Graphic design portfolios are the best way to stand out from the crowd and get the job you want! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie eager to make your mark, I’ve got you covered.
Grab your notebook or E-Ink tablet (trust me, you’ll want to take notes). In this article, we cover what a graphic design portfolio is, why you need one, and how to create your own. I also dive into my list of the 21 best graphic design portfolios.
Key Takeaways:
- A graphic design portfolio is a collection of your best work.
- You can showcase any design work in your portfolio.
- You increase your chances of getting hired significantly with a graphic design portfolio.
- It’s your chance to showcase your work and skill level.
- A portfolio helps set you apart from the competition and get hired!
What is a graphic design portfolio?
A graphic design portfolio is basically a collection of all your best work. It can include anything from:
- Branding
- Typography
- Logos
- Illustration
- Posters
- Web design
- Animations
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It’s a great way for graphic designers to show off their work to potential clients or employers. With a well-crafted portfolio, you can make a lasting impression and stand out from the competition.
Why do you need a graphic design portfolio?
A portfolio can help you land new clients or job opportunities. It’s a tangible representation of your skills and experience that can be shared with potential employers or clients.
It can also serve as a conversation starter during interviews or meetings, allowing you to discuss your work in more detail and demonstrate your passion for design.
Having a portfolio allows you to showcase your work in a professional and organized manner.
It gives you the opportunity to highlight your strengths and show off your unique style. It also allows you to demonstrate your versatility by including a variety of projects that showcase different skills and techniques.
A graphic design portfolio is essential for anyone looking to establish themselves in the industry. Hiring companies in 2023 will not interview you without one. It’s a powerful tool that can help you:
- Showcase your skills
- Stand out from the competition
- Land new opportunities
Next, I’ll share the 21 greatest graphic design portfolio examples I’ve seen (hopefully this inspires you):
21 Great Graphic Design Portfolio Examples
I’ve compiled a list of 21 of the greatest graphic design portfolios out there. Here’s the deal: for each portfolio, I’ll tell you why I love it as a fellow graphic designer. That way, you can learn from the best and take your own portfolio to the next level.
Paula Scher
Known for her bold typographic designs, Scher’s portfolio is a playground of vibrant branding and iconic logos that exude energy and playfulness.
Stefan Sagmeister
Sagmeister’s portfolio is a masterclass in innovative and experiential design, constantly pushing the boundaries of visual communication.
Milton Glaser
The late Glaser’s portfolio stands as a testament to his timeless designs, including the iconic “I ♥ NY” logo and diverse illustrations.
Jessica Walsh
With a focus on experimental typography and colorful visuals, Walsh’s portfolio radiates creativity and an unapologetic approach to design.
Saul Bass
Renowned for his cinematic poster and title sequences, Bass’s portfolio showcases his ability to capture the essence of a story through visual elements.
Ellen Lupton
Lupton’s portfolio is a treasure trove of thought-provoking book covers, editorial layouts, and typography that engage and challenge the viewer.
David Carson
Carson’s groundbreaking design work in the 90s is displayed in his portfolio, which features chaotic yet captivating layouts that revolutionized magazine design.
Massimo Vignelli
Vignelli’s minimalist and grid-based designs, from logos to wayfinding systems, epitomize the elegance of simplicity in his portfolio.
Sagmeister & Walsh
This duo’s collaborative portfolio is a fusion of Sagmeister’s daring design and Walsh’s bold experimentation, resulting in a dynamic showcase of creativity.
Chip Kidd
Recognized for his captivating book cover designs, Kidd’s portfolio reveals his knack for turning literature into visual art.
Seymour Chwast
Chwast’s portfolio is a visual journey through his illustrations, characterized by a unique blend of humor, satire, and cultural commentary.
Erik Spiekermann
Spiekermann’s portfolio highlights his expertise in typeface design and typography, showcased through a variety of digital and print projects.
Louise Fili
Fili’s portfolio celebrates her mastery of typography, especially evident in her elegant restaurant branding and packaging designs.
Wim Crouwel
Crouwel’s portfolio reflects his influential work in the field of Dutch modernism, known for its grid-based layouts and experimental typefaces.
Debbie Millman
Millman’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of design work, including branding, podcast covers, and thought-provoking visual essays.
Michael Bierut
Bierut’s portfolio demonstrates his versatility in creating iconic logos, editorial designs, and wayfinding systems that are both functional and visually striking.
Jessica Hische
With a passion for lettering and illustration, Hische’s portfolio is a visual delight of intricate designs and handcrafted typography.
Wolfgang Weingart
Considered a pioneer of Swiss typography, Weingart’s portfolio showcases his innovative use of color, texture, and geometric forms.
Paul Rand
Rand’s timeless logo designs, including those for IBM and ABC, are featured in his portfolio, highlighting his ability to distill complex ideas into simple visuals.
Alex Trochut
Trochut’s portfolio is a feast for the eyes with his mesmerizing and dynamic typographic designs that challenge conventional perceptions.
Kate Moross
Moross’s portfolio bursts with colorful and energetic designs, ranging from album covers to motion graphics, displaying a unique blend of playfulness and professionalism.
How to Make a Graphic Design Portfolio?
Here are some tips on how to make a killer portfolio that showcases your skills and creativity.
- Compile all your work.
- Pick the best according to project type, medium or style.
- Categories each piece.
- Pick a platform to showcase your work.
- Make it user friendly!
First, gather all your work and I mean everything! You be better able to pick and choose what to include in your portfolio once you see everything in front of you.
Next up is to choose pieces that demonstrate your range of skills and style. This can be anything from:
- Branding
- Typography
- Logos
- Illustration
- Posters
- Web design
- Animations
Make sure they are high-quality and showcase your attention to detail.
After that, you will want to organize your work into categories. This could be by project type, medium, or style. This will make it easier for potential clients or employers to navigate your portfolio and see your strengths.
Once the categorization is done, it’s time to consider the format of your portfolio. Will it be a physical book or an online portfolio? Both have their advantages, so choose the one that best suits your needs and the type of work you do.
Finally, when designing your portfolio, keep it simple and easy to navigate. Let your work speak for itself, and avoid cluttering the pages with too much text or unnecessary design elements.
Don’t forget to update your portfolio regularly with new work and remove any outdated pieces. This will keep your portfolio fresh and relevant.
Tips To Make Graphic Design Portfolio Stand Out
With a graphic design portfolio, remember that it’s not just about the work itself – presentation is key. Make sure your portfolio is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Consider including brief descriptions of each project, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. And don’t forget to include your contact information!
You want potential employers to be able to easily reach out to you for further discussion or to offer you a job.
Conclusion
In short, a graphic design portfolio should be a carefully curated collection of your best work, presented in a visually appealing and informative manner. With the right portfolio, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job in the exciting world of graphic design. It is the best gift you can give yourself as a graphic designer.
