Karthi Subbaraman

karthi@oghmadesign.com

Quality Portfolios !National Institute of Design, Bangalore

Friday, 20 September, 13

Designer’s Portfolio great complement to resume

Friday, 20 September, 13

What is a portfolio really?

A document of the past which can help build a great future.

creative showcase of actual work and area of interest.

Friday, 20 September, 13

What is needed to build a great portfolio

1. Deep understanding of self.

2. Reflection on what you want to be.

3. Good idea about your target audience.

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What will a good portfolio get you?

Great job that caters to your strength. PERIOD.

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Know your audiencewhat can you do for them

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Who is your target employer?

Brand Agency

User Experience Agency

Consultancy Corporate

Design Consulting firm

Digital Interactive & Social

Digital Publishers

Technology companies

Products

Technology Services

Design Services

Software Solutions

Startups

Digital Products

Mobile - Web

Services

Physical Products

NOTE: employment goal differs based on your choice

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What should you know about “them”?

Business focusProduct or ServiceDomain(s) expertiseTheir customersCompany cultureDesign maturity of the organizationCompetitorsPossible design career pathMobility

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What are “they” looking for in you?

Problem SolvingQuality of ideasCompetence in conceptualizationAesthetic sensitivitiesStory tellingAnalysis & RigorDesign communication skillsTeam play

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What are “they” looking for in your portfolio?

Clear communication of

• who you are (thinker or photoshoper)• what are you good at• creativity & problem solving• showcase your uniqueness• skills & competence• area of focus (UX, Research, Ix, Vx, PD)• specific responsibilities

Friday, 20 September, 13

Let’s get hands dirtyshow off your skills

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Portfolio Building Blocks

Elements

Components

Layout

Tool

Review

Iterate

1

2

3

4

5

6

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Decisions to be made upfront & iterate (ofcourse!)

Online &/ Offline (PDF)StoryVoice & TonePersonalityHierarchyTypographyPhotographyContentAlignment & Distribution

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Focus on Context

Money shot: Tell a story with the product visualization.

Friday, 20 September, 13

Focus on features & benefits

Visually explain how your (digital or physical) product really works. Must show thinking & consideration.

Friday, 20 September, 13

Focus on process

Lay all sketches and iteration printouts out in a composition and make it exciting.

Friday, 20 September, 13

Focus on composition

Product in the light of almighty hero shot.

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Add toppingsmake it more special

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Make a “case study” to show problem framing and process thinking, deeply.

to show you have a great brain, not only good hands and eyes.

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Show a wide variety of work with short project descriptions.

pick the curiosity of the reader. leave him wanting to hear more.

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Collection of best sketches

shallow but broad.

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Show uniqueness even in best practices.

why you fit the bill perfectly.

Friday, 20 September, 13

Hindsight Wisdomwish i knew this before

Friday, 20 September, 13

“Gain reader’s interest in a short time. You get less than a minute for your portfolio”

Friday, 20 September, 13

“Tell stories through visuals, no one like reading”

Friday, 20 September, 13

“You don’t need to tell a complete story of every project. The portfolio itself should have an over arching story, and the end of the story should be why should i care about you, why should i hire you amongst other graduates. Differentiate yourself”

Friday, 20 September, 13

“Make sure you have a closing page to re-sell yourself. They just looked at all your hardwork. Make sure the last visual they see is your name, contact info along with a summary of all skills with bullet points”

Friday, 20 September, 13

Summaryall you need to know

Friday, 20 September, 13

1. Include a breath of work.2. Include appropriate examples.3. Provide context to your work.4. Non-client work is acceptable.5. Give it a regular spring clean.6. Take step back.7. Include case studies.8. Demonstrate all round experience.9. Sell yourself.10. Index your portfolio.

Friday, 20 September, 13