Great advice as usual. After a time of essentially aimless struggling, I am starting over as a designer - and these videos are very helpful for guiding the focus of my energy. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Havn't you done a similar video already? for 2014 maybe? - because just yesterday i had a job interview in a big studio, they usually don't hire a lot of people, and they were blown away by my portfolio and how professional it was. I used all the advice in your old video :) so thank you for making those videos
I did a similar video but I get to some additional points in this video and address things I feel I didn't focus on. it also is the beginning of a small series of videos on portfolios I'm doing. Eventually I'll be putting out a 2-3 hour Video Guide on building portfolios.
If you only knew how much these videos have helped me. I have a real passion and love for graphic design and its been a "long and trying" road. Especially trying to brand yourself and be consistent in a world full of talented and skillful designers, these videos have answered literally every question I've ever had or wondered...I appreciate you sharing such valuable knowledge bro. We're all somewhat indebted to you.
+E. Burnette Wow, that is a tremendous comment. Thank you so much for that. I hope I"ve made a real differene in your life. If you need me to cover other topics, let me know!
Thank you Roberto. I went through a period of depression as a Graphic Designer and am rebuilding my brand and portfolio. I've subscribed to your channel. Keep the awesome vids coming.
Thank you so much! I was a graduate of IT and we had mini subjects like Multimedia and all that and I know my passion is to create art and design so I am going for a job that inclines to my passion and I am making my own portfolio from scratch since I don't have any clients yet. This advice was really helpful thank you so much!!! :)
I really appreciate all that you're doing with these videos. Even though I am itching towards work in sound design and audio, the overall message your videos hit very close to home. Thank you!!
This is my first video of yours I'm viewing but certainly not the last. Just listening to this generated some serious thoughts and ideas of my own. Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to dive deeper into your video collection.
I agree that showing process sketches is crucial. Many people do not do them, so you will stand out with a well grounded creative process communicated with examples.
The "unfinished work" aspect was an actual question in my mind. Very beneficial advice sir. Even though it's several years old. An updated video on the topic of the industry's needs and desires in regards to graphic designers and what has changed since 2015 now that it's 2018. Thanks for all that you have done and are still doing sir.
just wanted to say your videos are so helpful and well structured, keep it up!! just a random guy doing a cheap course for a college no ones ever heard of.
Great advice~! Your videos are incredibly helpful, especially for people who are just starting their career in graphic design and feel lost about the whole business. Keep up the fantastic work~!
Hey Roberto, you're hearing a lot from me today. Your videos are really good and very helpful. Spring semester over and I want to get something started now. I know I have a passion for music, especially jazz, so I'm filling my portfolio with jazz art. Show my work to a record company. Thanks again for your help.
I finally assembled my first real pdf portfolio over the weekend. The advice you provide is always useful. I know they are specifically an ad agency looking for interns. So I did a little research on their social media to see the type of designs they already do. I tried blending some of the techniques they do with my own artwork, which is more illustration. I wanted to showcase my versatility in this case, but not just be a replica of what they already have. One thing I was rather proud of was designing a magazine style page showing my process for some concept work. Very ImagineFX inspired, and killed 2 birds with one stone.
That was very smart! Understanding who is going to look at the portfolio and what they are looking for is super important! Any other topics you want me to cover?
Roberto Blake In terms of topics, actually, I'm looking forward to the video you mentioned at the end about making a portfolio from scratch. Since I just experienced that, it would be cool to see you bounce some more ideas around, like you did for the design assignments. I found myself intimidated when making a portfolio because I didn't have true client work (besides things for myself and friends). I may agree with you that school work would make a boring/generic portfolio, but I was actually beating myself up a little for not having more real world oriented assignments (like brochures and movie posters one would make in school). It made me really think about how I could prove that I can put my skills to use from a business standpoint, rather than just a raw art stand point. While I did come up with some stuff as mentioned earlier, I look forward to more of your take on this in that video.
Thanks Roberto, I'm just finishing my portfolio and I never had one, but according to what you say I'm on the good way, I hope this could means I know how to do this job ;) Thanks for your tips, always very useful, greetings fom Italy.
How many (pieces?) of work would you submit for a video editing job/internship? Also any people in the video editing field should I check out or know about?
dsomdah I wouldn't got with "pieces" so much as a reel and then some samples. I would at this point, put together a sizzle real with a 30 second version, 60 second version and a 2min 30 second version of my best work. I would then show samples of 1 Documentary style video 10 minutes or more, 2 interview style video work 4 minutes, 2-3 film style trailer 6--120 seconds, 3-5 commercials between 15 secs and 30 seconds, a VFX reel, and a motion graphics reel.
This is a great Video! An Excellent advice for Graphic Designers who wants to update and make their Portfolio. thank you so much for uploading this video.
Super excited for your video on personal/passion/self initiated portfolio projects! Hope to see that soon! Thanks for all the great content you put out.
I have a problem with graphic design in general. I not too confident in my portfolio and my skills as a graphic designer. Often I get scared about showing off my work and worrying that it might not be good enough. This is why I haven't been able to gain a job or even an internship as a graphic designer. :(
Blue-Rayz3r D Well there's no substitute for practice. If you are very passionate about design then keep going, don't give up. On the other hand if you don't have a natural propensity for it then perhaps you should find something you do have a natural talent for. You should have a quiet confidence about your work, no one likes a show off but your passion and competence should come across through your work and through your presentation of it.
Love the update, and appreciate what you do. Question, do you think you can do another one of these but just a little bit more specific to web design/ web development?
I actually plan on it. Web Design has to be presented completely differently. Though there is some carry over. I also need to di one on how to build a web design portfolio from scratch to address the fact you can put together a robust portfolio for web design without a single client? Any other web design video suggestions?
Been enjoying and absorbing alot of helpfu and useful information from your channe. Thank you and keep it up! I just recently graduated and is very interested in the desig field. However, I do not have anything for my portfoli. Could you give me advice on what I should do and what I should be focusing on now as the interviewmight come randomlyat any give momen. Thanks ! aloof useful
Like the last tip, make a personal work for the I want to work on and be paid for. Good one and really didn't think about making that, and you right my professor told me to add 20 of my best works to portfolio but maybe I need more. what do you think about behance and dribbble? or its better in Adobe Indesign?
***** Both. I would say online places like Behance lead to great relationships critiques and opportunities, but InDesign will give you control over your presentations, so leverage both options appropriately.
Can you do a video on the different types of work or ways to categorize your work in your portfolio? For example, either branding, print, web, logos, etc.? I have seen many varieties ranging from the type of work to the media. Also, what should you categorize brochures as? Would this be web & print if used for both or layouts or catalogs? Thanks for your help!
