7 Tips For Creating a Print-Based Design Portfolio

This is a bold statement, but building a portfolio is quite tricky because everyone seems to have a differing opinion on how it should be done. Building a portfolio is about showcasing your work and therefore, it should be an expression of your personality and design style.

Most online articles tend to offer advice on just web-based portfolios. I’ve found that information addressing print portfolios is sorely lacking even though many design programs still require them to graduate.

Though PDF and web-based portfolios are becoming more acceptable, I still believe that nothing takes the place of a well-executed print portfolio that a potential client or employer can physically hold and flip through during a meeting.

What steps can you take to make your print portfolio your absolute best?


Get as much professional work in your portfolio as soon as possible. It’s never too early to start seeking freelance clients. As soon as you feel comfortable with your skill level, hit the pavement. I did a massive magazine project a year before I went to school for design and landed a freelance job from Virgin Records in my second semester. The work gained from these two clients helped me get my first internship.

I’ve now been out of school for about a year and in that time, I have replaced nearly every class-initiated project with client work. Showcasing client work in your portfolio projects a level of expertise and professionalism. It demonstrates that you are able to work in the real world with companies who have actual deadlines and budgets. Client work implies that you can handle feedback on your work while delivering solid results.


Invest in a format that you’re passionate about. Most designers stick with a standard portfolio cover and fill their ‘book’ with printed pages of work but I’ve heard of others who create a set of cards (with their work mounted on heavyweight paper) and some even take it a step further, designing handmade books. Custom-made cases and personalized portfolio covers are also legitimate options. The sky’s the limit.

For the last year, I’ve been using a white glossy acrylic 11 x 17 portfolio cover from Office and I absolutely love it. The simplicity, durability and expandability all played prominently into my decision to go with this format.

No matter your concept, keep in mind that your interviewer usually has a limited amount of time. Don’t make your portfolio so complicated that it becomes a nuissance. Remember that the overall goal is to keep the focus firmly on your work.


Limit the number of projects that you choose to showcase. There is varying feedback on the maximum number of pieces that should be included in a print portfolio and many designers are encouraged show no more than 6 to 10 of their best projects. I usually try to keep the number as close to 10 as possible but I am not afraid to go over this amount if I feel that a project is a must-see (though, it should be noted that most of my projects take up only one page).

If you keep your descriptions short and concise when showing your book and flip through at a consistent pace, a potential employer usually won’t mind a few extra projects (as long as they’re good). Test yourself: can you flip through your book and describe each project in a total of 10 to 15 minutes? If not, revise.

As you gain more clients and a wider variety of work, it becomes harder to narrow down the amount of pieces that you feel are worthy of inclusion. Just use common sense and don’t go overboard; I’ve seen student portfolios that had upwards of 40 pages!

If you haven’t had many actual clients yet, it’s okay to take on low paying or even unpaid projects in areas that you need work in to fill out your portfolio.


Simple Layouts are Good. When you’re building your first portfolio, it’s understandable that you’ll want to show off how awesome your work is. But, I suggest that you keep the focus on the actual work, not on the portfolio.

These pages are from my 11 x 17 print portfolio. An emphasis is placed on typography in the opening pages since this is one of my main interests but the page layouts of work are always white with descriptions limited to a few sentences at the bottom.

The pieces that you’ve chosen to showcase should speak for themselves; keep flourishes, gradients, drop shadows, patterned backgrounds and textures to a minimum.


Create an order that works for you. This is another area where everyone has a differing opinion but you really have to weigh what’s right for your needs; go with your gut instinct. Creating an order usually begins with selecting two of your strongest pieces to begin and end with. The middle should be ordered in a way that creates an interesting mix through varying color schemes, styles and formats.

Though, when building a portfolio, don’t be afraid to break the rules. A few months back, I had a meeting with a designer that I really admire. She had some interesting advice about how a portfolio should create a vision. Her idea revolved around beginning with flat, 2-D based work (such as print design and logos) building to interactive, web-based work and ending with 3-D based work (packaging design, retail displays, etc.) Though this advice won’t necessarily work for everyone, it’s always interesting to hear a new perspective.

Get feedback. Before taking your portfolio out into the world for interviews and client meetings, have a handful of people that you trust flip through it and ask for honest (yet constructive) feedback. Though, this is where your gut feeling comes into play once again.

I’ve had reviews on the same day where one professional offered me work on the spot while another had a laundry list of changes that I should make. You know your work better than anyone else so it’s up to you to decide which feedback you should take (and leave).


