What are the rules of having a good portfolio then?

1. Your portfolio has to be interesting and enjoyable

Whether you’re a web or print designer, flash developer, or graphic illustrator you are in the creative industry so showing your portfolio to the world is essential and is just as important, if presented well, as the pieces it holds. Surprise people; don’t let them predict your style of work.

2. You must keep it simple

You need to make it as easy as you can for the client to see your work and to see as much as they can in the shortest time possible, whilst allowing them to dig deeper if they wish. Simplify the presentation; try to think from the client’s point of view.

3. Keep the work up to date

Design shifts so quickly so you need to show that you can keep up with the current trends whilst keeping the individuality that will make people come to you as a designer. Make sure that all your links work. You must regularly refresh and chuck away old and static work.

4. Keep only your very best work

This is one of the most important points. Clients don’t need an excuse to say no to your work, a bad piece of work in your portfolio could prevent you getting that job you badly want so never add any filler pieces just to make things look more tidy.

5. Make it great all the way through

Your portfolio has always got to be great at the beginning as well as the end so if you are showing things linearly make sure you never do things in order of best to worst, surprise your viewer each time they look at the next piece.

6. Stand out

Designers are not a scarce breed so if a potential client doesn’t see anything immediately that jumps out at them they’ll just go back on the internet and find someone else.

7. Make your personality shine

You must give your portfolio some personality that reflects you. This is especially important given that many of your clients could be half way across the world and never even meet you in person, so any indication to your personality will reduce their effort in deciding whether or not to choose you.

8. Your work must look great in print

A website may be first port of call for the majority of people but if you go to meet with a client, pitch for prospective work or even send out your portfolio in the post and your print work isn’t up to a standard compared to what they’ve seen on screen then you have lost. Clients enjoy seeing printed work and word will always get around if someone sees a good body of work.

9. Never try and be a jack of all trades

Never think that just because you are a print designer you are also a web designer – if you can’t design for the web then use a professional. People naturally assume that designers can work in all mediums from illustration to flash websites and print, not realising they each require totally different skill-sets. Recognising your own strengths and weaknesses will help you go a long way in looking ahead of your game.

10. Target your intended audience

If your area is illustration for example then decide whether you’re better off sticking to an individual style or whether you should show your range. The bigger clients will often commission the work of a particular illustrator because they have seen their style in the past and want something similar. Fashion based companies prefer to pick illustrators with an original style whereas the smaller companies will want to see that you can be flexible with their  requirements, so you must always try and show a diverse range of work in your portfolio.

If you are interested in unique and individual card designs then you should check out my macabre card range. There are six hand illustrated card designs in this collection which all come as one complete collection.

The range includes a porcelain doll holding a butterfly, porcelain doll with blush red lips and lavishly long lashes, a dolls tea party, little Miss muff it wearing red pumps, porcelain doll with floral dress and skeleton arm and Victorian porcelain doll holding a sheep with a human skull head.

Each card design has been embellished with a range of gems, sequins and bows to make them that extra special. So please check them out under my Mike Alan section titled ‘Macabre Cards ‘.

Best wishes,

Mike Alan X

]]> http://designmob.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/macabre-card-selection/feed/ 0 designmob butterflydoll dinnerparty http://designmob.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/56/ http://designmob.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/56/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:00:47 +0000 designmob http://designmob.wordpress.com/2009/11/25/56/ Continue reading →]]> Design Mob will be at this year’s Christmas market at Middlesbrough’s town hall crypt. So,  please try and pop in to see Design Mobs festive collection or come over for a chat. We would love to chat to you.

Currently Design Mob are looking for any talented or inspirational artists or designers who could benefit from Design Mob. Design Mob is passionate about maintaining and celebrating artists and designers from the north east area.

At the moment we have some great ideas and projects for our artists and designers which we are really excited about

So once again, Design Mob will be at this year’s Christmas market at the Middlesbrough town hall crypt, with Christmas goodies and gifts

Middlesbrough Town Hall Crypt: Sunday 29th November: 11am- 4pm

His new work is typically playful in character with his use of highlighted line used throughout to give the work a pop edge.

His use of humorous form choice and candy like colour palette enables the overall balance and composition of the work to be energetic and vibrant graphic pieces.

Part of Charlie’s new collection includes stencil work, sketchbook work, and print work and collaged pieces.

Design Mob are excited about this new range and look forward to showcasing this original and exciting collection.

The Animex student animation awards are passionate in the promotion of the art of animation and to recognise rendered graphics for animation, visualisation and games production. The competition is open internationally to students and it is proud to already be in its 11th year.

Going from strength to strength it attracts more attention year after year and it is such a fabulous achievement for the Middlesbrough area in having the ability and resources to host such a fantastic and innovative event.

As you could imagine Design Mob was honoured to be part of such a great creative event. There was some amazing work over the variety of categories and it was sometimes difficult to all decide on a candidate. We couldn’t believe the high standard of work being produced and submitted into the competition so we spent the majority of the day being blown away.

We just like to say a special thank you to Justin Greetham who is the head of the Animex Awards for inviting Design Mob to such a fantastic and inspiring event!!!

We will be appearing there with a collection of festive gifts and goodies including a special range of hand crafted cards created exclusively by Design Mob.

So whether you are looking for that extra special Christmas card or stocking filler you should give us a visit and check out our festive inspired range. We hope to see you there!!!

He has a wide variety of influences, which includes: mythology, culture, taxidermy, fashion, pattern and destruction. The theme of opposites is explored throughout his work, both in the thought process and in execution. His current collection consists of limited edition prints. One series looks at fashion illustration and another focuses on visual communication. Symbolism, simile and metaphor are used in his work to reflect his unique ideas.

Qualifactions: BA Graphic Design, Diploma Art & Design. Available and interested in commissioned see site at www.designmob.co.uk. Design Mob must have prints available in-store now.

Her ideas for her accessories pieces and her practice in general, stems from the romantic era of the 19^th Century and the neo-gothic influences. The romantic collection is embellished in great detail to a high standard. Her hair-piece and broach collection will dress up any outfit with hand stitched detail unlike anything else. The pieces can be requested as on-demand pieces with special request. See range for sale at Design Mob at www.designmob.co.uk

Qualifications: BA Design & Textiles, Diploma Dress Making, Diploma Jewellery Craft.

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