+Jhody Junaedi Be sure to make sure you check out some of my other stuff covering portfolios and how to put one together from scratch in Adobe InDesign
Really liked this video. For me it was very helpful towards the end when you talk about self initiated work. One question for folks, like me, who took a break and are coming back, would you put some of the older stuff in your portfolio if it was really good? I am working on putting mostly new stuff in my portfolio but I have previous work that has won awards and was published but are more than 4 years old. What would be the best way to approach that kind of situation?
Roberto Blake Thanks. Appreciate the advice. So will you ever revisit Illustrator? I see a lot of Photoshop and Lightroom but not a lot on Illustrator and Vector Art. Just something to add to the bucket list. I like vector portraits, abstract art, and logos.
hye there.. Thanks share your tips. Its really helpful.. I love the way your idea.. I'm trying to apply a job.. Will used all your tips.. Thanks and my god bless you. Cheers! 😊
Hey Roberto, great content very helpful, I work as a Graphic Designer and over the years more of my work consists of individual items and I have never done something like a campaign, what would be the best way to showcase my work ? Should i create mockups of what I don't have or should i just show the stuff i have done categorically ?
I would say do both but in a way that allows you to tell a compelling story, half the interview is pitching in most cases. The work can speak for itself, but your voice matters too.
Cool Vid! I would really be keen to see what programs/software you recommend for managing your freelance business. Not design software, more like accounting, time management or what ever systems you have in place to make life as an entrepreneur easier.
Hey Rob, i just found your channel, and it's got some really great videos! i have a question for you that i am not sure that you may know about, but you are a very knowledgeable dude. I've been a graphic designer at an in-house marketing department for about three years now, i have a BFA in Illustration and ultimately would like to get into a comic studio of some sort. I've spoken to a few industry professionals and they say i should take a sequential art class to help develop the this portion of my ability. Now, my question to you is: Is there any online workshops sites out there that you know of? I know about CGMA, and they offer a lot of similar courses and workshops but nothing really geared for Comics. I was wondering if you had anything to offer on the topic. Sorry for the rando question! Thanks for anything you may be able to offer. :)
Hi Roberto, thanx again for a very helpful and informative video. What i would like to know is does an entire campaign or corporate identity count as one piece in your portfolio? Or does the logo, business card, t-shirt design, flyers, ect. for one particular project count as individual pieces?
Cassandra Lee I would say a campaign counts as an entire piece, I think of those in terms of projects. I have a 20 page portfolio but it showcases over 40 pieces of work. Because I don't worry about the "count", consider that most people mentally are not worried about how many images are on a page but are interpreting page count in terms of investing time looking at the book, but your volume of pieces collectively across the pages make up the "volume" and high volume of work shows experience. I'd say that 30 pages deep is a good limit to set yourself but I keep it around 20-25 but I'm putting together a larger version so that I can go 10-15 pages per design specialty: PRINT, Campaigns, Logo Designs, Branding, OOH & Signage, Digital, Product & Packaging , Typography, Illustration, Photo Manipulation and Digital Art. I'm also putting together individual books with 24 pages for each. This means that I have presentation flexibility. I don't necessarily recommend this starting out, but keep it in mind as you grow. Also find a way to incorporate that type of categorization into your web and mobile portfolios. I talk about his in my other portfolio videos.
This may be slightly off topic. I am designing my actual resume to stand out more, and I was wondering if you had any advice on the cover letter. What I am wondering is should I stick to the formal business letter standard and focus on content, or will re-creating the cover letter be even more help to stand out?
Melissa Rotunno I'd have to think about it, but I'll be honest, I feel like "cover letters are dead". I also feel cold resumes are dead. But I would say stick to the formal standard, but make the content of the letter interesting. Make the design of the resume a design piece, but infographic based, focused on conveying information in a smart way that makes it fast to read and understand and prioritize things.
Hi, Roberto, do you have any advice for new designers to find freelance jobs online? Are there any website for freelancer that you recommend? Or, do you suggest other methods?
Vanessa Du You can still start local and with small businesses and groups and family members. Online you should still start with people you have a relationship with or an online community you're a part of. Beyond that I recommend Elance, Guru, People Per Hour and Freelancer.
I don't know if you've made a video about it already but do you have a few tips about what I can charge someone for freelance work (for example a full corporate deisgn) ? I tend to get so many different answers when I ask my friends. Thanks :)
Hello Roberto, thank You for the video ! Question, beside showing the sketches and tell the concept, is it okay to show images from where I got the inspiration for the work (ex.logo design) ? And also, I notice You have a Behance account but You seem not to give it much importance, dispite being one of the best web plataform to show You work and eventually get hired. Cumps !
Pedro Almeida I would say that only showing your sketches and process is the way to go, not necessarily where you go inspiration, you can cover that in speaking about the design and it's fine, also avoids any issues of copyright etc.Yes I have a Behance account, but I don't give it much importance because of the other Social Media profiles that I give priority based on the Lead Generation they have successfully converted. In other words putting time where the money has come from... I eventually plan to be more active in Behance, not because I think it has value from a client/lead generation side (for me) but for the Social value of connecting with other Creatives. What I will specifically be focusing on doing there is putting up my Tutorial and Speed Art Videos there. I'm not hurting for clients, so I can take my time in developing a strategy to be more effective in Behance. Right now doubling down on TH-cam, the Publications I write for, getting back into magazines like Advanced Photoshop, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where I'm converting more is the priority.
Hey, Roberto! First of all, I'm a big fan from Sydney Australia. I'm a part-time freelance UX designer and animator and your video helps me a lot. Just curious about what microphone you use for your videos as I can't seem to find one attached to your shirt. Thanks heaps!
I keep it out of frame so that people can't see it, it's a television trick that a lot of people don't bother with that creates the sense that you're watching a real show. I list all my gear over on robertoblake.com/resources.php
Do you know of any free software I could download to kind of like just mess around on or practice with? I am currently a senior in high school and have gained some interest in Graphic Design and would like to play around with it for a bit to see if its something i would really enjoy. Thank you! Your videos are both interesting a fun to watch!
Rodasio_ GIMP is the primary one, also Affinity has some free stuff, but I did a whole video on Free Graphic Design software last year, you should check that video out.
Hi Roberto, thanks for the video. Do you know how you would present a UX or UI design portfolio? Hopefully this question is not too much out of your expertise. Thanks and keep up the great videos!
Have an unrelated question, but what advice would you give when it comes to designing on a large scale and for complex objects. Examples are the side of a truck and a storage box. Would appreciate any info.