Accept that your portfolio is never really finished. Think of your portfolio as a constant work in progress. There is always something that can be improved upon, even if it’s freshly printed. In the last three months alone, I’ve made three rounds of revisions.

Once you have a solid layout and order of work that you’re proud of, the updates come much more easily. Consistently add in new client work, self-initiated projects that show off a new skill set, projects that you’ve reworked, updated (improved) product photos and refined descriptions.

In Closing. Everyone will have an opinion about your portfolio but it’s up to you to filter this information and then do what suits your work best. When you walk into a room for an interview, your confidence about what you’ve created has to shine through. A portfolio is about your vision as a designer, not anyone else’s.

We can be our own worst critics and feel that our portfolios are never good enough. But in truth, as a designer, your job is never finished. Even when you hand a final project over to a client for approval, you’re probably still making changes in your mind, questioning what you could have improved upon. A portfolio can be the same way but at some point, you have to learn to let go.

You have to accept your portfolio for what it is while having a vision of what it will (eventually) be. Take a deep breath and let it venture out into the world, for better or worse. As you grow, it has the potential to grow with you. Each project, each internship, each job should be viewed as a stepping stone to an even better portfolio.


Portfolio Resources.

Office has an amazingly comprehensive website of portfolio options. My personal favorites are by Pina Zangaro. They even have portfolio covers in bamboo!

• Bryony and Armin of Under Consideration are working on a book all about portfolios!!!

They recently announced that “For our next big project we have decided to focus on a subject that is the cause of both stress and excitement for want-to-be-employees and employers: Portfolios. The book will explore best practices in putting the physical portfolio together — not the work itself — and achieving the best presentation possible. The book will feature case studies of portfolios as well as insight from people that review portfolios about what they expect as well as insight from those presenting.”

• Mark Bowley has penned an excellent article on preparing and talking about your design portfolio.

• I never get tired of reading Michael Beirut’s May I Show You My Portfolio? in which he gives us a peek at the actual contents of his portfolio, circa 1979. Good stuff.


Your Turn: If you’re a designer, do you have a print portfolio? What format do you use? How many pieces have you included?




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153 People have left comments on this post



» yujean said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 10:07:04 }

this is a wonderfully helpful & informative article, & especially relevant for me as i’m redesigning my portfolio. :)

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» KENEDIK said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 11:07:46 }

Great Post. Forwarding to students world-wide.

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» Shini said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 03:07:37 }

WONDERFULTASTIC, this is exactly why I love you, brilliant and useful advices.. <3

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» Holly said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 03:07:51 }

Did you read my mind? Thank you so much; I am starting my student portfolio today! Your timing couldn’t be better. Fantastic article :)

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» Alice said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 04:07:38 }

Whenever I consider making a print portfolio, I can never figure out how I could include short films and motion graphics – not my main medium but an important part of my work.

Also, about the feedback, when I was looking for an internship, I was told by one designer to take a book out of my (web) portfolio. I started questioning whether the book belonged in my portfolio and didn’t take it to another interview. The designer there asked me why I didn’t have it with me, because she saw it at my website, and really liked it. Stupid!

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» Bridgette said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 05:07:48 }

I have a question about organizing a portfolio. I’m into a lot of different mediums in art such as graphite, watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, graphic design and even photography. If I’m going to make a portfolio for college appilication how can I organize it so it doesn’t look a jumbled mess of different thinking? I need advice! Thanks!

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» Conchita said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 10:07:33 }

Thank you so much for posting this! I’m considering of making a print portf and it is really challenging…
Any rec for what pieces to put if I want to work in the fashion industry (i’m focusing on graphic design) Thanks!

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» Hamzawy said: { Jul 27, 2009 - 11:07:09 }

I love your timing Nubby! I’m in progress of designing my first portfolio.

I got 2 questions,

What type of paper and print method used for your portfolio?

What Type did you go with for descriptions and headings? or what do you suggest?

Thank you!

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» Luinae said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 01:07:10 }

Thank you so much! Very helpful and detailed.

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» caitlin said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 04:07:50 }

do you have any tips about getting your portfolio printed? i have no idea where to go.

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» Nubby said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 07:07:37 }

Alice: Have you tried screen shots organized in a grid format?

I think that everyone has had a similar experience at some point when showing their portfolio and that’s why your gut instinct comes in handy; you know your work better than anyone else.

