Keys to transform your projects into an impressive portfolio. Having good projects is not always enough. In the design world, knowing how to present them can make the difference between going unnoticed or catching the attention of a client or studio. An attractive portfolio is not just about putting together beautiful images, but also about building a visual and strategic story that explains what you do, how you think and what value you bring. In this article you will find practical keys to transform a loose project into a solid, clear and professional case study. What makes a project work within a portfolio. Not all the work you do needs to be part of your portfolio. The selection is the first step in building a good presentation. A "portfolio-worthy" project usually has some elements in common: clarity of purpose, an interesting process behind it, a solid result and, above all, personality. It is also important that it shows your ability to solve problems, not just execute ideas. Even personal or fictitious projects can have a lot of value if they are well thought out. You don't need to have worked with big clients: what's important is the judgment you demonstrate. Start with context, not aesthetics. One of the most common mistakes is to start directly with the final images. Without context, the work loses power. Explaining the starting point, the brief, the problem or the need, helps whoever sees the project understand why you made certain decisions. This context turns a visual piece into a design solution. You don't need to go on too long: include the essential information and avoid cluttering with unnecessary text. The key is to be clear and direct.
@hrjfletcher
Artistic Director, Product Design & Illustrator
Minneapolis, United States
