A great portfolio is the first important step in getting the right job or client.But how do you put together quality work when you're still learning?

 

Your design portfolio is your place to shine, as long as you know the basics.

 

Tips for today!

Cleanliness and neatness DO count

You need every edge you can get. It's a pretty simple thing to make sure that the pieces you include in your portfolio aren't dog eared, torn, or scuffed marked. The portfolio case itself should be clean.

Never apologize
The work you put into your design portfolio should be your very best work. Never put in any piece you're not happy with. So what if your previous job or customers haven't given you the type of work you're proud to display? You have a couple of choices. You can use what you have. Don't apologize for what you don't like about the piece; simply explain what's so good about the piece.
You can either work up some "fake" projects that allow you to spread your design wings, or you can offer to do pro-bono work for causes you believe in.

Less is more
Your portfolio should have roughly ten to twelve pieces in it. If you know that you're interviewing for a particular type of job, such as logo design, weight your portfolio towards logos. Don't forget to include some stationery or brochures. You want to make sure the prospect knows that you're capable of more than just logo design.

Start and end with a bang
You should put your best pieces in the beginning and the end. That's what people will remember.