Bridgette: Can you photograph or scan the pieces and then organize them by category? I applied to a community college so my experience was probably quite different than yours will be.

Conchita: I don’t have any experience with the fashion industry so I’m probably not the best person to ask.

Hamzawy: I use a slightly heavier weight paper so that it doesn’t crease when I’m inserting my pages and a standard laser printer. Type is a personal preference; there are many options that will work!

caitlin: It depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget is. I usually just go to FedEX / Kinko’s.

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» ralukas said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 12:07:39 }

Great Portfolio! I had to go through several layouts before I finally got one right. When you know, you know! Are you a fan of Herb Lubalin? If so, I can see some of his influence.

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» Naomi Rose said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 02:07:22 }

Have you ever read The Cheese Monkeys? Chip Kidd wrote it, I think you’d like it.

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» caitlin said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 02:07:06 }

do you find the quality from kinkos good enough? when i was in school i had an nice inkjet, but it was too big for me to take to nyc and i am hoping to replicate that quality.

also, do you use the plastic sleeves?

i bought a Pina Zangaro portfolio (one of the wood ones) so i could easily add pages as i got experience/projects and i hate how the shiny plastic sleeves look.

sorry for so many questions. i am trying to put together my first post college portfolio and i miss the guidance that school offered.

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» Lisa Valley said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 02:07:09 }

I use a Pina Zangaro metal suit case for my portfolio. I like this best because I fill it with actual 3D designs, direct mail pieces (things people like to touch and feel). And I create 11×17 layouts like are shown above, mounted to presentation black board for other design work. One thing I always bring to every interview is a leave behind. I usually make books by hand, and size down the 11×17 layouts into the book format so the interviewer can remember my work after my interview is over.

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» Nubby said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 05:07:01 }

Naomi Rose: I have not; will have to check it out.

caitlin: I do find the quality to be okay because I request a heavier paper. I don’t have access to an oversize printer at home so this is my only option.

I use the plastic sleeves because I like the ease of changing out my work. I was afraid of using the self-adhesive page edges because if they aren’t applied perfectly even, the outcome is sloppy looking.

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» Nubby said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 05:07:25 }

Lisa Valley: Thanks for sharing your method for your portfolio; I am just experimenting with doing portfolio books now.

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» Lauren said: { Jul 28, 2009 - 08:07:44 }

Thanks Nubby, a great artical! Im an Interior Architect and am currently ‘refreshing’ my portfolio…fantastic timing and some very helpful tips! ♥ your blog.

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» Naomi Rose said: { Jul 29, 2009 - 02:07:38 }

It’s a novel written by a graphic designer about people in college studying graphic design…amazing!

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» Nubby said: { Jul 29, 2009 - 08:07:44 }

ralukas: I’m glad that you can see some sort of inspirational reference of Lubalin’s; he is my favorite graphic designer of all time!

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» Shauna said: { Jul 29, 2009 - 11:07:24 }

Ooh good timing and useful info!
I have been modifying and reducing the amount in my portfolio today, I’m hoping to get some work experience soon.

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» Rick Letford said: { Jul 29, 2009 - 01:07:54 }

This is a fantastic article, I am also extremely passionate about printed portfolios.
I have just graduated with one years placement under my belt… your tricks and tips will be truely noted!
Thanx

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» Michelle said: { Aug 5, 2009 - 04:08:54 }

Im assuming you are the creator of those incredible fonts you use throughout your portfolio. I am a business owner/typography lover and am looking into getting a custom font created for our brand but have no idea where to start! Should I look into a designer or a firm or an online company to create one? Generally speaking, how much am I going to expect to spend? Any info would be helpful!!!

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» Jade said: { Aug 7, 2009 - 03:08:35 }

Heya

Im a student looking at putting a portfolio together now- I am amazed at the quality and layouts of your work and just wanted to question how it is that you got the website design onto the mac screen the in the example you showed. i think that is so good looking!!!

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» Jade said: { Aug 7, 2009 - 04:08:28 }

Also- i forgot to ask I have journalism and photography qualifications as well and am looking to compile one portfolio for interviews.

How many design articles do you think i should have? Is 10 still ok or would i be better off dropping it down to say 6?

Anyone have any thoughts?

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» Nubby said: { Aug 7, 2009 - 12:08:46 }

Jade: The number I listed was based on advice that I was given specifically about a graphic-design-based portfolio so yours might require a different amount.