Lisa Doherty I would say learn the rules for scaling, usually 1inch equal 1foot. Get very precise about the mechanical specifications and get in touch with the printing company who does the actual wrappers or billboards and ask as many questions as possible. Also give yourself a lot of slack by making patterns or not going overboard on the design since you can't predict everything that will happen in this case. Play it safe, ride your margins. Also build in the possibility for mistakes into your fees and contracts. It's better to over charge for this sort of thing knowing you will have to do it over than to under charge and then eat a loss on it. This stuff is high stakes so don't low ball it just to get the gig.
Hi Roberto!, quick question, I am currently working in a company where we mostly do large format output, we use a wide variety of medias, so how can I portrait that on my portfolio when all the design is coming from agencies, my work is to prepare the files and double check resolution, size and color adjustment if needed. Also, I have to split the images in several panels when the surface to cover is bigger that 96 inches wide, I have to take in consideration overlapping, bleed and mullions if windows or/and doors are present. Any suggestions?, Thanks a lot!!!
Hey Roberto! I just finished first year in Graphic Design. Not exactly employable yet but I'm preparing myself for it. I have a question for you, is it a good idea to present the employer with an actual rationale of why we chose the elements of our design? Or would that be too boring and distracting?
Hi, great video. I am 16 and have a passion for graphic design. I've just finished my GCSE Graphic product coursework making a board game and am taking graphics next year for a level. Any ideas on how I can start my career and if it's to early? Also at what age should I get work experience ?
I am currently working on my portfolio. Soon I will be applying for web design based jobs and would like your opinion on pieces I can include? I feel that just showing website layouts may be too repetitive.
Hi Robert, thank you so much for uploading this video. One question I have is if I'm trying to apply to a various of up and coming businesses what type of work would it be appropriate of me to show them in-order to get hired. Just a varitan of the different type of work I've done?
I want to be a graphic designer but I don't know where to start. Do I need the Adobe Photoshop, illustrator, or another digital program that cost a lot of money? Can i use pencil and paper? Please help me I have no idea what I'm doing
most of my portfolio is from my college projects, and then where I had my internship and some logo design from 99designs, I also have some russian constructivism pieces.
Hey Roberto :) Great content. I have a question. Should I send my portfolio as pdf book to a employer, or could I send maybe my Tumbrl link with my artwork or will I look unprofessional with this choose?
Jacob Ferguson Getting into design school isn't hard or anything special. They are a business, it's as simple as writing them a check at this point, even if it shouldn't be. Making a portfolio is making a portfolio. School is there to help you polish your skills, simply make a portfolio that shows what level of ability and understanding you currently have.
+Makoto “Nagashima” Sekai For the most part yes. You would just implement slightly differently. In truth my videos on building a youtube channel and video marketing apply more to this and you could essentially reverse engineer my TH-cam channel strategies for that.
Roberto Blake i have a question: im 13 and i want to start on graphic design what should i do to practice or to learn graphic design i can draw logos but im not that amazing at drawing
I will hopefully be attending a Graphic Design course in September and I will hopefully have an interview for it soon, I will need to bring a portfolio with me but I am only good at making TH-cam Banners should I just put all my TH-cam banners in it or what should I do?
***** You should work on other projects. Translate that skill to doing social media campaigns for example and do some of those. Also don't limit yourself just because that is all you've done, find tutorials and learn to do other types of work. It will be hard for you to make a living or career just making TH-cam banners...
:D Wow, great advice as usual! One question though, for self-initiated projects could you get a made up request from someone else… For example: Here is my portfolio (Interviewer asks about project that was self-initiated and asks about the project), Well I wanted to create this (XYZ) campaign for the company (ABC), rather than act as the designer AND client I had a third party generate the request. I used that third parties’ request to create the…flyer, mailer, logo, ect. Am I just making more work for myself? I’d hate to waste the interviewer’s time with unnecessary drabble, but rather try to add credibility to my work. Thanks Roberto!
Teddi M. You could, but I would say it was a "pitch" they will understand that more easily. Even agencies include work they pitched that wasn't accepted.
Is it possible to get a job in graphic design without knowing how to code HTML and CSS? Every job I see requires these and I have no interest in them. I don't want to find a job that has coding if I hate it. What do you suggest here?
Thomas Darby Look for jobs more related to Print Advertising, Branding and Layout. There are still plenty of these jobs available. Also look into companies that actually have Art Departments, Art Directors and Creative Directors. If possible try and engage them and talk to them then ask their advice, then apply and let them know you're applying based on their advice and they will likely make sure you're application gets pulled. I will talk in another video about applying for Graphic Design jobs, though I've covered before multiple times. The game has always been networking... the internet just makes the research easier and the world smaller... most opportunities go to someone who was able to leverage a relationship at some point. The Cold Call Resume method is dead...
Thanks Roberto! because of this I just looked into a few videos on Adobe Muse and wow does it seem very easy to learn. I'm sure that it has a lot of complicated pieces to it, but overall after watching at 45:00 minute video, I understand how to make a solid website. I feel like Muse will be great doing jobs for freelance because I am not a developer and most customers won't understand if the code is clean or not anyway. Adobe Animate or edge animate looks pretty awesome as well because you can incorporate it into adobe Muse. Is Adobe Muse something that employers look for in possible employees? I wonder because every job posting I see, reads "needs to know html/css". I am not a developer! What is the best way around this to find a job. It's not that I am not interested in web design, I just can't get around disliking code. Thanks Roberto! You are the man and create awesome! Also if you wouldn't mind looking through my portfolio and giving me any feedback, that would be great. www.thomasdarbydesigns.com
about the including the process and stuff? is it really ok to include it in portfolio? i mean. I am really messy in terms of drafts and I'm not really into polishing things specially when its not yet finished :/
Hey there, could you please drop me the link to the video for the guys that have to start their portfolio from scratch? you meintioned that at the end of this video here. Thanks in advance.
So i got a interview with a job recruiter who said to me on the phone I would be a candidate for a junior designer agency position. I currently don't have enough funds to leave a portfolio behind I could only print one and show it but that would be it. Could I write down on a piece of paper my behance account where my portfolio is also there or print out a business card with a behance link on it what are your thoughts on how to go about this
Hi, I have had years of print production experience, I have not been employed as a designer. I have most experience in print... and have only just a few classes in web design with no real work experience .... Just wondering if I need a Website portfolio? I am kinda bummed out, cuz I have many years working in print production but I had no chance to develop my design skills.... especially in web...
