The Graphic Designer's Guide to Portfolio Design

I found this in my local library when searching for books on graphic design, web design, and basic information on the field - especially information that would lead to a job when I graduate. The title grabbed me as I hadn't thought about building a portfolio at this time, but as the author points out, you should start as soon as you possibly can. I found lots of examples that were well documented of students that created a wide variety of portfolios, many of them resulting in jobs. Though I see other reviewers here knock those pieces stating they are boring and lack creativity, I have to say if an employer likes it enough to hire them, then the portfolio did its job. And this is the thrust of the book. To lead you through some of the challenges in portfolio design and help you find a style that fits you best. She even has interviews with employers and designers to give you a feel of what they are looking for. There are a wide variety of portfolio styles discussed with the merits and issues of each. She discusses a variety of software packages that are used in portfolio design with the strengths and weaknesses of each for each style. She even gives her own recommendations and the reasons why. One reviewer stated this was stupid for her to discuss software since designers should already know this information. Well I have been in software and computer support for over 20 years and I don't know all of the software out there with insight which is best for a particular purpose. How would I with out personally reviewing them all? And when you consider the high cost and learning curve of graphic software, it is nice to have someone take the time to point out which package is best for each of the different design elements, and how they work (or not) together in your design workflow. I will definitely buy this book for my graphic design collection. After it goes back to the library!

I was very happy with this book! I took a Portfolio class in college and it did little to help me build a digital portfolio. This book covered a number of questions that I had about the various computer design programs. It also offered ways to create navigations once the digital port is created and some of the things that can go wrong. The book is well structured. It is logical and clear. There were tons of examples. In addition to the chapters on creating a digital, there are some great chapters on how to create a traditional portfolio as well. I also learned the best ways to create resumes, how to take interviews and what to do when asked difficult or illegal questions. This book has plenty of useful information interspersed with just enough technical info to keep you feeling informed but not overwhelmed. If you are trying to create any kind of portfolio, buy this book!

During my stint as a librarian in a university art school several years ago, I encountered many young graphic design students who were creative and talented; however, they seemed at times a tad clueless about the real world that crouched in the darkness ahead, waiting to pounce. Back then, there was no shortage of materials on the theory and technique of graphic design, but there was not exactly a glut of practical information on how one successfully breaks into the graphic design field after graduation. To accomplish this goal in today's competitive job market, the graphic designer needs an effective portfolio as well as the skills to market it to perspective employers and clients. Debbie Rose Myers gives aspiring graphic designers the vital information necessary to succeed at this daunting yet crucial endeavor. With an ebullient style, Myers describes the process of planning and implementing all facets of the portfolio. Different portfolio types are explored, from the traditional to the digital. The text examines every facet of the process, including professional resumes, job interview skills, the fundamentals of elegant Web site design and the importance of being prepared for computer malfunctions. Included are portfolio examples, pertinent glossaries and a bibliography. Myers's choice of success stories are sure to inspire the creative personality, such as the artist whose portfolio included herself clad as a 1950s waitress and achieved five job offers. Though the title implies a small audience, this spirited book will aid job-seekers in a broad spectrum of fields, not just in the arts but in business and the sciences as well. At the very least, The Graphic Designer's Guide to Portfolio Design should be a permanent resident of not only academic art libraries but the designer's personal library too, for this is a work that will be consulted again and again. There is always a place in the world for artists; they merely need to know how to find it. Myers illuminates the path.

This is a great book, especially if you are a graphic design student that will be graduating soon. This book gives you a step by step guide to putting together your port, cover letter, resume, and even some interviewing tips. Also, there are plenty of visuals and examples of what successful student ports have looked like. The author explains everything very well and it has good flow and is organized well (go figure) so it is a fast read.