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» Tim Walford said: { Aug 28, 2009 - 12:08:40 }

I am putting together an up to date portfolio having been thrown back into the job market (damn recession) and am torn between doing something similar to yours with a Pina Zangaro folder or putting together a box with pieces of work mounted on board. Its sooo hard to choose.

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» jay said: { Aug 31, 2009 - 04:08:42 }

just wondering- do you present your portfolio one sided or do you put your layouts back to back?

Thanks.

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» Aaron said: { Sep 5, 2009 - 12:09:22 }

Been enjoying a few of your self-marketing posts this morning until I came across #3 above: “it’s okay to take on low paying or even unpaid projects in areas that you need work in to fill out your portfolio.”

I cant object enough for encouraging your (obviously many) followers to undercut the local competition by working for free. This advice tries to help individual designers at the expense of the field/profession and is one of those self-interested dilemmas that could inevitably turn design into a demanding, expensive hobby.

In the city I live in the vast majority of clients (that dont already get free design from the Weekly) use this “build your portfolio” nonsense — even with agencies. This work-for-free mentality may work for the art school types that have enough loan or parent money to get to enjoy the luxury of an internship but in the real world its far from acceptable or even feasible. Show me one single plumber that’ll snake your sump “for his book” and I’ll reconsider my opinion.

Otherwise, I appreciate your positive and helpful info … just please try to be more considerate of those of us already in the trenches.

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» Nubby said: { Sep 5, 2009 - 12:09:46 }

Aaron: I completely understand where you’re coming from. I should have clarified better that what I was specifically referring to instances where if you don’t have anything to show in an area, you have to build it up before the good paying jobs start rolling in. For example, I had to take on a few very low paying web jobs to build my skill set and portfolio before corporations began clamoring for those specific services.

I graduated barely over a year ago and still have gaps in my portfolio. And until those are filled in, it’s hard to get top dollar in specific areas. I don’t recommend this approach for designers of your level. Established designers have no reason to take this approach.

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» Aaron said: { Sep 5, 2009 - 11:09:38 }

Thanks Nubby. Unfortunately, the ability to have opportunities that arent unpaid get smaller and smaller the more new designers step in to offer free services. And its not out of fear of not being as good as the next guy up at the plate, its out of fear of not being able to compete with free.

I think it would be better to encourage self-initiated projects rather than giving not-for-profit design services to for-profit clients.

I do see your point though, in that, at the very least, if a designer isnt getting paid, they should be able to make up for it in creative license and pride of ownership. (Its almost a continuum … tons of cash and no creative control vs. no cash and 100% control.) But unfortunately that’s a pretty big “should” — a lot of “free” clients don’t see it that way and turn a designer into “the guy with the computer.” No one should have to work for free AND use Courier.

I learned my lesson by doing free design for a band that got more and more popular, and got onto larger labels with budgets. When I wanted payment for the third one (3 weeks of sitting with them every night for 3-6 hours as they dictated my every click), I was told I was being paid by being able to hang out with them, and if that wasnt enough, they could find someone that it was. They left for a national stadium tour and I havent seen them since and they’ve never “hired” me again.

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» lindsay said: { Sep 8, 2009 - 05:09:53 }

I LOVE your blog, and you are very talented, but I do have to agree with Aaron on this.

NO designer should take on projects at a value any less than the going rate because he is right, there is no way to compete with free. So, for instance, there is a Bodega down the street that wants a new logo, but that can not afford one. This project can and should be done by a freelance artist who is trying to build their portfolio, but it should NEVER be done for free. When you do these “little” projects for free, you are telling all of these other “small businesses” that design is not valuable at their level and they should not have to pay for it.

my portfolio is a mish mosh of large businesses and small businesses. It is much MUCH harder to explain to a small business why they should pay what a charge for an identity because there are students out there doing it for free. Its not until they see my full portfolio of work and the “student’s” portfolio of work when they somewhat “get it”

FREE WORK is for non-profit organizations or self initiated projects. There are PLEANTY of “games” out there for designers where, if you arent comfortable with briefing yourself, you can engage and join in on the fun. Join a graphic design forum and there will definitely be a forum to create a logo for a fictitious company thread that can easily fill your portfolio WITHOUT undercutting the rest of the community.

You should get the “Graphic Artists Guilds” Practices for Ethical Pricing book. there is a LOT of good arguments against the “free work for portfolio building” train of thought.