You do in my opinion need a website portfolio to display some of your print work and market yourself for convenience. You don't need to be good at building websites to build a website portfolio you could just use something like Wix. robertoblake.com/wix
I get rather frustrated ...easily. I get started with websites... and I have used wordpress and Wix..and i made a blog.. but, I stop... I don't keep at it. And, I feel like I am more creative, but the computer hinders me a lot. I went to art school and studied fine art....so, its a bit harder for me now. I also do not like the WIX ads they have.. Just wondering if i use WIX, can i upgrade that side to remove all their lame ads? I actually really liked IWEB.. but it was so .template driven.. anyone could tell it was made using IWEB... but, for me... i liked it and it was easy to build a site.. fast. Unfortunately, web designers are all purists, and they say that the CODE that is written is crap.
Art Tucker II I'm not familiar with them. If they are a contest site I would say you could do the projects and not submit them if you don't want to give someone else that benefit without any guarantee of a return. On the otherhand if you are working on your portfolio and that is the main goal then and profiting would be a bonus, I can understand the appeal of that. So I'd say use your judgement, but the moment you don't feel it's worthwhile, stop.
I cover this in another video. I was an A student till about 15 when I realized (for me) investing time to earn grades was pointless because they were not helping me with my craft and I started making $200 on client work and home work felt like a distraction from my business. I don't necessarily recommend that mentality. if I had it to do over I probably would have found a way to focus on both but invested even more time and energy on my business and my design skills and just cut tv and video games out of my life and use track as my break from work. I could have leveraged school to get a scholarship instead of paying my way through college out of pocket by working, but I think that experience made me more humble, fiscally responsible and i have no student loan debt while making more than most of my peers. So I don't have any regrets about my choices since they got me to a place I'm very grateful to be in.
Thanks Roberto! I'm really glad you put this video together because I am a 2nd-year Graphic Design-Integrated Media student about to graduate in a semester or two and move on to my bachelor's degree. I also do fractal art and various forms of traditional art. I find your videos very relevant and chock-full of information as I am in the stage where I am really beginning to spread my wings by networking in the graphic design world through LinkedIn etc., volunteering, freelancing, and generally getting my work out there. I've been fortunate to do a lot of volunteer work for my college and have gone through an internship. Here's my portfolio so far, based on your feedback. bit.ly/1KwNezE and I will check out your video on how to make a digital portfolio in InDesign. I'm thinking of maybe not featuring as much fractal work but my fractals sell very well as large digital prints on canvas and I get occasional requests from writers and other designers to use the images in their work. Keep up the awesome videos-I am learning so much! And if you happen to have any feedback on my portfolio, please definitely let me know. I may include more self-initiated pieces or slim down the number of InDesign pieces because I'm more trained in the digital side versus the print side, but everyone I run into seems to want print pieces! But that's not what I want to do. My career path will see me getting my bachelor's degree and then training further and hopefully working my way up in the industry to become an art director or creative director. Wish me luck!
Great advice as usual. After a time of essentially aimless struggling, I am starting over as a designer - and these videos are very helpful for guiding the focus of my energy. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Glad to hear it. It can be challenging and a little guidance goes a long way. 😊
yes, David we have here a good teacher :) #dfxyzbs
Havn't you done a similar video already? for 2014 maybe? - because just yesterday i had a job interview in a big studio, they usually don't hire a lot of people, and they were blown away by my portfolio and how professional it was. I used all the advice in your old video :) so thank you for making those videos
I did a similar video but I get to some additional points in this video and address things I feel I didn't focus on. it also is the beginning of a small series of videos on portfolios I'm doing. Eventually I'll be putting out a 2-3 hour Video Guide on building portfolios.
Yeah i watched it and it was for sure not identical, just a few points i feel like where in the last one aswell.
***** Yeah. I try to keep the updates fresh and add as much new material and context as possible.
+Semper Fidelis can i see your portfolio for my reference? :)
CookieeMonstarr666 its on my website.
This man deserves much more views.
Thanks, its a new video so they will get there. Any new video ideas?
Indeed.
If you only knew how much these videos have helped me. I have a real passion and love for graphic design and its been a "long and trying" road. Especially trying to brand yourself and be consistent in a world full of talented and skillful designers, these videos have answered literally every question I've ever had or wondered...I appreciate you sharing such valuable knowledge bro. We're all somewhat indebted to you.
+E. Burnette Wow, that is a tremendous comment. Thank you so much for that. I hope I"ve made a real differene in your life. If you need me to cover other topics, let me know!
Thank you Roberto. I went through a period of depression as a Graphic Designer and am rebuilding my brand and portfolio. I've subscribed to your channel. Keep the awesome vids coming.
Thank you so much! I was a graduate of IT and we had mini subjects like Multimedia and all that and I know my passion is to create art and design so I am going for a job that inclines to my passion and I am making my own portfolio from scratch since I don't have any clients yet. This advice was really helpful thank you so much!!! :)
not a problem!
I really appreciate all that you're doing with these videos. Even though I am itching towards work in sound design and audio, the overall message your videos hit very close to home. Thank you!!
Thanks, I have a few video tutorials that should help, let me know what topics I can cover that will help you.
This is my first video of yours I'm viewing but certainly not the last. Just listening to this generated some serious thoughts and ideas of my own. Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to dive deeper into your video collection.
Thanks Joseph! I really hope it helps you out!
Nice Attack On Titan wallpaper.
Really enjoying this videos, very very helpful.
I agree that showing process sketches is crucial. Many people do not do them, so you will stand out with a well grounded creative process communicated with examples.
The "unfinished work" aspect was an actual question in my mind.
Very beneficial advice sir. Even though it's several years old.
An updated video on the topic of the industry's needs and desires in regards to graphic designers and what has changed since 2015 now that it's 2018.
Thanks for all that you have done and are still doing sir.
just wanted to say your videos are so helpful and well structured, keep it up!! just a random guy doing a cheap course for a college no ones ever heard of.
Lol thanks. Good luck
Great advice~! Your videos are incredibly helpful, especially for people who are just starting their career in graphic design and feel lost about the whole business. Keep up the fantastic work~!
Thanks, any questions or video suggestions?
Hey Roberto, you're hearing a lot from me today. Your videos are really good and very helpful. Spring semester over and I want to get something started now. I know I have a passion for music, especially jazz, so I'm filling my portfolio with jazz art. Show my work to a record company. Thanks again for your help.
cynthia story Awesome.
