A recent email from a reader posed several questions related to portfolios that weren't covered in my articles on creating and using graphic design portfolios.
I jotted down my first thoughts.
Question: Is it a good idea to have a your picture in your portfolio (for face recognition)?
My Answer: I don't feel there's anything wrong with using a nice professional headshot at the front or back of the portfolio. Keep it simple. This isn't the place to show off your fancy photo manipulation skills or to post pictures of you and your pals on the beach during Spring Break.
Question: Should you put your name on the outside of the portfolio case? (For ready identification if you send it out via mail or a package delivery service or in case it gets left behind at a client meeting.)
My Answer: Don't scribble your name on a piece of tape and slap it across the outside of the portfolio. But a nice printed label doesn't hurt. You might include your logo (if you have one).
Question: If your resumé is two pages long, placing it in one of the portfolio pockets means that the client has to physically pull it out to look at page 2. How would you handle a two page resumé in this case?
My Answer: I'd handle the 2-page resumé two ways:
- First, place your resumé in the portfolio so that both sides can be read. With a large portfolio you could put both pages together, perhaps side-by-side. In a smaller portfolio case you could either present the resumé as a spread (facing pages) or insert it back-to-back (so the client flips the portfolio page to read the second page).
- Then, second, also have another copy of the resumé that you can hand over to the prospective client/employer (a copy they can keep).
Portfolio Articles from this site:
- What Goes in a Portfolio (including Beginner Portfolios)
- Using a Portfolio to Land an Assignment
- Email Class: Create a Portfolio in 6 Days
- Graphic Design Portfolio Projects
Now, do you agree or not with my thoughts on this. How would you answer these questions about design portfolios? Tell us.
I agree with all except submitting the picture with your resume. No matter how good or bad you look you run the risk of someone prejudging you by your looks instead of your resume.
Good point nat.
Playing both sides: While it could serve to weed out some people (do you really want to work with someone who judges people by their photo?) it could work against you because a lot of people prejudge unconsciously — people who would be perfectly fine to work for/with and who would get past their unintentional prejudices during a face-to-face interview.
Would like to hear from others who have issues with the photo thing.