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Creating a Successful Graphic Design Portfolio

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Creating a Successful Graphic Design Portfolio by Irina Lee offers practical guidance for new designers preparing to launch their careers. It covers essential topics such as what employers and clients seek in portfolios, self-presentation, handling criticism, and answering tough interview questions. Included are a unique 'Portfolio Workshop' with sample spreads critiqued by industry professionals, templates for cover letters and CVs, and a 'Toolbox' section with interview prompts and freelancing advice. The book aims to support and encourage designers, whether pursuing freelance work or roles within design firms.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$6899
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for graphic design students, recent graduates, and novice designers seeking to build compelling portfolios and navigate early career challenges. Also valuable for those considering freelancing or working in design firms.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

As students prepare to graduate and look for a job, they need to know how to present their work to potential employers or customers. A well presented portfolio, whether physical or digital, can make the difference between getting the job or being shown the door.

As students prepare to graduate and look for a job, they need to know how to present their work to potential employers or customers. A well presented portfolio, whether physical or digital, can make the difference between getting the job or being shown the door.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Being able to present yourself and your work in the best way possible is a necessary skill that all new designers must master before embarking on a career—be it freelance or working within a design firm. The author provides practical advice combined with insights and personal stories from leading design professionals.

The book focuses on the practical aspects of creating a great portfolio such as what potential employers or clients look for in a portfolio, how to present yourself, dealing with criticism, replying to tough interview questions, and more.

A unique chapter called Portfolio Workshop (or Portfolio Clinic) includes sample spreads from portfolios (good and bad) with critiques and helpful commentary from leading designers. The author also includes templates for cover letters, CVs, etc.

Finally, a 'Toolbox' section will include sample prompts for frequently asked interview questions and a short section on running your own freelancing practice. All in all, everything to encourage and advise the new designer.

Series: Creative Careers

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  • Creating a Successful Graphic Design Portfolio
    Being able to present yourself and your work in the best way possible is a necessary skill that all new designers must master before embarking on a career—be it freelance or working within a design firm. The author provides practical advice combined with insights and personal stories from leading design professionals. The book focuses on the practical aspects of creating...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Highly recommended by educators: Jeanne Komp of Cabrini University praises it as essential reading for graphic design students, highlighting its clarity and career tools. Janet Fairbairn of Rhode Island School of Design describes it as a compelling collection of essays offering numerous practical tips for career choices and job applications. Reviewers note the engaging, practical advice and valuable critiques of portfolio case studies, making it a useful resource for students transitioning from education to industry.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474213875

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 February 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Visual Arts

Illustration: 200 colour illus

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 208.0mm

Height: 268.0mm

Weight: 780g

Pages: 200

About the Author

Irina Lee is a Group Creative Director at Huge, leading product and experience design for a range of clients. Irina is also a teacher at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. She received a Masters of Fine Art from the School of Visual Arts, a post-graduate certificate in Typeface Design from the Cooper Union, and a Bachelors of Art in Studio Art from the University of Maryland, USA.

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