First, some portfolio basics:
- Nobody has all the answers. People disagree quite a bit about portfolios. There are some things people agree on. So, pay attention to those and then judiciously choose among the others.
- You should be the active party in your work descriptions (especially for school projects). Find alternatives to “I was assigned to…”
- Tell a story. Show your work’s process and show/tell how you worked within a project’s parameters to get to the finished piece.
- Show the work as a real thing (whatever that thing happens to be). Don’t show a PDF of a book or brochure. Take (or mock up) a photo of it printed. If it’s a web/digital project, convincingly mock it up on a phone/computer screen.
Online/website vs. Print vs. PDF?
- Preferably all.
- At least have a portfolio online + a PDF you can send someone.
How much work?
3–10 pieces.
Which work?
- Choose your best work.
- Choose work relevant to the job/internship you’re applying to if possible.
Requirements across all media
- Visual/Layout Consistency
- Visual/Aesthetic Resolve
- Clear Labeling
- Storytelling/Process/Case Study
Read these guides to portfolios for more info:
UX Design Portfolio: Best Practices
9 Design Portfolio Tips and Tricks from a Hiring Manager
4 easy steps to create a beautiful design portfolio