I finally assembled my first real pdf portfolio over the weekend. The advice you provide is always useful. I know they are specifically an ad agency looking for interns. So I did a little research on their social media to see the type of designs they already do. I tried blending some of the techniques they do with my own artwork, which is more illustration. I wanted to showcase my versatility in this case, but not just be a replica of what they already have. One thing I was rather proud of was designing a magazine style page showing my process for some concept work. Very ImagineFX inspired, and killed 2 birds with one stone.
That was very smart! Understanding who is going to look at the portfolio and what they are looking for is super important! Any other topics you want me to cover?
Roberto Blake In terms of topics, actually, I'm looking forward to the video you mentioned at the end about making a portfolio from scratch. Since I just experienced that, it would be cool to see you bounce some more ideas around, like you did for the design assignments. I found myself intimidated when making a portfolio because I didn't have true client work (besides things for myself and friends). I may agree with you that school work would make a boring/generic portfolio, but I was actually beating myself up a little for not having more real world oriented assignments (like brochures and movie posters one would make in school). It made me really think about how I could prove that I can put my skills to use from a business standpoint, rather than just a raw art stand point. While I did come up with some stuff as mentioned earlier, I look forward to more of your take on this in that video.
Thanks Roberto, I'm just finishing my portfolio and I never had one, but according to what you say I'm on the good way, I hope this could means I know how to do this job ;) Thanks for your tips, always very useful, greetings fom Italy.
Salvo Toro Thanks for watching!
I'm so happy I found this video! Thanks for the advice!
Nick Cruz Hope it helped!
As a young graphic designer I can agree with these tips!
What you said 3 years earlier is still okay for this year.
Thank you Roberto
It’s rooted in practicality, which usually ages well.
How many (pieces?) of work would you submit for a video editing job/internship? Also any people in the video editing field should I check out or know about?
dsomdah I wouldn't got with "pieces" so much as a reel and then some samples. I would at this point, put together a sizzle real with a 30 second version, 60 second version and a 2min 30 second version of my best work. I would then show samples of 1 Documentary style video 10 minutes or more, 2 interview style video work 4 minutes, 2-3 film style trailer 6--120 seconds, 3-5 commercials between 15 secs and 30 seconds, a VFX reel, and a motion graphics reel.
Great advice! Thank you for this video. It has really helped me think about designing my portfolio from a wider perspective.
Roberto Blake, I completely agree nice job!
Diante X Thanks!
This is a great Video! An Excellent advice for Graphic Designers who wants to update and make their Portfolio. thank you so much for uploading this video.
Super excited for your video on personal/passion/self initiated portfolio projects! Hope to see that soon! Thanks for all the great content you put out.
Thanks for watching!
Awesome video as usual. Great advice.
I just dont understand why would someone dislike this.
Nes Kristo Thanks, me neither, I just try not to take it personally. Some people just have nothing better to do are are petty.
Nice video! As always it was really helpful!
Javier Agüero Hidalgo Anything you want me to cover in more detail?
Like your advice about a portfolio for a Graphic Designer.
Thanks Thomas,
I have a problem with graphic design in general. I not too confident in my portfolio and my skills as a graphic designer. Often I get scared about showing off my work and worrying that it might not be good enough. This is why I haven't been able to gain a job or even an internship as a graphic designer. :(
Blue-Rayz3r D Well there's no substitute for practice. If you are very passionate about design then keep going, don't give up. On the other hand if you don't have a natural propensity for it then perhaps you should find something you do have a natural talent for. You should have a quiet confidence about your work, no one likes a show off but your passion and competence should come across through your work and through your presentation of it.
Love the update, and appreciate what you do. Question, do you think you can do another one of these but just a little bit more specific to web design/ web development?
I actually plan on it. Web Design has to be presented completely differently. Though there is some carry over. I also need to di one on how to build a web design portfolio from scratch to address the fact you can put together a robust portfolio for web design without a single client? Any other web design video suggestions?
Been enjoying and absorbing alot of helpfu and useful information from your channe. Thank you and keep it up! I just recently graduated and is very interested in the desig field. However, I do not have anything for my portfoli. Could you give me advice on what I should do and what I should be focusing on now as the interviewmight come randomlyat any give momen. Thanks ! aloof useful
Like the last tip, make a personal work for the I want to work on and be paid for. Good one and really didn't think about making that, and you right my professor told me to add 20 of my best works to portfolio but maybe I need more. what do you think about behance and dribbble? or its better in Adobe Indesign?
***** Both. I would say online places like Behance lead to great relationships critiques and opportunities, but InDesign will give you control over your presentations, so leverage both options appropriately.
Can you do a video on the different types of work or ways to categorize your work in your portfolio? For example, either branding, print, web, logos, etc.? I have seen many varieties ranging from the type of work to the media. Also, what should you categorize brochures as? Would this be web & print if used for both or layouts or catalogs? Thanks for your help!
In the future yes.
I have the same book that's on your desk! hahaha Another awesome video. Thanks!
So, so helpful! Much thanks from this very recent graduate!
+Edwina Marion Hope it helps give you perspective.
I love your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences
You give the best advice!
Thanks. Anything you want me to cover? Any design questions you feel deserve a video?
Really relevant with my situation right now. im confused with my portfolio
+Jhody Junaedi Be sure to make sure you check out some of my other stuff covering portfolios and how to put one together from scratch in Adobe InDesign
Great example of a graphic design portfolio!
Excellent advice. Roberto Blake
ReachConnectUpliftWomen Thanks!
Roberto Blake Absolutely!
Really liked this video. For me it was very helpful towards the end when you talk about self initiated work. One question for folks, like me, who took a break and are coming back, would you put some of the older stuff in your portfolio if it was really good? I am working on putting mostly new stuff in my portfolio but I have previous work that has won awards and was published but are more than 4 years old. What would be the best way to approach that kind of situation?
if it is your best work keep it in. I have older stuff in my portfolio too. It also may show that you're established rather than new!
Roberto Blake Thanks. Appreciate the advice. So will you ever revisit Illustrator? I see a lot of Photoshop and Lightroom but not a lot on Illustrator and Vector Art. Just something to add to the bucket list. I like vector portraits, abstract art, and logos.
Thank you. Great advise. Never thought that print portfolio would be a great idea.
+Wan Lee Tan Yep, Still a great way to present and still expected.
hye there.. Thanks share your tips. Its really helpful.. I love the way your idea.. I'm trying to apply a job.. Will used all your tips.. Thanks and my god bless you. Cheers! 😊
Missaisza90 Thanks for watching.
Thank you , that really helpful .
Taki Seghari thanks, No problem.
