Advice wanted on creating design portfolio

[GoodPeopleFlags]

I want to create a design portfolio that I can put on a CD to hand out to potential customers. More for graphic design than for signs. The thing is, I don't have a clue what a professional one looks like or how to create one! I know that I need to show samples of designs, but what about the look of the whole thing? I've searched online for some and can't really find anything like I'm looking for. I guess I want to do something like a resume. Anyone know of a site to look at some samples? Or know of any tips or things to include or avoid? Sorry if I'm being vague! My whole idea is kinda vague! Thanks!

 

[HaroldDesign]

On simple thing that works quite well is a multiple page pdf file with comments, etc...
This can also be emailed, printed and does not require special skills on the viewer's end to "figure out".

 

[speedmedia]

+ 1 on the multipage .pdf this is the way to go.

Thanks,
Kurt

 

[Rick]

I'm thinking you are looking to make a capabilities/portfolio brochure on CD?

Showing images on a .pdf may land the occasional small business job, some higher end clients want to know your experience, qualifications and process. I would first write the copy for-

Introduction
Services
Qualifications
Process

then the Portfolio

Contact info.

The look, theme or concept should be consistent, through out. Any concept or look will do. You can get ideas from any design book (the 365 AIGA book comes to mind (http://www.dexigner.com/jump/news/20090), French Paper brochures, too bad you can't get your hands on the CSA Portfolio-shown below)

Sites like Creative Hotlist and Coroflot may have good examples too.

Hopefully the CD and the packaging are all design-ey too. I have seen people wrap CD cases in fur, nice cd cases with screen printed detail, etched aluminum and stainless steel cd case (http://www.bullmetal.com/gallery.html) http://www.sks-bottle.com/340c/SearchIndexMetal.html .

The only portfolio book I can currently recommend is Portfolio Design by Harold Linton, it's more geared toward architectural, but it applies to graphic design.
the website is here: http://www.portfoliodesign.com/Templateportblue.swf
look at "PORTFOLIO AND RESOURCES" for sample portfolios

There is a portfolio book coming out that looks promising
http://www.rockpub.com/description.asp?isbn=9781592536023&topicid=4

The .pdf below is one of the versions of what I have sent out.

 

[MrDesignGuy]

Although handing out a CD portfolio is a great tool for potential customers, have you thought about a website? Whether you are looking for an elaborate or simple website to promote your work, there are plenty of free portfolio host sites that allow you to upload some of your work for free or pay a small fee for unlimited space. Some of these sites include: Coroflot.com, Carbonmade.com, FigDig.com, voodooChili.net. I personally created a portfolio of some of my design work on Carbonmade.com. I found it very easy to use. The perks of using this site is that I am able to edit and post my resume on the about me page, as well as put my contact info in. Also, rather than handing out a CD, which can get lost or broken over time, a nice card, or handout of sorts is a neat way to grab a customers attention, plus you get to show off your design work. Here is a link to my portfolio. I would recommend looking at the others as well to get a feel for what you can do with the site. I hope this helps you, good luck!

 

[GoodPeopleFlags]

Thanks for the replies! That helps!

 

[Rick]

One of my facebook friends posted this book....

http://www.underconsideration.com/flaunt/

I just ordered a new book about portfolio design, you can have a sneak preview... looks very cool, can't wait to get it.

 

[Rick]

Just wanted to say I got the book, and was blown away not only about how to put together a great portfolio, but what designers look for in a portfolio (especially good if you are presenting your work for freelance) Really great book.