Anne Garber-Aquent

For us, because most of our clients are looking for digital designers, a digital portfolio is critical whether it's shown via a tablet or a laptop. Of course, not every student can afford a device, so as long as we can prepare our client that they need to either borrow a device or need to show their work on a client computer, they can accommodate that. A print portfolio works in a pinch, but really digital is the preferred method these days.

Generally, most designers have a link that the client sees when they are evaluating them for fit and this is the same content the designers walk through in an interview, however, some designers create more customized portfolios that they can walk through with clients in an interview situation. They may be customized based on the role they are interviewing for or might do a deeper dive into the process behind creating the work (might show before/after work on a redesign, show various iterations of logos they went through, etc.).

The most important thing is to make sure the students explain their work. Clients want to see process whether it's a story board for motion pieces, several iterations of a logo, or wire frames for a website. They can be beautiful and clean or sketched on a notepad that was scanned in. As long as they can show the thinking behind the design clients aren't picky. If they can include information around why they made the design choices they did, that's very helpful as well.

 

Michaela Wagoner

I think that going out and buying a nicer portfolio - that fit the look and design style I wanted to represent - was a better choice. I feel like it just makes a better impression to have something you invested in because it shows dedication to your image and presentation in an interview situation. I've gotten compliments on mine - which is a 11x14 matte black steel front and back with a screw binding (from paperhaus). They said they appreciated something clean, professional, and classic. It did cost around $150 or $200 after getting the slips... but I think I would have gone out after graduation and gotten the same thing anyway.

Andrew Ries

I bought a mid-range model, it's a 11x14" from Paperhaus for $80. I'd recommend that store because they have a lot of options.

Also, I thought I'd let you know that I just got done doing some RAPID PROTOTYPING for an identity project and I thought of class.

Tyler Eide

Actually I haven't used a physical portfolio once, Its all been based on my website &/or on one of the employer's computers. It has seemed to go over well so far, something to think about I guess.

Brianna Scarff

1 - Do informational interviews - if nothing else, they will give you a level of comfort/confidence for any future interview. 
2 - Believe it or not - craigslist 'art and design' job postings are, in fact, sometimes legit
3 - Exercise your creativity and inventiveness - in and out of a job. 

Elizabeth Dolhanyk

• Use SPU Career Center.
  

• Email is an EASY way to apply for jobs. However, it is NOT the only way to apply for jobs. In my experience, it’s probably the least effective method. Try informational interviews, delivering your application in-person, or making a phone call before you resort to email (if you can).
  

• Be patient. Be prepared to wait, but don’t “waste your time waiting”. Use your “waiting time” to develop contacts and communication with other companies.
  

• If at first you are rejected... ask for an informational interview or office tour. Don’t take the initial “no” for an answer and humble yourself so that you might show your eagerness to learn.
  

• Let go of your pride. Even if you don’t find a design-related job within 3-6 months after graduation, don’t hesitate to look in other areas for jobs to keep you “afloat” while you’re searching for that “dream job”. Taking a barista job, for example, isn’t necessarily a “step backward” or a “cowardly” thing to do.
  

• Keep an open perspective. Don’t limit yourself to your “Visual Communication Degree”. It’s an outstanding achievement, don’t get me wrong! However, it would behoove you to think about your SKILLS and how they can be applied to different fields.
  

• Consider each application to be an opportunity to practice the process. Apply for jobs, even if you’re not completely qualified. Take this advice with a grain of salt. Don’t let “must have 3+ years experience” or “must have a fabulous personality” intimidate you enough to give up or get discouraged!
  

• Freelance. Protect yourself with a written PROPOSAL that outlines all the legalities of your business or project. If written well, it will help to ensure that you get PAID and that your client does not take advantage of you. You need to educate your client!
  

• How to Write a Proposal: //www.aiga.org/resources/content/3/5/9/7/documents/aiga_9standard_agreement_07.pdf
  

• US Copyright Office: Copyright Basics at //www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.pdf
  

• AIGA Center for Practice Management: //cpm.aiga.org/