How to successfully make a portfolio?

This is the essential step to join a design school: the portfolio. During the admission interview, this book is regularly requested to get an overview of your creative skills. Here are our tips to help you put it together.

What does a portfolio contain?

A portfolio brings together creative productions in various forms : drawings, paintings, collages, photographs, typography, etc. The selected projects may be from professional, personal or school-based productions.

Choose projects from your portfolio 

The first step in creating your portfolio is to select your work , both professional and/or personal (provided it's relevant and well-executed). This selection can be based on how much you enjoyed creating a particular project, the positive feedback you received, or the story behind it. Some projects may serve different purposes: showcasing a skill , expressing a unique style, or sharing a specific theme that defines you.

Show your creativity

Your portfolio should reflect your creativity and be a true representation of you. It should convey your inspirations, your influences , and highlight your cultural curiosity. The quality of the selection is therefore crucial in showcasing different facets of your creativity. Around ten pieces is a good starting point to give a glimpse into your artistic world.

How to present your portfolio?

For a smooth reading experience and a better understanding of your portfolio, it's important to organize your work into several categories or project types. This creates coherence between them. We recommend adding a brief description of each project (subject, date, client, etc.) which will serve as a basis for your presentation during interviews and as information for the school.

The formatting of your portfolio shouldn't overshadow its content, but a touch of originality can help you stand out . A layout that reflects your creativity is always appreciated. If you're lacking inspiration, it's best to opt for a clean, minimalist design that will showcase your work without detracting from its message.

How to develop your portfolio?

A portfolio is something you work on and it evolves over time . It also showcases your involvement in personal creative projects. The more you produce, the more potential projects you'll have to present. Simply compiling your work from the past few years isn't enough to create a portfolio. A portfolio is carefully curated, represents your growth , and has a logical flow between the projects.