Hello! I’m new here and recently felt the urge to break into graphic design. I’ve always loved it, but I never took it seriously until now. I was recommended this forum to ask questions, so here I am!
Here’s my portfolio: https://www.mikesenh.com/work. I previously worked as a web designer and have done some logo work, but beyond that, I really want to land my first official graphic designer role.
Putting myself out there is tough, especially since I don’t know anyone in the industry. Even when I was working, there wasn’t a art department where I could connect with others. What I’m really looking for are projects that could impress a marketing manager or a hiring creative director. (like personal project that could really highlight my skills)
What can I do to strengthen my portfolio and improve my chances? I appreciate any advice, thank you in advance!
I would add your name above the fold on the home page. As it stands, I have to click on about me or scroll down to the footer section to see your name.
While the old TV and old Mac are fun illustrations, do you want your work to be associated with technology from the 1980s and earlier?
To my eye, the featured project snippets on the home page are a bit busy and the copy is a bit redundant. For example, you have:
Web Design
IIT - Website
Do you really need to say “Web Design” since you’re saying “website” on the very next line? I would say all of these could be reduced to a single line.
Are the arrows really needed? To my eye, they just add visual clutter. I think most people will understand that you can click on the featured projects to expand them without the arrow as a visual clue.
I think the work samples shown in the featured projects could be simplified for more impact. Going back to the IIT website, you’re showing three pages. That seems too much to me.
On the individual featured project pages, my first thought was TLDR. And I didn’t read it. There is a lot there, and I’m sure you’re building your case, but I was overwhelmed. Also, there are an awful lot of boxes and lines and drop shadows.
Overall, it feels sort of like a blog to me more so than a portfolio. I would work on simplifying to put more emphasis on your website design and UX/UI which I think is stronger than your logo work.
Hey @mikesenh, what stands out to me is the amount of text in each project page. The portfolio should be more visually focused. The objective and takeaway portions are fine, but all the other info. should either be taken out or hidden in a drop down so those viewing the information have the option to read it if they wish.
I suggest looking at portfolio projects for inspiration to get an eye for what works. Here are some portfolios that inspire me - Davy Denduyver, Brands By Robin, Typothesis.
It appears that your design strength is in digital design - is this the design specialty you want to be doing in a job? If yes, then I’d take out projects not geared towards this area of design as it’s best to showcase work you want to do more of (unless you’re a beginner and don’t know - then you can have a variety). If you’d rather a job in branding or another area of graphic design, then I suggest honing your skills and updating your portfolio with projects that showcase those skills.
Thank you for reviewing my work! I definitely see areas where things can be simplified I guess I worry because there’s a whole web development side, and I want to make sure my design focus comes through. You raise a great question about whether I want my work associated with 1980s technology, and honestly, I’m not sure. I only started experimenting with design a year or two ago, so I’m still figuring things out. I really appreciate your insight, and I love that you pointed out my UX/UI work is stronger than my logo work.
Thank you, @efmgdesign ! I appreciate you sharing a few portfolios for inspiration, they look amazing, so much style and design and I love it! I’m still very new to professional design I only started about a year or two ago. Honestly, I’ve had people point out that I’ve used the “wrong” software for certain tasks, which can be a bit embarrassing, but I figure if an image can be vectorized, why not use the tools available?
From your review and others, I’m realizing I need to let my work speak for itself instead of over explaining my process. Too much text can distract from the design itself, and that makes sense.
Also, I really appreciate you highlighting my strengths in digital design! I originally studied programming, but at some point, I felt a strong pull toward design almost like a calling and decided to chase what makes me happy. It might sound silly, but I guess that why digital design shines cause I’m already in that realm. Thanks again for the insight!
@mikesenh You’re still learning, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Your digital strengths definitely shine through in your portfolio - not just the projects, but your website as a whole. For a digital design job, your programming background would even be an asset!
Whoever says that you’re using the ‘wrong’ software for certain tasks is not taking into account that there is overlap in what various software can accomplish. It’s more like certain software over others are better for certain tasks, but no one software is ‘the software’ for a specific task - with practice and guidance, you’ll learn which software is best for what task.
Something to keep in mind is that design is supposed to be intentional, so it’s best to not just use tools, techniques, and effects for the sake of it just cause it can be used or done. That being said, if your doing something purely for artistic purposes, anything goes, so, of course, vectorize that image!
There’s much that’s good. For example, the writing is better than most designer portfolios. You have a degree in UX, which is great. Degrees are important for those expecting to be employed as a designer. The coloring book is pretty cool.
However, if I ran across your portfolio without even reading a word, I would say it’s the work of a software engineer who wants to be a designer, which isn’t that far from the case.
In addition to what the others have said, the portfolio and the work are a bit lifeless. The work suggests you’re hesitant to engage people’s emotions by making visually assertive statements.
As an example, the Jagrock AI-generated illustrations are compelling, but it’s as though you told MidJourney to create something visually compelling while denying yourself that same permission. Even your Jagrock logo in the middle of that engaging color is flat and lifeless black and white.
I think talent and abilities are there, but the hold-up might be the self-imposed restraint of not allowing your visual voice to speak up as confidently as it could if you let it.
Pretty sure there’s a typo on the EIKO Cafe menu too - Crabmest instead of Crabmeat.
Details are important, showing a portfolio with errors can lead to it being pushed further and further under all the others.
Reminds me of a time back in the day we’d get design companies send us samples of our magazine redesigned, the amount that went in the bin because of silly things, like a spelling mistake.
Instant bottom of the barrel straight to the bin.
It’s a pity in such cases, goes to show, spending an extra 10-15 minutes when a project is finalised is well worth it.
You make some great points. I know I’m just starting out, but I do wonder if I’m trying to appeal to too many people? I want to be the right fit, but I realize that can sometimes make my work come across as a bit bland or lifeless. Playing it safe is comfortable, but I know that won’t make me a heavy hitter. I’m learning, and I truly appreciate this input. It’s helping me see where I need to grow, what steps to take, and even what to reflect on for future projects.
