An Introduction to Portfolio Design Steps of Portfolio Development Contents of Portfolio Additional Material Portfolio Layout Page Layout Scaling & Sizing Construction Work Progress & Revisions
Contents of Portfolios: What to Include? May want to consider: Engineering Projects (hardware-based) Design Projects (CAD/sketch models) Intern/Research Experience Related Analyses & Publications Related Hobbies (e.g. graphic design, artwork) If you can represent it on paper, in words, pictures, photos, drawings, it may be worth including.
Critical Contents: Visual Representations Photos are easy and powerful: Proof of Design Work Demonstrative of Your Skills Visually Attractive Caution! Poor photos add little to your portfolio.
Critical Contents: Sketches & Drawings “Simpler” visuals reveal: The design process Project complexity Practical skills Aesthetics They also provide: Alternate graphical elements Interesting filler material Sketches, renderings, CADwork, etc., make a portfolio more personal and believable.
Additional Contents: Related Activities “Non-engineering” content can be useful! Demonstrates broader application of skills Shows complementary abilities and interests Basis for deeper interviews & discussions Documents your interests and perspectives If you only want to be a brick-maker, only show the bricks you’ve made. But if you want to build an empire, show your greater arsenal.
Portfolio Layout: Organize & Allocate Look at the portfolio as a whole: Limited number of pages (Hopefully) more material than available space Choose the best projects & visuals Consider thematic design and style Similar rules as resume design A portfolio is a representation of your self: coordinated, integrated, appealing, organized.
Page Layout: Dominant Elements Elements (photos, text, etc.) attract attention by: Size and shape Placement on page Color or pattern Position relative to facing page Neighboring elements and spaces Pick the dominant element wisely, and “weight” all other elements accordingly.
Sizing & Scaling: Modifying Elements Reproduction techniques allows customization: Color balance, contrast, brightness Reorientation and enlargement/reduction Photocopying (color, b/w) of sketches and photos Online adjustment (computer scanning, layout) or offline tasks (handwork, cut&paste) Allows preservation of original materials If the world doesn’t quite fit, make adjustments.
Constructing the Portfolio: Hands-on vs. Computer Choosing production platforms: Access to resources Ease of modification and revision Wear and quality over time and reprinting Level of desired detail Professional portfolios are often out of reach. But computer-aided layout gets you close.