Design Porfolio, Interviewing, Etc.

[Ronald]

Hi, I've got a few questions regarding the topics mentioned in the title.

This might sound like a funny question, but when presenting your physical, printed portfolio to a potential employer, should you simply hand it to them and let them ask questions if they come up? Or do you flip through the pages yourself and explain the meaning/characteristics of every piece? I would guess the former, but I figured I'd ask in case that's not conventional or "hands on" enough. Also, should I add a little piece of paper by every design piece describing it for its purpose (magazine ad, book cover, etc.)?

I need to create a sample sheet with 3-4 of my best graphic design pieces. I'm not familiar with the conventional sample sheet size.

I also need some business cards and possibly portfolio pieces printed and am wondering about prices. If you go into a print shop with some PDF files that you want 4-color printed on basic 8.5 x 11" or 11 x 17" how much do you think they typically charge per piece?

[LoisWakeman]

Re the printing - here in the UK there are lots of print shops where you can get a quote easily online for stationery (I use PrintingDirect.com). I'm sure you could find one where you are and price business cards. You probably need to add a bit more for a local outlet.

For the individual items, I can't help - but many places charge you an artwork setup charge which could make it prohibitive. A digital copier might be a better choice if you already have a print perhaps? Or find a friend with a photo quality inkjet and ask them to print it for you. (For which you are better with RGB files.)

[George]

Hi, I've got a few questions regarding the topics mentioned in the title.

This might sound like a funny question, but when presenting your physical, printed portfolio to a potential employer, should you simply hand it to them and let them ask questions if they come up? Or do you flip through the pages yourself and explain the meaning/characteristics of every piece? I would guess the former, but I figured I'd ask in case that's not conventional or "hands on" enough. Also, should I add a little piece of paper by every design piece describing it for its purpose (magazine ad, book cover, etc.)?


I think you have to assess the situation individually. Some employers are fast and to the point, no non-sense business people. They have their mind on the bottom line, and they are good people to work for, if that is where your mind is. Hand them the book and wait for questions.

Others use a narrative approach. They want you to give a type of autobiography. They like office atmosphere. Still good people to work for, if you're good at politics. Flip through the book for them.

Personally, if I didn't get a feel for the office on entering and meeting people, I would just ask them what they prefer. Just make it seem natural and on the basis that you are accommodating to whatever circumstance.

When in doubt, go for the fast and to the point business approach. The narrative people understand that is the standard and will give you indication for making the change. if you come off warm and friendly in response, no harm done.

Adding explanations to make certain you are correctly understood is always a good idea when properly done -- again short and to the point, unobtrusive, and a natural logical extension of what is being shown.

George

[ktinkel]

Since portfolio presentation is essentially a sales pitch, you want to do what is most advantageous for you. On the other hand, as a designer who has been on the other side, reviewing portfolios, I want the time spent to benefit me.

I think it is best for both parties to sit down and walk through the portfolio together. You must make an appointment, though, or you may be asked to drop off the portfolio and pick it up later. That is the kiss of death, and a good way to have some of your portfolio pieces mis- or carelessly handled.

I liked to ask about each piece in the portfolio:

What was your responsibility? Was it your idea and your execution? Were you an assistant or junior designer? Were you responsible for one particular aspect of the piece (type, image, production)?
What was the purpose of the piece? Was this student work, done on assignment? Was it published or produced?
Where did the work appear (major magazine, specialty magazine, newspaper, company newsletter, mail advertising, web, billboard, tv/radio — or maybe several of those)?
What was the objective of the work? To sell something or make another sort of appeal? To commemorate a person or event?
Was the client pleased? Did it satisfy his/her objectives? Are they still clients of the group or firm that produced the piece?
What would you do differently if you were asked to change something (or if you just had a second thought about it)?

Other questions might come up in the course of the meeting. Be prepared.

You should pare your portfolio down, focusing on the sort of work done by the interviewer.

Others will probably have other suggestions.