comes down to the fact that the portfolio may be the first or only impression
the employer has of the applicant. If it looks like
a high school
report, it won't get a second look.
Rob Herman
Production
Manager
Journal of
Business
Personally, I am not concerned that students get a certain type of portfolio, however, a professional quality portfolio should always be used. They don't need to buy a super expensive portfolio for it to be professional, but a small plastic binder doesn't really work that well.
Students should be aware that how they present their work strongly reflects on what kind of a designer they will be. As you know, a designer who cuts corners will never be a great designer.
I've seen a range of portfolios from students in the past years, and while I don't pay too much attention to the actual portfolio itself, if it is cheap or poorly put together, it reflects on the student. Of course the quality of the design work is always the true focus, but remind the students that design firms and ad agencies are looking for more than just great work.
They are looking for a great employee with a good work ethic and strong presentation skills. We have been known to spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours for a single presentation. We are looking for students who understand that going the extra mile isn't a bonus, it's a requirement.
Not to beat a dead horse, but the students should also understand that being in the design and advertising world means a lot of personal investment of time and money.
They must pay for nicer clothes for presentations, a home computer for freelance work, magazine subscriptions to stay fresh, etc. etc. etc. It's not cheap, but that's the price you have to pay to get into one of the most competitive and rewarding careers they'll ever have.
So anyway, let them know that they need to buck up and pay the money. I know they are poor, but every designer I know was in that same place when they started out and we all had to pay our dues to land that first job.
Carl Heidle
Art Director
Quisenberry
Marketing & Design
Imagine there are two identical portfolios. One of them is oversize, say 25x25, and the other one is undersize, say 7x7. (these sizes are just for the sake of argument)
If you were a potential employer, what kind of impact would the two portfolios have on you?
How would you feel about the two sitting on your desk?
What if you were like my Dad, who has to hold things a certain distance away, just to see them? (OK, he's a little old, but so might be a potential employer.)
What if this
was the eighth portfolio review this week?
I think that there ARE huge considerations when choosing a portfolio size.
What does the
size say about the artist?
Does size convey
importance?
Does it set
the artist apart from the crowd?
Does it lend
itself to a dramatic presentation style?
Is it able
to show detail?
______________________________________________
OK, now, just
to confuse the issue COMPLETELY:
----------------------------------------------
Is there a
good reason you should choose a small portfolio? I believe there are a
few:
1. Your portfolio
is entirely electronic, and is presented on a CD-ROM.
2. You're going
for a career illustrating bible scenes on coffee mugs.
3. You're a
programmer, and all your book contains are url's.
4. You're a
TV guy, your reel is on DVD.
5. Your portfolio
IS a mass-produced leave behind.
Mike Emenegger
Art Director
Hanna &
Assoc / SteamPlant
I, too, appreciate how expensive portfolios can be. However, it's the nature of this business (and life) that presentation is everything. Not having seen the cheaper model yet, I'll reserve judgment. The work should speak for itself.
And then I wonder how many times we lost a job because someone else had just a little nicer presentation. Food for thought. Thanks for the very fine graphics program and the really qualified students you continue to send us.
Toni Robideaux
ROBiDEAUX!
marketing & design