Portfolio question

[carolyn]

I have heard the following opposing pieces of advice regarding my portfolio:

1. Include a variety of styles in your work, showing your range as a designer
2. Find your niche and go with it. Keep a consistent portfolio, proving that you can reproduce one good piece of work after another, within the same genre

What's more important, to prove you can consistently produce a certain style while possibly limiting your client base, or to keep your client base as broad as possible while not really committing to one particular style? What do you guys think?



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www.carolyndesign.net (http://www.carolyndesign.net)

[Ovaltine]

It's possible (depending on the size of your portfolio and the size of the pieces you want to use) that you could accomplish both goals by using each board of your 'folio as a style board. Arrange like pieces together to show the ability to do consistantly styled work. Then do different styles for each (or every other) board.

Be careful not to clutter the boards though.
I'm seeing the interior design/architecture/landscaping art boards as good examples of being able to draw several elements together on one board without being overwelming. Done correctly, this could be a very nice 'folio.

[morea]

there are some great tips on setting up your portfolio in our frequently discussed topics (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7892) thread. You just have to scroll down a bit to around the 6th post or so. Hope that helps some!

[Two-Toe Tom]

i think it also depends on what you're using your portfolio for and who you're targetting. for example, if it's an online portfolio and you're just putting it out there, i'd go for variety. if you're using it to apply to a job, i'd include mostly the type of work you'd be doing in that job. if you plan to target a particular industry which uses a certain style, then i'd put mostly that.

[carolyn]

Oh yeah, I guess there's no reason not to modify my portfolio to appeal to whatever kind of company I'm applying for. Good tip Tom.

I love the idea of theming each board! I've never seen a portfolio done that way. I might just give that a try. When I'm ready to leave my comfort design job and go for something more edgy, that is :)

Thanks for the link morea, I'll check it out.




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www.carolyndesign.net (http://www.carolyndesign.net/)