CHAPTER 5 & 7Organizing your Design WorkConstructing a Printed Portfolio

Creating a Storyboard

A visual plan that guides the reviewer through your portfolio

Types: Linear or Nonlinear Linear layouts include projects that are

presented one after another in a predetermined sequence.

Nonlinear layouts allow the reviewer more freedom to navigate (ideal for websites)

First Pages

Title Personal Logo Contact Information Table of contents – states the categories

that will organize your work (skill set or project)

Use page numbers Could include close up images of your

work

First Pages

Table of Contents

Organization

Avoid chronological arrangements where your simplest work is first.

Begin and end with some of your best work. First piece will set the tone and hopefully

create a positive first impression Use section dividers – may include an

explanation or summary of the design challenge and how you solved the problem. May include schematic drawings.

Quantity versus Quality

You will be judged by your weakest link! If you feel the need to make an excuse

or are embarrassed by something, you should not include it or you should rework it.

How many? 7 – 10 quality projects

Group Projects

Good to show a project that was done as a team.

Identify your role in the project Don’t take full credit for the work Give credit to team members

Time management

Creating a portfolio is very time consuming

Make it a priority Creat a time line (refer to course agenda) It will take you twice as long as you think! Remember, the time and expense you put

into your portfolio is an investment in your future.

KISS

Keep it simple, stupid Avoid overly complex graphics Avoid too many images on a page

Review Design Elements/Principles All pages should have some elements of

consistency to them – Unity Your knowledge of elements and

principles will become evident in your layout. Alignment and balance Positive and negative space Use of color

Size and Layout

Work in a manageable size 11 x 17 is too large 8 ½ x 11 Unconventional sizes Portrait or landscape – be consistent – avoid

having the viewer rotating the portfolio Butterfly folds Two page spread – In Design or photo book

Should be viewed as one page – not two pages

Sketch your layout

Natural tendency to read from left to right Use as much of the page as possible Use full bleeds for large images Large images should be on the bottom (balance) Proximity: related items should be grouped

closely Don’t go overboard on extra design elements Avoid cute designs – not scrapbooking Too many elements and variety will be

distracting KISS Make sure you can add to it next semester (ID

490)

Text

Some explanation is required Identify the main design problem/

challenges and how you accomplished them.

Should stand alone Identify skills and design processes Check grammar, spelling, capitalization Don’t use too much text.

Text

Text should not be an afterthought. Consider location, size, appearance and color Large amounts of text such as a project

description could be done in columns Be consistent in the placement text Choose a great font that contributes to the

look and feel of your portfolio Use only one or two fonts Make sure font is readable – avoid large

amount of cursive or elaborate fonts

Text

Set a hierarchy for text Titles: 14 or 16 pt Project descriptions 10 – 12 pt

Papers and printing

Double sided requires special papers Make sure you have coated paper ID cannot provide ink for your portfolio –

Use a professional printing company Vellum creates a nice divider effect Matt board or cardboard can be used for

covers Frosted white covers No photo paper with logo’s on back Background colors should be neutral

Book Portfolios

Most popular Should lay flat

Avoid comb, 3-ring, velo binding crew post Use photo book services like blurb.com

http://www.blurb.com/books/365732 http://www.blurb.com/books/809201 http://www.blurb.com/books/418389 http://www.blurb.com/books/844774

Portfolio Cases

Part of your professional presentation Protects your portfolio Should be slightly larger than your

portfolio Don’t settle for something standard Custom Made Aluminum, wood, leather Pockets for CD’s, Resume Printed or etched Investment

Portfolio cases