Beginner vs pro pattern design portfolio. Ever wondered how pro designers make their portfolio’s stand out from the rest? Here are some of the key ingredients that can help you catch a clients eye.
BEGINNER PATTERN DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Designers can often think that their work can speak for itself, and although sometimes this is the case, often times it’s not. Clients are typically looking for portfolios that stand out from the crowd, are professional, but also packed with personality and thought. This is why just showing your final pattern designs, though needed, won’t always catch the attention that you want.
PRO PATTERN DESIGN PORTFOLIO
MOOD BOARDS: Though not always needed, it is a great skill to have to know how to create a mood board ahead of your next design or collection. Sometimes clients will request them as part of the design process on a job.
DRAWINGS/SKETCHES: It’s always fascinating for anyone to see your creative process, whether that’s physical or digital, especially on social media. Film videos and take photos as often as you can to document the process.
TREND-LED DESIGNS: Even if you’re someone who doesn’t like to follow trends, or likes to set them yourself, it’s good business sense to include at least a few designs in your portfolio based on what’s trending or coming up. This shows clients that you’re ahead of the curve, paying attention to your industry and can deliver what they need.
OCCASIONAL DESIGNS: This is a HUGE market and not at least dipping in could be detrimental to your portfolio. From Birthday’s to Christmas, there’s so much opportunity here and clients are looking for it all year round.
COLLECTIONS: A collection (a minimum of 6 designs) is a professional way of presenting your designs and showing that you can complete a full project.
PERSONAL PROJECTS: Clients want to see your passion for your medium and working on personal projects on down time can only boost your skills.
MOCK-UPS: No pattern design portfolio is complete without professional looking mock ups. Our Live Hub and seasonal classes students are getting so good at this it’s hard to tell they aren’t real products anymore. Not only do they show a client that your design works, but it can also make you feel so proud.
PRESENTATION SHEETS: These are an expert way of presenting your work to clients and at trade shows. Whether online or printed out, presentation sheets are made to entice a buyer to see the design potential.
We’d love to see your results on socials. Tag @makeitindesign #makeitindesign.
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