However, it is great to keep your selections to a minimum within your graphic design career. I would maybe pick out 3-4 selections in each sector to make sure you showcase a variety of content throughout your portfolio.
Note: Your graphic design portfolio should probably be no more than 15-20 selections. And that’s a very liberal number.
Showcase your Strengths
When I say this, I don’t just mean your strongest projects. I also want you to think about what types of projects got you excited. Which projects bring you a sense of pride? Which projects could you see yourself doing throughout your life?
Everyone has a particular project or product that they enjoy working on. Showing these projects throughout your portfolio is a great way to draw attention to your talents, because not only are you showing off your talents, you’re also showing how excited and passionate you are about these projects you’ve created.
Having a good variety of work is great, but you want to be able to have pride and a sense of accomplishment in your work. If you show a great piece but can’t get behind the process of working on the piece or a feeling of accomplishment because of it, you might be selling yourself short in your interview.
Related Content: How to narrow down your projects to curate a creative portfolio
How are you presenting your portfolio?
Most people see their portfolio as a scrapbook. I see countless students pull their work together to put it in a sleeve.
This is not your only option.
With my background in journalism, I decided to create my own portfolio. Instead of putting my work in a clear sleeve that could be bulky and awkward for interviewers, I designed my portfolio into a magazine style. Each page is a folded 11×17 page that displays my work in a condensed book. Best part is, it can be printed numerous times and viewed by more than one person.
Creating another version of your portfolio also gives you the chance to produce a leave-behind. Most designers don’t have a portfolio that allows you to leave it behind after your interview. Having something to leave behind gives your employer something that reminds them of you and puts you more-so at the front of their mind.
Related Content: 7 examples on how to create a unique portfolio design
Keeping a consistent style
If you’re anything like me, you might have bounced around in your design career. You have posters, brands, products and more that could be included into your portfolio. You know what excites you and what was created with the intent to grab someones attention.