Full Description
Being able to present yourself and your work in the best way possible is a necessary skill that all new designers must master before embarking on a career--be it freelance or working within a design firm. The author provides practical advice combined with insights and personal stories from leading design professionals. The book focuses on the practical aspects of creating a great portfolio such as what potential employers or clients look for in a portfolio, how to present yourself, dealing with criticism, replying to tough interview questions and more. A unique chapter called 'Portfolio Workshop (or Portfolio Clinic)' includes sample spreads from portfolios (good and bad) with critiques and helpful commentary from leading designers. The author also includes templates for cover letters, CVs, etc. Finally, a 'Toolbox' section will include sample prompts for frequently asked interview questions and a short section on running your own freelancing practice. All in all, everything to encourage and advise the new designer.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: I am about to graduate, now what?
The design student
The professional designers
Advice and information on transitioning from student to professional
Chapter 2: My portfolio
What to include
The cross-disciplinary portfolio
Formats (print, web, interactive iPad options)
How to write about design
How to photograph design work
Design bootcamp: layouts, typography and grids that work
Format ideas
Production ideas
Chapter 3: Portfolio clinic
[Examples of good and bad portfolios with production notes and commentary from designers from a
range of backgrounds and experience.]
Chapter 4: My design career
Introduction to the design community
Key factors to choosing your career path
Notable employers
Professional associations
Continuing education
Conferences, competitions, and awards
My career path (traditional agency, digital agency, consultancy, design studio, in-house or startup)
Chapter 5: Making it: how to have a great career
Resume clinic
Cover letter clinic
Templates
Chapter 6: Toolbox
Resources
Sample forms
Templates
Index
