Portfolio & CV
What to include in a Killer Portfolio
Your portfolio is one of the most important pieces of your armour when it comes to getting a job.
It should reflect your personality, your creativity and your personal brand .
Employers see hundreds portfolios on a regular basis and yours must stand out in the crowd
There is no formula just don’t be boring. The shock factor often works.
Think about the key components you need to get across.
Portfolio are mostly used by graduates looking for a job - after that you rarely show your portfolio ever again. At Uni X we advocate that you build a portfolio and start you own personal web site as you will need this later in life to show people what you do . .
1. Who Are You
Imagine this :-
Q. Can you show me your portfolio .
- Yes of course , would you like to see my video trailer and website ?
This answer shows that you are confident in your work , have mastered modern day skills and are one step ahead of other graduates.
It'stime to state your name and stand out !
Companies want
Grads that :-
1. Can think for themselves - they don't have time to baby sit you
2. Have a personality
3. Are team players
2. What Projects Have I Tackled ?
Example - This is a concept and part of a detail drawing pack , for a Night Club & Beach Terrace - Brighton England .
Constructed 2023.
Explain your roll :- "My roll was on the concept team , producing 3d sketch up models to communicate the scheme to the client and build team. My 3d models were passed to the Ue5 team for development "
2. What Projects Have I Tackled?
Clearly defined sections showcasing the different projects you have worked on, demonstrating the variety and scope of your experience.
EXPERIENCE - Is the Key - it will be the element that makes you stand out in the crowd.
Remember - Design Companies are full of people that can produce concepts !!!
What makes you different ?
2. What Projects Tackled...Cont'd ?
Clearly defined sections showcasing the different projects you have worked on, demonstrating the variety and scope of your experience.
Example - This is a concept and part of a detail drawing pack , for a cocktail bar near Liverpool England .
It has no been built yet
2.What Projects Have I Tackled Continued?
Example - This is a concept for a hotel for my college project work 2024
Explain the Brief :-
What Mark did you get out of 100
3.Creativity
Creativity Highlight innovative ideas, original concepts, and unique design solutions that set your work apart and showcase your imaginative thinking.
4. Software Skills
Highlight your proficiency with design software (AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Suite, etc.) with examples demonstrating your effective use of these tools.
5. Feasibility and Concept Development
Feasibility and Concept Development If you are lucky you get to start in the concept team
Demonstrate the skills & experience that you bring to the team .
eg - fire capacity calc's , budget estimates , quick block modelling, mood boards, etc ..
6. Technical Skills and Drawings
Include technical drawings such as plans, sections, elevations, and details that demonstrate your understanding of architectural representation and construction.
7. Communication in 3d
Present 3D models, visualizations, or renderings to convey spatial understanding, materials, lighting, and atmosphere effectively.
8. Understanding Materials
Materiology Showcase your deep knowledge of materials, finishes, and textures, highlighting how they inform the design and contribute to the aesthetic and functional qualities of your project
Add in Other relevant Stuff at the End
9.Communication
Explain what you do to help communicate ideas
Example - Using Photo shop I have taken Ai generated images and added graphics . Using Ai i have generated images for discussion etc....
10. Admin Skills
Small company owners need all rounders that can jump onto a task and help it . Showing these soft skills makes you more valuable .
Add the logos of all the software and Ai you can use and add your competence % under each logo
11. Qualification
Show and Image of your qualification, but use this page to remind the employer of your experience so list your projects again!
12.Show you best project again
Duplication is not a sin !
Bring the audience back to your best piece of work so you leave them impressed !
Show images of awards this project achieved
13.Thank You
This page should contain your :-
Phone Number
Web site (if you have one)
Reference Email
You tube channel
Want to become a designer ?
Would it be helpful to speak to a design Mentor that has designed some of the most famous Night Clubs in the World ?