Hey Roberto, great content very helpful, I work as a Graphic Designer and over the years more of my work consists of individual items and I have never done something like a campaign, what would be the best way to showcase my work ? Should i create mockups of what I don't have or should i just show the stuff i have done categorically ?
Just watched the video till the end, now I know lol :D
I would say do both but in a way that allows you to tell a compelling story, half the interview is pitching in most cases. The work can speak for itself, but your voice matters too.
great advice!
yazo1 Thanks! Any questions?
Cool Vid! I would really be keen to see what programs/software you recommend for managing your freelance business. Not design software, more like accounting, time management or what ever systems you have in place to make life as an entrepreneur easier.
Travis Lima Yep I will have a video coming out on that eventually, probably Tools for Running a Freelance Business will be the title when I do it.
Awesome looking forward to it, great channel :)
Travis Lima Thanks!
Hey Rob, i just found your channel, and it's got some really great videos! i have a question for you that i am not sure that you may know about, but you are a very knowledgeable dude. I've been a graphic designer at an in-house marketing department for about three years now, i have a BFA in Illustration and ultimately would like to get into a comic studio of some sort. I've spoken to a few industry professionals and they say i should take a sequential art class to help develop the this portion of my ability. Now, my question to you is: Is there any online workshops sites out there that you know of? I know about CGMA, and they offer a lot of similar courses and workshops but nothing really geared for Comics. I was wondering if you had anything to offer on the topic. Sorry for the rando question! Thanks for anything you may be able to offer. :)
Roberto! You are awesome!
Sound advice. Thanks
+Zoltan Gaal sure no problem.
Hi Roberto, thanx again for a very helpful and informative video. What i would like to know is does an entire campaign or corporate identity count as one piece in your portfolio? Or does the logo, business card, t-shirt design, flyers, ect. for one particular project count as individual pieces?
Cassandra Lee I would say a campaign counts as an entire piece, I think of those in terms of projects. I have a 20 page portfolio but it showcases over 40 pieces of work. Because I don't worry about the "count", consider that most people mentally are not worried about how many images are on a page but are interpreting page count in terms of investing time looking at the book, but your volume of pieces collectively across the pages make up the "volume" and high volume of work shows experience. I'd say that 30 pages deep is a good limit to set yourself but I keep it around 20-25 but I'm putting together a larger version so that I can go 10-15 pages per design specialty: PRINT, Campaigns, Logo Designs, Branding, OOH & Signage, Digital, Product & Packaging , Typography, Illustration, Photo Manipulation and Digital Art. I'm also putting together individual books with 24 pages for each. This means that I have presentation flexibility. I don't necessarily recommend this starting out, but keep it in mind as you grow. Also find a way to incorporate that type of categorization into your web and mobile portfolios. I talk about his in my other portfolio videos.
This may be slightly off topic. I am designing my actual resume to stand out more, and I was wondering if you had any advice on the cover letter. What I am wondering is should I stick to the formal business letter standard and focus on content, or will re-creating the cover letter be even more help to stand out?
Melissa Rotunno I'd have to think about it, but I'll be honest, I feel like "cover letters are dead". I also feel cold resumes are dead. But I would say stick to the formal standard, but make the content of the letter interesting. Make the design of the resume a design piece, but infographic based, focused on conveying information in a smart way that makes it fast to read and understand and prioritize things.
Hi, Roberto, do you have any advice for new designers to find freelance jobs online? Are there any website for freelancer that you recommend? Or, do you suggest other methods?
Vanessa Du You can still start local and with small businesses and groups and family members. Online you should still start with people you have a relationship with or an online community you're a part of. Beyond that I recommend Elance, Guru, People Per Hour and Freelancer.
thank you so much for your advises :)
very helpful as always, thanks! :)
Thanks for watching. Do you have a new video request or a question?
I don't know if you've made a video about it already but do you have a few tips about what I can charge someone for freelance work (for example a full corporate deisgn) ? I tend to get so many different answers when I ask my friends. Thanks :)
nice video, thanks! subscribed :)
Hello Roberto, thank You for the video !
Question, beside showing the sketches and tell the concept, is it okay to show images from where I got the inspiration for the work (ex.logo design) ?
And also, I notice You have a Behance account but You seem not to give it much importance, dispite being one of the best web plataform to show You work and eventually get hired.
Cumps !
Pedro Almeida I would say that only showing your sketches and process is the way to go, not necessarily where you go inspiration, you can cover that in speaking about the design and it's fine, also avoids any issues of copyright etc.Yes I have a Behance account, but I don't give it much importance because of the other Social Media profiles that I give priority based on the Lead Generation they have successfully converted. In other words putting time where the money has come from... I eventually plan to be more active in Behance, not because I think it has value from a client/lead generation side (for me) but for the Social value of connecting with other Creatives. What I will specifically be focusing on doing there is putting up my Tutorial and Speed Art Videos there. I'm not hurting for clients, so I can take my time in developing a strategy to be more effective in Behance. Right now doubling down on TH-cam, the Publications I write for, getting back into magazines like Advanced Photoshop, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where I'm converting more is the priority.
Thank you very much! I stumbled upon you right on time. Where is the video about doing work from scratch?
Regency the when is it okay to use templates video
Hey, Roberto! First of all, I'm a big fan from Sydney Australia. I'm a part-time freelance UX designer and animator and your video helps me a lot. Just curious about what microphone you use for your videos as I can't seem to find one attached to your shirt. Thanks heaps!
I keep it out of frame so that people can't see it, it's a television trick that a lot of people don't bother with that creates the sense that you're watching a real show. I list all my gear over on robertoblake.com/resources.php
Also can u do a video where you show a good portfolio as an example and talk about it?
+Stuti Bajaj I'm considering a series in spring where I will be reviewing 30 portfolios in behance over the course of 30 days.
Do you know of any free software I could download to kind of like just mess around on or practice with? I am currently a senior in high school and have gained some interest in Graphic Design and would like to play around with it for a bit to see if its something i would really enjoy. Thank you! Your videos are both interesting a fun to watch!
Rodasio_ GIMP is the primary one, also Affinity has some free stuff, but I did a whole video on Free Graphic Design software last year, you should check that video out.
Roberto Blake oh cool! Thanks! I just discovered you today btw, I wasn't aware of that video yet. Again Thank you so much!
Hi Roberto, thanks for the video. Do you know how you would present a UX or UI design portfolio? Hopefully this question is not too much out of your expertise. Thanks and keep up the great videos!
Have an unrelated question, but what advice would you give when it comes to designing on a large scale and for complex objects. Examples are the side of a truck and a storage box. Would appreciate any info.
