Twenty years ago while I was in the academic system, portfolios were a necessary part of getting design gigs. I still believe a great portfolio can be a job catalyst for designers just out of school. If you are a freelancer in my program, I will also encourage a portfolio. However, if you are getting into surface pattern design or a crafting specialty, I don’t recommend a portfolio.
The topic of creating a portfolio has come up in my Design Suite Program on numerous occasions, which is why I want to address this today.
When you’re in a specific field like surface pattern design, the best way to show your work is to be SELLING your work. Your portfolio IS the shop you are designing and selling in.
Experience as a designer is far more important than a portfolio. That’s because you will be learning from that shop which of your art is being sold. The main point of a portfolio is to get you a corporate design job or get you that freelance gig. If you are in a shop, you are past needing a portfolio.
Do you love this kind of design information? If so, come check out one of my Design Bootcamps!
To hear more about why you don’t need a portfolio, check out the full podcast episode here: