Help with portfolio for graphic design?

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Question:

i'm new to the graphic design field in terms of not having taken classes in it, however i am relatively good with illustrator, photoshop, gimp, corel draw etc!. because i use them at home for personal use a lot!.

i am trying to apply for graphic design colleges but many require me to have a portfolio, how should i set up one for graphic design, and what would you suggest i include!? in terms of putting it together, content, saved to cd or hardcopy!?, and even file sizes!?

again, i don't really know what a "good" graphic design should look like, and i'm sure i could make one with a little direction, any suggestions!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

First, by portfolio, do they mean a hard copy or a cd portfolio!? Hard copy would be a binder (which you could get in Michael's), usually black with each piece of design work mounted on a black sheet/board in the center and slipped into a sleeve in the binder!. Your name and all the info from the job should go either in the lower right or left corner on the back of the piece!.

Generally there should be 10-12 pieces that demonstrate a wide range of skills!. Usually for a G!.D!. school, there should be at least three illustrator pieces, at least 6 pieces of graphic design!. Then the other two just showing other skills and talents you possess!.

For a cd portfolio, there should be some consistency in size of each file, again there should be a black background around the design, if the edges of the design are black, put a small white border around it!. info about each job/piece should be in the lower left or right hand corner in white in an easy to read font!.

I wouldn't go more than 3 MB for each file!. 1!.5 is ideal!. It showcases everything and still has enough detail if it's photography or even illustrations!. Anything larger than 3 MB might be too large to open and scroll quickly!.

Good Graphic Design is anything that will convey the message a client is trying to get across quickly, effectively, clearly!. To check out some good GD, pick up a magazine and flip through, the ads the grab your attention are good GD, if you skim right over them!.!.!.it's not that good!.

If you'd like advice on things you've done, just send me an email with some jpegs!.Www@QuestionHome@Com