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» lindsay said: { Sep 8, 2009 - 09:09:39 }

Oh yea.. and I have another question.. Where did you get the picture of the imac? all the ones I have found were cheesy “knock offs” or had the apple blurred. I’d take my own photo, but im a tad on a tight schedule.

I know that people with an apple developers license will get them.. but that costs $400 for something I will never use

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» jess said: { Sep 14, 2009 - 02:09:54 }

thankyou so much for this article. it really hits home.

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» Eva said: { Sep 23, 2009 - 11:09:35 }

Thank you so much for this insightful article, I am a second year Graphic Design student at a local community college and am also creating my first portfolio to use for transferring. This will definitely start me off in the right direction.

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» Harry B said: { Oct 6, 2009 - 06:10:41 }

Thanks for the post, really informative…

I totally agree about the lack of info about Print Portfolios – all seems to be about online at the minute.

HB

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» neha said: { Oct 24, 2009 - 12:10:10 }

thanx alot 4 ur help.Amazingly hv explained this.

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» Megan said: { Nov 18, 2009 - 12:11:04 }

Thank you for this post! This is probably one of the best articles on putting together a portfolio that I’ve read. *Bookmarking*

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» immindyawaito said: { Nov 25, 2009 - 05:11:12 }

Credit you representing details. It helped me in my responsibility

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» Maicon Sobczak said: { Jan 18, 2010 - 04:01:58 }

I’m creating my print portfolio and this tips is really valuable.

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» Anything Graphic said: { Jan 19, 2010 - 09:01:05 }

Great post! I now have a date set to start my print portfolio… Thanks.

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» Amanda Foster said: { Jan 27, 2010 - 10:01:18 }

Another great article! I have been out of school for a few years now, and have been doing inhouse design for 2 different companies. I am in the process of redoing my portfolio to start focusing on freelancing. I’ve run into the problem while presenting my portfolio in the past of having too many school projects, and not enough real designs. Same with my online portfolio, which is much larger.

Instead of taking on free or low paying jobs from strangers, I’ve been proactively talking to family and close friends, to design items for them. For example, my brother has a contracting business and needs business cards. Well do make it a portfolio piece for a real company, I’m pushing it much further and doing a whole identity for him. He may not use it all, but at least I have a piece for my portfolio that is from a true company.

Right after school I contacted, and went to see about 6 different agencies / designers for them to review my portfolio for me, and give me advice. It’s a great way to learn a lot, and you quickly see what pieces need to be replaced. Everyone I contacted was more then happy to help me out with it.

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» Dane said: { Feb 19, 2010 - 09:02:29 }

I don’t often find an occasion to comment on a blog about portfolio design, but as a print graphic designer swimming amongst a sea of increasing attention on web/interactive design, I have to say that I love this post. Some truly great tips for someone looking to revamp his book. Thank you for this.

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» Tony said: { Mar 15, 2010 - 11:03:30 }

Hey I had a question about your portfolio book. I was unsure whether or not the book is set up to be viewed as page spreads with little seam in between. I followed much of your design advice and could not seem to find any pictures that would tell me. Thanks so much for your time in helping others and your work is amazing!

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» Nubby said: { Mar 15, 2010 - 11:03:15 }

Tony: I set my portfolio up as single pages; no spreads.

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» Elísa said: { Apr 12, 2010 - 07:04:33 }

Thank you SO much!!! You have been a huge help!!!
Thanks to your article I managed to make the portfolio design a stress-free event!

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» Palawan Hotels said: { Aug 16, 2010 - 09:08:57 }

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» knistiall said: { Aug 30, 2010 - 07:08:19 }

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» Ciera said: { Oct 21, 2010 - 06:10:27 }

I am in the process of updating my print portfolio for when I move from New Orleans to Boston in December. I just received my Pina Zangaro Presentation Book that ordered! Instead of designing my pages and printing them out, I am going to put my actual printed samples into my portfolio. I would like people to be able to pull out the actual samples and flip through them. I think the items might slide around a bit but it seems like the best way for me to present my work. Any suggestions?

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» Nubby said: { Oct 29, 2010 - 04:10:13 }

Ciera: Personally, I prefer to design the layouts for my portfolio book and then have a sample of the actual finished product ready to hand over when the reviewer gets to that particular page. Having the actual product in the book can make the pages cumbersome and they may slide around.