Lisa Doherty I would say learn the rules for scaling, usually 1inch equal 1foot. Get very precise about the mechanical specifications and get in touch with the printing company who does the actual wrappers or billboards and ask as many questions as possible. Also give yourself a lot of slack by making patterns or not going overboard on the design since you can't predict everything that will happen in this case. Play it safe, ride your margins. Also build in the possibility for mistakes into your fees and contracts. It's better to over charge for this sort of thing knowing you will have to do it over than to under charge and then eat a loss on it. This stuff is high stakes so don't low ball it just to get the gig.
Hmmm, alright. Thanks.
smart advice!
OxygenBeats Thanks for watching!
Hi Roberto!, quick question, I am currently working in a company where we mostly do large format output, we use a wide variety of medias, so how can I portrait that on my portfolio when all the design is coming from agencies, my work is to prepare the files and double check resolution, size and color adjustment if needed. Also, I have to split the images in several panels when the surface to cover is bigger that 96 inches wide, I have to take in consideration overlapping, bleed and mullions if windows or/and doors are present. Any suggestions?, Thanks a lot!!!
I would suggest photography in that instance, just like with someone who specialized in out of home advertising
Hey Roberto! I just finished first year in Graphic Design. Not exactly employable yet but I'm preparing myself for it. I have a question for you, is it a good idea to present the employer with an actual rationale of why we chose the elements of our design? Or would that be too boring and distracting?
Hi, great video. I am 16 and have a passion for graphic design. I've just finished my GCSE Graphic product coursework making a board game and am taking graphics next year for a level. Any ideas on how I can start my career and if it's to early? Also at what age should I get work experience ?
I am currently working on my portfolio. Soon I will be applying for web design based jobs and would like your opinion on pieces I can include? I feel that just showing website layouts may be too repetitive.
Hey Mr. Blake. Is it necessary to rip out the remaining pages that you're not using in your portfolio book once it's assembled or leave them in?
thank you for advice ^_^ if i'm done in my portfolio would you mind to look at it? ^_^
+bretjazs bermejo I only review portfolios via behance and with written permission to do it as a video on the channel.
+bretjazs bermejo Unless someone wants to do a paid consulting session with a mock interview which is something new I'm doing for people.
Hi Robert, thank you so much for uploading this video. One question I have is if I'm trying to apply to a various of up and coming businesses what type of work would it be appropriate of me to show them in-order to get hired. Just a varitan of the different type of work I've done?
I want to be a graphic designer but I don't know where to start. Do I need the Adobe Photoshop, illustrator, or another digital program that cost a lot of money? Can i use pencil and paper? Please help me I have no idea what I'm doing
photoshop, illustrator and indesign to start
there's a monthy subscription for the Adobe package which I think is reasonable, check it out :)
Hi Guys, what would be a good working spec for a laptop to run photshop illustrator and indesign. And do I need a dedicated graphics card?
affinity designer and photo
just get a macbook pro perfect for design
most of my portfolio is from my college projects, and then where I had my internship and some logo design from 99designs, I also have some russian constructivism pieces.
Steven Garrison Not bad, try expanding your range into branding based on the logo projects.
Hey Roberto :) Great content. I have a question. Should I send my portfolio as pdf book to a employer, or could I send maybe my Tumbrl link with my artwork or will I look unprofessional with this choose?
I'd say PDF because Tumblr can be distracting and you can't control comments.
Could you eventually make a video comparing, making a portfolio for getting into design school, and getting a job? Thx. ;)
Jacob Ferguson Getting into design school isn't hard or anything special. They are a business, it's as simple as writing them a check at this point, even if it shouldn't be. Making a portfolio is making a portfolio. School is there to help you polish your skills, simply make a portfolio that shows what level of ability and understanding you currently have.
all the things you covered in this video, does this apply to building the art portfolio or animation portfolio?
+Makoto “Nagashima” Sekai For the most part yes. You would just implement slightly differently. In truth my videos on building a youtube channel and video marketing apply more to this and you could essentially reverse engineer my TH-cam channel strategies for that.
thanks
Roberto Blake how do you send logo files to a client ?
Shawn Brezzy A 72DPI JPEG so they can't necessarily use it, once it has been approved and paid for, EPS, AI, SVG and PNG files in CMYK, RGB and B/W.
Roberto Blake i have a question: im 13 and i want to start on graphic design what should i do to practice or to learn graphic design i can draw logos but im not that amazing at drawing
lol ok but i dont really have money u no?
ok and like what i meant by drawing logo's i mean on paper lol so yea and i really want to figure out how to become a grahic designer
ok thanks
I will hopefully be attending a Graphic Design course in September and I will hopefully have an interview for it soon, I will need to bring a portfolio with me but I am only good at making TH-cam Banners should I just put all my TH-cam banners in it or what should I do?
***** You should work on other projects. Translate that skill to doing social media campaigns for example and do some of those. Also don't limit yourself just because that is all you've done, find tutorials and learn to do other types of work. It will be hard for you to make a living or career just making TH-cam banners...
Thats exactly what I taught I just wanted to hear some advice from a person truly talented in the profession, thanks alot man!
*****
No problem. Anytime.
I Appreciate it
is it sensible to include hand work in the portfolio like watercolor artworks,callygraphy etc?
+Stuti Bajaj As long as you present it well then yes.
I am just starting out in "graphic Design" for college...............Will I be able to work on animes in the future?
:D Wow, great advice as usual!
One question though, for self-initiated projects could you get a made up request from someone else…
For example: Here is my portfolio (Interviewer asks about project that was self-initiated and asks about the project), Well I wanted to create this (XYZ) campaign for the company (ABC), rather than act as the designer AND client I had a third party generate the request. I used that third parties’ request to create the…flyer, mailer, logo, ect.
Am I just making more work for myself? I’d hate to waste the interviewer’s time with unnecessary drabble, but rather try to add credibility to my work.
Thanks Roberto!
Teddi M. You could, but I would say it was a "pitch" they will understand that more easily. Even agencies include work they pitched that wasn't accepted.
Roberto Blake Ok, thanks!
Should i include my sketches & painting digital/traditional ?
If you feel they are relevant than yes or if they demonstrate that skill ans its marketable in the context of who you're showing it to.
Is it possible to get a job in graphic design without knowing how to code HTML and CSS? Every job I see requires these and I have no interest in them. I don't want to find a job that has coding if I hate it. What do you suggest here?
