FASHION PORTFOLIO ADVICE

DESIGNERS- PORTFOLIO ADVICE

Working on the Freelance desk, I am constantly reviewing CV’s and more importantly fashion apparel and graphic design portfolios, so here is a little helpful advice when it comes to presenting your work:-

STREAMLINING….

Still carrying round artwork from your graduate projects? Then read on…. I really feel for designers when they come in with armfuls of work, pop up books and overspilling portfolios. I know it’s hard choosing what people want to see as careers in design end to have covered a few different areas and you don’t want to miss anything out, but if it doesn’t fit in an A3 portfolio book then consider leaving it at home.

LAYOUT…

It’s a good idea to show your work from initial concept and moodboards through to coloured CADS (or neatly handrawn sketches for those not Adobe savvy) and finally a couple of tech specs just to show that not only are you an amazing designer, but you know the inner workings of a garment too. For those looking to work in a more couture environment, please bear in mind that full colour paintings of dresses are lovely to look at but you do not need more than 2 (if any) in your book. Keep your creative integrity, but also show that you know how a garment is made and the practicalities.

A LITTLE DIFFERENT…

While a clean and tidy book looks slick, don’t be afraid to print your work and present it in a different way. As long as you feel comfortable going through it with clients then its fine to do something which will make you stand out. I have experienced many an alternative portfolio, but I would pick out beautiful boxes with clearly printed artwork as my personal favourite. I’m not a fan of just bringing a laptop as I like the tangible experience of being able to go through work but feel free to do a mixture.

NOW, NOW, NOW…

Keep your portfolio up to date. I can’t emphasise just how important this is. You need to be showing work that is going forward by 1-2 seasons so presenting a project that has SS07 written all over it does not emphasise what you can do for a company’s future collections. If you are not working at the moment then use this time to do new self-initiated projects. Look at companies that you are interested in working for and do small projects based around them. The candidates who keep fresh and busy are always the ones who do well in interviews and are used for our freelance roles.

BLOG IT, INNIT…

If you’re reading this then you already know what a blog is, obviously but have you thought about using one or even getting your own website in order to tell the world how fabulous you are? When always look at our designer’s websites and it is also a great way of clients having access to a cross section of your work rather than the images we email them. Blogs are also a great way of showing a little about yourself too- what films do you like? What music are you into? Where do you hang out? All of these things give clients an insight into your personality and make them realise that you are a real human being rather than just some artwork and a CV.

PRESENTATION…

So, you’ve got the interview arranged and now all you have to do is present your work… Offer the client your book/box/whatever and talk them through the pages as they are flicking through. Try not to be too militant about it though, and let the person ask questions. If there’s an awkward silence then you can talk about your inspiration and ideas, but keep them on a level. If the person you’re speaking to is down to earth then reflect this- they probably won’t appreciate the dream you had about creating the perfect cowl neck dress, no matter how amazing it was…

GOOD LUCK….

I’m a firm believer that we generate our own luck. If you’re prepared with a portfolio you’re proud of then showing how fabulous you are shouldn’t be an issue. Go get ‘em!

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Tags: Advice, Career, Design, Fashion, Jobs, jobs-fashion, Portfolio, Rachel, Work