What sort of work or items do you look for in a portfolio?
We like to see a variety of work – if it’s all logos – how do we know if you can do anything else? Depth in projects. We also don’t want to see only a logo. Needs projects to compliment – letterhead, business card & envelope at the least – but other pieces that would make sense. If you do a restaurant logo – would want to see a menu – maybe a take-out bag – ads are also good as they give a chance to see how your writing skills are.
What sets an excellent portfolio apart from the rest in your opinion?
Concept – the ideas. We don’t really care if you are an expert in photoshop – anyone can be taught to work the programs – but you need to tell us why your concept is relevant for that particular project. Typography – students don’t seem to look at the things that are considered good. Start by looking at the things that are winning awards – usually their type is great. Drop shadows, outlines, all centered, stretched, widows, orphans, inch marks opposed to quote marks, etc… all yell “I’m a novice!” And then of course – the visual solution should back the conceptual. Poor craftsmanship – or all your work is based around swiped illustration or photos – not interested in looking at a great photo you didn’t take the time to create the elements– make sense?
What sort of experience do you require or prefer?
You must know the programs and how to trouble-shoot computer problems. If something isn’t working, you can’t just immediately ask for help. Do an internship or two – Adobe products – InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, scanning – professionals use InDesign for layout – not illustrator. Know how to make pdfs.
What are the traits that you look for in a prospective employee?
Show that you are interested in your chosen career – join AIGA or your local design association and go to the events. Ask questions – volunteer – get involved. Sense of humour. Speak well and confident of your work and explain things smart – but don’t pretend it’s the best thing out there. Plenty of pompous people out there – don’t need one in our studio. Ambitious – excited – passionate – self-motivated. By the time you are a senior graduating you should become the authour of most of your work – don’t give the excuse the project required… change it – didn’t have time to fix something – don’t show it. No excuses. We’re all busy – we’re all short of cash – we all had other things to do – but the good ones stay up late – find a cheaper solution or save up – and understand their portfolio isn’t about getting a grade – but a job.
What additional skills or technical expertise would you recommend?
Writing skills, math skills – learn as much about pre-press as you can – without it you’ll never get very far. But of course you’ll also learn on the job too – artistic skills are great as long as you apply to design projects.
Really – be yourself – if you love design – really love it – you’ll find ways to succeed. If you just think it’s cool to be a designer and you hope to make money doing something artistic - you’ll have a tough time.
Good luck.
