Call me old fashion, but I prefer a ‘hands-on’ approach when viewing work. I like to have something tangible in hand to feel, touch, hold, smudge, tear and wrinkle.
However, having conducted numerous interviews, I have noticed a trend towards viewing work online, which is unfortunate because I enjoy the physicality of the portfolio review process—tactility and pacing that inevitably leads to a more engaging discussion. Sure, an online portfolio is essential, especially when applying for a digital position. But I think the old-school book methodology does a better job as a vehicle for showcasing expertise and demonstrating presentation preparedness. The ‘book’ format brings forth talking points like no other centerpiece. A vantage point from which to discuss actual work in an intimate, engaging way only thumbing through pages has to offer. To me, that additional step of having a book in hand suggests a candidate’s willingness to bring the conversation ‘off-line’ in a personalized and meaningful way.
In keeping with the times, however, I’m not that crusty to think that the portfolio presentation itself needs to be an actual book of printed examples unless, of course, you happen to be applying for a print-based position. A tablet that enables a similar interactive experience will get the job done just as well. But please don’t limit yourself to a smartphone screen (I may not have my readers handy). Put a leather case around that steely notebook, and you’ve won me over.
Five things to keep in mind when putting together your Portfolio
- Is your presentation catered to your audience? Do your homework, and take the time to understand the company you plan to meet. Know the organization, its overarching principles, values, and philosophy. Align your portfolio to fit your audience. For example, you may want to remove the campaign you just did for US Tobacco when presenting to a health care provider—it probably won’t go over too well.
- Does the work support your objective? Your choice of work examples should sync up with audience needs—the role for which you are applying. If you show several examples of work in your portfolio, do so with purpose. “I am showing this logo, brochure, and website because they best demonstrate my abilities for the role.”
- Is your presentation flexible yet concise? Read your audience and move around within your presentation when necessary. When someone’s not showing interest in what you are presenting, skip ahead. There is no sense dragging them through the mud if they’re ready to move on. Enough with the wedding invites if digital campaigns are what matter most.
- Is your ‘book’ or presentation itself representative of the quality of work you intend to communicate? I don’t appreciate it when I have to sift through loose pieces of work samples to try and gauge the quality of a designer. There’s nothing worse than being handed a set of worn-out, dogged-eared pages or having to compete with the high gloss reflection of a cheap cellophane scrapbook cover page while judging one’s work. Too distracting.
- Is the pacing of your presentation interesting enough to maintain viewer interest? Pick what you think are the marquis images that best represent your work and sprinkle them throughout your presentation. Front loading your presentation with your best work will only leave the viewer feeling disappointed as you wrap up with the less compelling examples. Show just enough to keep them engaged and wanting more.
