The Graphic Designer's Guide to Portfolio Design

Got this book to go with my portfolio class in school. This is an practical guide, reminder, and reference book to return to over and over. I'm happy with it.

I'm really impressed with this book and would recommend it highly.Back when I was teaching Digital Graphics & Animation classes here at the local high school, one of the high points of the school year was when a representative from the Art Institute of Houston would come in for the day and talk with the classes about the programs that their school offered. As part of the presentation they would show examples of some of their recent student's portfolios. Those portfolios never failed to fascinate the students and myself. Watching the different presentations over the years, I was always stuck by how they kept getting more sophisticated and creative each year.I tried to have some of my more senior students do something similar to showcase the work that they had created the two years that they were in my classes (and the same with my CAD students) - but will limited success. That was due in some part to the limited resources that we had to work with, but also to the limited knowledge that I had on the subject. I wished I had this book back then.This book is a huge reference source for anyone wanting to create a portfolio - and as basic primer on the art of promotion itself. I could easily see this book being used as a textbook for a class on the subject.This is a book that is packed with a wealth of information - broken up into fifteen chapters covering everything from what a portfolio is (and why you need a good one) - to how to create different kinds of them, and concluding with what to do with one when you're done. Sprinkled throughout the book are little bits of suggestions and tips. Also there are interviews and personal profiles from various people in the design industry. At the end of most chapters there are usually two Designer's Challenges to try and highlight the topics covered in the chapter. Something else that I always found helpful as a teacher, the book also includes both a detailed index and a glossary - as well as a bibliography.I'll be recommending this book.- both to students as well as my friends still teaching.

Okay book, but at this point, its too outdated. Talking about dvds instead of flash drives, and all kinds of other formats not used to this day, Just get a newer book

I was trained in classical art, you know, drawing with graphite, pastels, oil painting, watercolor, acrylic painting, and the whole nine yards. Graphic design is a whole different ballgame because you do art in a different way. As an artist, I want to be well-rounded in modern types of art that can open opportunities for me. That is why I became interested in this book. It deals with making portfolios for when you go to try to get a project or find a job. I think it is a useful tool in any modern artist's library, especially if you're interested in graphic design as a career.

Smart, practical advice for designers who want to maximize their impact in the job market. Graphic Design has become a very competitive field so it is essential that you market your talents wisely. While the book is geared to the graphics design professional, the solid advice on marketing applies to anyone in the visual arts fields. Recommended.

great deal

I was greatly underwhelmed by the advice presented in this book. It has all of the pitfalls of most academic textbooks; the author uses 100 words when 10 would do; the examples feel out-of-date; and it tries to provide instruction on procedures that any graphic student should already know (i.e., the difference between vector and raster graphics). So, the book ends up stating the obvious over and over again.The sections I found most helpful were the interviews with graphics professionals about what makes a great candidate, and the interview section that has a long list of questions that anyone going on job interviews should prepare for. The book coaches students on how to get a job, but very little information about working freelance. This seems to be a crucial concept since there is a lack of traditional jobs, however, there is plenty of design work—if the student knows how to get it.

Up to date information on creating a great portfolio, Definitely recommend it.

As a recent college graduate, I needed some extra work on my portfolio so I thought this book would provide a wealth of information in helping me put together my portfolio. There was plenty of content indeed but several times, I started glossing over on some content that I thought was outdated. Maybe I’m completely off the mark but I question whether many people are actually putting portfolios on CD-Roms or DVD’s anymore. With most items in the digital age, I question whether a printed portfolio in a fancy leather case is also the norm.These types of subjects I glanced over quickly and skimmed up to parts that I thought I might get some benefit out of.Both hard copy and Kindle versions of this book are not cheap and after reading so much out dated (or on the cusp of being outdated), I felt that I overpaid significantly for my Kindle Version.Some of the interview questions were helpful but not something that I would have expected in a book about portfolio design.Overall, I’m relatively content with the purchase…….I wish I didn’t need to fish through the book for the valuable pieces of information.