8 PORTFOLIO MISTAKES & WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
Your Architecture Portfolio is your chance to show potential employers all of your hard-work and design skills. Don’t let these mistakes distract them from wanting to interview you!
Mistake 01:
Linking working files such as original PSDs and AI to InDesign will increase your file size. Usually when applying for jobs, your file size limit is 5MB - 20MB.
Do this instead:
Save your images as JPEG or PNG before linking them to your InDesign file.
Mistake 02:
Image size vs image content ratio. Images that contain little graphic information can seem unfinished if kept big, versus images that contain more detail.
Do this instead:
Organize your images by amount of detail before designing your page layout.
Mistake 03:
Grammar errors. This is distracting and a bummer for everyone reading your portfolio.
Do this instead:
Write all text on a Word document first or any other platform that will correct your grammar and always run a spell check before exporting your file.
Mistake 04:
No design consistency. Your portfolio should read like a beautiful book and should be designed like such.
Do this instead:
Try choosing one color palette for the portfolio, one font to be used throughout similar elements like titles and body text, and a similar layout for every project. You want to show your personality in your portfolio and it should read like a beautiful cohesive book.
If you choose a minimalist style portfolio, make sure it’s done intentionally with the right balance of color and overall elements, otherwise your portfolio will look unfinished.
Mistake 05:
Projects order. Potential employers are looking at many portfolios at once and sometimes they can’t get through the entire portfolio, so make sure you don’t leave your best project for last.
Do this instead:
Consider putting your best work first to start off strong. Chronological portfolios are not something expected from potential employers so feel free to organize your projects however you want. They want to see the best work you can do!
Mistake 06:
Unfinished work. There is nothing wrong with adding information or redoing a project you designed in the past. Perhaps that second year project is really good, but doesn’t have strong graphics or it could use a couple extra drawings to explain the idea.
Do this instead:
Draw it again or add another layer of information! This will not only showcase your latest skills, but will also show determination and passion for your work.
Mistake 07:
Layout order. Imagine you’re at an interview going over one of your projects and you have to go keep going back and forth to explain your work. This can be very frustrating not only for the interviewer but also for you!
Do this instead:
Practice explaining each project out loud before going to an interview. If you have to keep flipping through the pages to explain it, consider changing the layout and order of your drawings.
Mistake 08:
Including work that isn’t yours. This is extremely unethical and should go without saying. You may think people won’t notice but interviewers look at thousands of portfolios and the chances you can get caught are big. Did I already say not to include work that isn’t yours?
Do this instead:
Don’t include work that isn’t yours.
PRO Tip:
Don’t download Portfolio templates. Every person is different and each project is unique! Showcase your personality, your talent and skills with your own original template! Potential employers will really appreciate your originality and your portfolio will stand out from the rest!
For more information, check out the PORTFOLIO DESIGN PROCESS post!
Any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment!
Article by Stefani Fachini