Thomas Darby Look for jobs more related to Print Advertising, Branding and Layout. There are still plenty of these jobs available. Also look into companies that actually have Art Departments, Art Directors and Creative Directors. If possible try and engage them and talk to them then ask their advice, then apply and let them know you're applying based on their advice and they will likely make sure you're application gets pulled. I will talk in another video about applying for Graphic Design jobs, though I've covered before multiple times. The game has always been networking... the internet just makes the research easier and the world smaller... most opportunities go to someone who was able to leverage a relationship at some point. The Cold Call Resume method is dead...
Thomas Darby also don't tell them you hate coding, tell them you're wiling to learn but that you have skills you feel are infinitely stronger....
Thanks Roberto! because of this I just looked into a few videos on Adobe Muse and wow does it seem very easy to learn. I'm sure that it has a lot of complicated pieces to it, but overall after watching at 45:00 minute video, I understand how to make a solid website. I feel like Muse will be great doing jobs for freelance because I am not a developer and most customers won't understand if the code is clean or not anyway. Adobe Animate or edge animate looks pretty awesome as well because you can incorporate it into adobe Muse. Is Adobe Muse something that employers look for in possible employees? I wonder because every job posting I see, reads "needs to know html/css". I am not a developer! What is the best way around this to find a job. It's not that I am not interested in web design, I just can't get around disliking code. Thanks Roberto! You are the man and create awesome! Also if you wouldn't mind looking through my portfolio and giving me any feedback, that would be great. www.thomasdarbydesigns.com
Mr Blake, do I need to copyright my printed portfolio and if so how do I do that
about the including the process and stuff? is it really ok to include it in portfolio? i mean. I am really messy in terms of drafts and I'm not really into polishing things specially when its not yet finished :/
Thank you
If I do not have a way to record my design process would it be best to show screenshots along the way and describe each shot?
Hey there, could you please drop me the link to the video for the guys that have to start their portfolio from scratch? you meintioned that at the end of this video here. Thanks in advance.
how do I get my designs printed professionally? or do I print myself?that's where Im confused.
Thats funny, I'm working on a print/digital portfolio while watching this.
Zaybion Hart I hope this video is helping you with that!
So i got a interview with a job recruiter who said to me on the phone I would be a candidate for a junior designer agency position. I currently don't have enough funds to leave a portfolio behind I could only print one and show it but that would be it. Could I write down on a piece of paper my behance account where my portfolio is also there or print out a business card with a behance link on it what are your thoughts on how to go about this
Make and email a PDF sending a Behance portfolio or writing it down or telling them about your financial situation is unprofessional.
great idea ill email the portfolio after the interview thanks alot
any suggestions on making an unique portfolio? teach was like your wasting your time here if you turn in a black album or printed book :)
Kevfactor It really depends on who you are going to be showing it to and what work you are trying to get.
If I do not have a way to record my design process would it be best to take screenshots of my process along the way and describe each step?
There are a ton of free ways for you to do this, if you are working digitally download OBS for free and record that way.
Hi,
I have had years of print production experience, I have not been employed as a designer. I have most experience in print... and have only just a few classes in web design with no real work experience .... Just wondering if I need a Website portfolio? I am kinda bummed out, cuz I have many years working in print production but I had no chance to develop my design skills.... especially in web...
You do in my opinion need a website portfolio to display some of your print work and market yourself for convenience. You don't need to be good at building websites to build a website portfolio you could just use something like Wix. robertoblake.com/wix
I get rather frustrated ...easily. I get started with websites... and I have used wordpress and Wix..and i made a blog.. but, I stop... I don't keep at it. And, I feel like I am more creative, but the computer hinders me a lot.
I went to art school and studied fine art....so, its a bit harder for me now. I also do not like the WIX ads they have.. Just wondering if i use WIX, can i upgrade that side to remove all their lame ads? I actually really liked IWEB.. but it was so .template driven.. anyone could tell it was made using IWEB... but, for me... i liked it and it was easy to build a site.. fast.
Unfortunately, web designers are all purists, and they say that the CODE that is written is crap.
I'm trying to create my own wix portfolio and was wondering what type of work I should be putting in my graphic design portfolio ?
+Mr PumperKnuckles I already referenced that in this and other portfolio videos.
+Roberto Blake thank you!
Can you make a video with your portfolio?
Maybe, I went through it a bit I my how to design a print portfolio video
Is it a good idea to use projects from sites like TalentHouse to help build a portfolio or should they be avoided ?
Art Tucker II I'm not familiar with them. If they are a contest site I would say you could do the projects and not submit them if you don't want to give someone else that benefit without any guarantee of a return. On the otherhand if you are working on your portfolio and that is the main goal then and profiting would be a bonus, I can understand the appeal of that. So I'd say use your judgement, but the moment you don't feel it's worthwhile, stop.
Hey Roberto, random question out of the blue, but did you get good or bad grades in high school? I'm just curious to know. :P
I cover this in another video. I was an A student till about 15 when I realized (for me) investing time to earn grades was pointless because they were not helping me with my craft and I started making $200 on client work and home work felt like a distraction from my business. I don't necessarily recommend that mentality. if I had it to do over I probably would have found a way to focus on both but invested even more time and energy on my business and my design skills and just cut tv and video games out of my life and use track as my break from work. I could have leveraged school to get a scholarship instead of paying my way through college out of pocket by working, but I think that experience made me more humble, fiscally responsible and i have no student loan debt while making more than most of my peers. So I don't have any regrets about my choices since they got me to a place I'm very grateful to be in.
That's great insight, thanks!
Im currently in highschool and i was wondering what i should be putting in my portfolio plz helpp
Thanks Roberto! I'm really glad you put this video together because I am a 2nd-year Graphic Design-Integrated Media student about to graduate in a semester or two and move on to my bachelor's degree. I also do fractal art and various forms of traditional art. I find your videos very relevant and chock-full of information as I am in the stage where I am really beginning to spread my wings by networking in the graphic design world through LinkedIn etc., volunteering, freelancing, and generally getting my work out there. I've been fortunate to do a lot of volunteer work for my college and have gone through an internship. Here's my portfolio so far, based on your feedback. bit.ly/1KwNezE and I will check out your video on how to make a digital portfolio in InDesign. I'm thinking of maybe not featuring as much fractal work but my fractals sell very well as large digital prints on canvas and I get occasional requests from writers and other designers to use the images in their work. Keep up the awesome videos-I am learning so much! And if you happen to have any feedback on my portfolio, please definitely let me know. I may include more self-initiated pieces or slim down the number of InDesign pieces because I'm more trained in the digital side versus the print side, but everyone I run into seems to want print pieces! But that's not what I want to do. My career path will see me getting my bachelor's degree and then training further and hopefully working my way up in the industry to become an art director or creative director. Wish me luck!