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» Eric said: { Nov 20, 2010 - 11:11:25 }

Great post! After scouring the internet for good, concise advice on portfolio book design, I finally arrived here. Thanks for showing your own book; I’ll be showing a physical portfolio for the first time next week in an interview, and it’s very helpful to see a fully realized example here.

Also, I’m glad to see another Pina Zangaro book – I just purchased one!

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» neha agarwal said: { Nov 23, 2010 - 07:11:24 }

Thanks so much… been of great help… im due to create and submit my print portfolio next week.. for uni work….!!! finally have some direction to head toward…!!!

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» Natalie said: { Feb 7, 2011 - 05:02:03 }

Thanks for the advice in this article, it’s motivated me into starting mine! I’ll take note and hopefully end up with a beautiful portfolio of work :)

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» noblefanispul said: { Mar 20, 2011 - 04:03:09 }

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» Eric Kelly said: { May 7, 2011 - 09:05:00 }

I was wondering how you deal with using screenshots of web design projects while designing for print. I’m trying to design my print-based portfolio and I figured that since it’s going to be printed I should design at 300 dpi (also using an 11 x 17) but am having trouble getting the screenshots of my web projects to be large enough on the pages. Should I not be shooting for 300 dpi?

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Nubby Reply:

Eric Kelly: You can use a program like Paparazzi to get a decent sized screen shot and then upres it in Photoshop (I’d try for at least 150 DPI if possible). Most of the time web examples aren’t shown at a huge size anyway since they’re usually in a sequence so if you can get a good screencap you should be fine.

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» Adnan@EU Software Solutions said: { Jul 9, 2011 - 08:07:56 }

Indeed very enlightening article. Thank you. I have been searching for a template I could use to make print portfolio that I can show to my clients of my web design work. Do you have any useful resources for that?

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Nubby Reply:

Adnan: For the most part, since a portfolio is a presentation that shows your strengths as a designer, it’s usually assumed that you’d create your own template.

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» Stephanie said: { Jul 26, 2011 - 10:07:30 }

Very helpful. Thanks!

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» mai said: { Aug 6, 2011 - 11:08:07 }

Hello,

Great article. Thank you.

I was wondering for the first page of “Nubbytwiglet.com” corporate identity of your portfolio. Did you use product shots? as in photography to bring about the folded leaflet and CD..ect? or did you scan them?

Thanks

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Nubby Reply:

mai: I always use templates so that I can make sure the shadows, etc. are consistent throughout my portfolio.

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Jason Reply:

Nubby,

Your work is amazing! Will you marry me? Wait, I’m already married.

I was wondering the same as Mai. Would you mind sharing a bit more about about your process? Thanks

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» mai said: { Aug 9, 2011 - 10:08:52 }

Thank you for your response.

Do you know of any templates resources for showing the work in clean dimensional context? I mainly design everything myself & rely either on screenshots or scans. And I agree that there’s nothing quite like a printed portfolio :)

Thanks!

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» Lindsay said: { Aug 16, 2011 - 12:08:12 }

Very helpful article! Well written and thank you for showing visuals of your portfolio. Very inspiring!

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» Tyler said: { Aug 18, 2011 - 07:08:43 }

Hey! Love the article, I am doing a printed portfolio at the moment and was wondering what you put in the description? Could you send me a couple bigger images by any chance? I am having trouble writing the description but feel it is great when left at an office for the client to go back and read.

Thank you!! :)

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» Johnny H said: { Aug 20, 2011 - 03:08:29 }

Hi there, I’ve stumbled upon your website looking for researching portfolio resources. I must say your website is definitely something i will be checking everyday now! This article is pretty good, and since i need to build my portfolio as well now this will come in handy. I too am in the Graphic Design field, and will be graduating soon. One of the things required, is a Leave-Behind. I’ve been told to base your Leave-behind on whatever you want to get into. I’ve really enjoyed doing Branding and Corporate Identity work, so i would have to base my leave-behind on that.

Do you have any tips or resources as far as Leave-behinds go?

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» Jacque said: { Sep 6, 2011 - 10:09:34 }

Thank you for this great insight!

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» Fredrik said: { Oct 10, 2011 - 11:10:14 }

Thanks for helpful tips

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Dave Reply:

Nubby… thanks for the great tips. I have a huge interview in three weeks and have to make a portfolio from scratch. I have a bunch of real work from clients to fill up the book so that’s cool. Just wondering.. I am also a fine artist and have been showing and selling paintings for awhile. Should I save one page in the portfolio to showcase that other artistic ability? If so.. how would you go about it? thanks!

