Your portfolio is a lot more than just your work. It’s also the way you present it, how you talk about it and what other people say about it. And if someone needs to know who you are as a person, they need to see something in this document that shows them who you really are. That’s why some people include personal projects in their portfolios – or even photos of themselves at work.
But how do you put together a solid portfolio for a career in media production?
Your portfolio should be a reflection of your best work
This doesn’t mean that you should only include your award-winning pieces.
You should include the work that you’re most proud of and that shows off your skills. If you’re not proud of a project, don’t put it in your portfolio.
This document should be ever-evolving
As you gain new skills and create new work, make sure to add them to your portfolio so that it always reflects your current abilities.
It should be tailored to your audience
If you’re applying for a job as a web designer, make sure to include examples of your web design work. But if you’re applying for a job as an illustrator, there’s no need to include those same web design pieces in your portfolio.
Show off the work that is most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
When thinking about how to make your portfolio, tell a story
When someone looks at your portfolio, they should be able to get a sense of who you are and what you care about. So think about the order in which you arrange your pieces and the way you present them. What narrative are you trying to tell?
Make it easy to navigate
Make sure that your portfolio website is easy to use and that all of your work is easy to find. If someone can’t figure out how to get from one piece to the next, they’re likely to give up and move on.
Similarly, if you provide potential clients or employers with a physical copy of your portfolio then make sure that it’s easy on the eyes. Make sure the imagery and fonts are clean and legible and that the document or device itself is in good condition.
Make it accessible
This means making sure that your site, document or reel can be viewed on different devices and browsers. You don’t want your potential employer or client to miss out on seeing your work because they can’t get to it.
Keep these things in mind as you put together your portfolio, and you’ll be sure to create something that effectively showcases your skills and abilities.
