As a designer or an architect, it is expected to us to have a portfolio. Even if it is not expected (sometimes it depends on employer’s criterions), we have to have it, because you can’t talk about yourself like ‘ My works are perfect, I follow that path in that project. …etc. ‘ in a job interview, they will ask you, which path , which project ? They need to know your point of view, your attitude about design or architecture.
Let’s suppose that we decided to make a portfolio, how do we do it ? Actually, it is not difficult as it seems. There are a few steps, permanent. Rest of it temporary and improvable, your way of express yourself.
Initially, do not ever forget, simplicity is bliss. It means that you don’t need to, actually you shouldn’t put lots of drawings or graphics, photos in your portfolio to fill it out. You should be careful to choose max.5 projects. If your portfolio is longer than 30-40 pages, people definitely lose their attention while they are looking at it. Also you don’t have to separate pages equally. If you think that two pages are enough for one project, than give it two pages, or the opposite. Don’t push yourself to compress things.
After selecting projects, think about to revise them. Maybe you want to add diagrams, or maybe take out some of the renders …etc.
End of above, you accomplished most of your process. Now, you should make a decision about your graphics. You can look for www.issuu.com and also pinterest for it.
Which colors are you going to use, has it geometric shapes, which project will be the first, it is time to find answers of these questions. To imagine that, there are some examples below.
Design a cover that gives some tips about your ‘attitude’. After that cover, put your CV, your resume, then contents. It is important for employers or schools to see your works at a single glance.
You are ready to exhibit your projects. As far as I am concerned, which project is the impactful one, make it first. It causes to get people’s attention in the first place. Entitle each work, enumerate pages, these moves make easy to understand. In addition to all of that, in my opinion, it is better to print your portfolio. Thus, you can check the colors, schemes …etc. Also it is better to go to an interview with your printed portfolio.
Don’t forget, every employer or school is looking for different qualities. Because of it, do not hesitate to revise your portfolio in time. Think like your portfolio is your ticket to access your dreams.