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» Julia said: { Oct 26, 2011 - 04:10:25 }

Thank you Nubby Twiglet!! I had to put together a print portfolio and this was a GIANT help! It looks awesome, a big thanks to you :)

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» tania said: { Oct 30, 2011 - 07:10:07 }

heyy what is the name of the type of binder used in the portfolio and where can u get it from
thanks

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Nubby Reply:

tania: It’s by Pina Zangaro in the 11×17 size from Office PDX: http://officepdx.com/product.php?pdx=1130

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» Heather said: { Nov 15, 2011 - 07:11:47 }

Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on where to get my portfolio printed?
A particular place, chain, or type of place?
Or is it worth it to invest in my own personal color printer?
What type of printer is good?
I am having a hard time getting a quality print with good color.
I have no idea where to go.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

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Nubby Reply:

Heather: I tend to just use Kinko’s – not the fanciest but super convenient. And if you’re reprinting often, it’s not worth it to invest too much.

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» Amber-Lynn Gusa said: { Nov 28, 2011 - 11:11:47 }

Awesome article and well written! I agree, information about and examples of print portfolios is seriously lacking. I am a college design and multimedia instructor. In my portfolio class we use the book “No Plastic Sleeves” and its corresponding website as our main references which are great but I am always on the lookout for additional resources for my students. I challenged my students to find an example of a print portfolio online that they liked (knowing that this isn’t as easy as it sounds) and to blog about what they liked about it and why. One of my students chose your article and not only is your portfolio a beautiful example of a well crafted book but your article is a great resource for anyone creating a portfolio for the first time and maybe even those looking to re-design their existing book. I was stoked that they found such a great reference, Thank you!

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» John Stephen said: { Dec 22, 2011 - 12:12:59 }

Hi.. I really liked this post, especially the suggestion for the Portfolio Cover, since I live in India I cant find a store where I can purchase a portfolio cover(Pina Zangaro’s Vista Onyx 11×8.5Landscape), can you please assist me, also I haven’t done an online shopping transaction earlier.

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» Claire said: { Dec 29, 2011 - 10:12:31 }

hey, thanks for the post! im applying to college and doing up my portfolio now so this really helped. im looking into how to bind my portfolio, where did you get your binder and any suggestions for the interview itself?
thanks :)

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Nubby Reply:

Claire: You can find some great pre-made cover options from Pina Zangaro which have screw posts. My covers were custom made. As for the interview itself, it’s not a job, just school so don’t worry too much. Just be yourself, be confident and know the order of your projects well!

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» Chilly Cee Cee said: { Apr 4, 2012 - 07:04:59 }

I am working on my portfolio, looking into Interior Decorating classes…I am searching web and getting ideas to enhance my portfolio….I thank you for this information, it was very helpful…I have been doing arts & crafts for a long time now…I want to step up a notch and enhance my skills for my next apartment…I want it to be **Beautiful** from my own designs & talents….

Chilly Cee Cee aka Chilly C’s Treasures

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» Angela said: { Apr 9, 2012 - 04:04:43 }

Great article. Helped me clear up a lot of things about print based design portfolios. Thanks so much!!! :D

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» Chris said: { Apr 26, 2012 - 01:04:08 }

Hey,

Great portfolio and website. For page 2 of your portfolio that has your personal Marketing materials, did you take pictures of each individual piece and place those onto the page? Or are those digital versions of the materials?

If they are pictures, how are you removing the background and adding the drop shadow?

Thanks.

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Nubby Reply:

Chris: None of my portfolio contains photos; everything is mocked up for consistency.

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» Natalie said: { May 8, 2012 - 04:05:49 }

Hi great post! Really helpful!
I was just wondering do you display your work on the left and right pages of your portfolio (so all pages) or just the right page so it’s like one side? So you only have one of the pages used in the double page, If that makes sense.
Thanks!

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» Anusha Mokhriwale said: { May 18, 2012 - 08:05:03 }

Hello Mam!
I am Anusha I liked your presentation………….well created
Keep it up……………………..

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{ Jul 30, 2009 - 09:07:10 } lovely links « Black Lace Photography
{ Sep 14, 2009 - 10:09:47 } blog. » on resumes & portfolios
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{ Mar 17, 2010 - 12:03:10 } Creating a physical portfolio
{ Mar 14, 2011 - 11:03:40 } Your Portfolio « Jenn Roundpoint


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