What I’m up to these days.  I made this list the other day in my sketchbook.  I have to write it down every couple weeks just to make sure nothing escapes.

In no particular order:

• Studio
• IDSA: Conference, fundraising,
• Get sweet job
• Volunteer for NC Sustainable Business Council
• Design for the Majority
• Maintain sanity and semblance of social life through bikes and friends
• REL300, PS203, PY131
• Green thing
• Other 90% Comp (E-games)
• Learning stuff (reading Natural Capitalism, The World As I See It, Design Like you Give a Damn)
• Mancala project for Dad
• Self-expression

Vince e-mailed this to the ID students a few years back, but I figured some people might not have benefited from seeing it.   Thanks Vince!!

Sorry for the wierd formatting, that’s how it came to me in the e-mail

PORTFOLIO PREPARATION/INTERVIEW

The qualities that all employers look for are independence, initiative, curiosity, commitment to design, self-direction, motivation, critical thinking, verbal and visual communication skills, concern for and command of three-dimensional form, control of the elements of design theory, concern for human factors and the environment, materials and processes, craftsmanship, literacy and potential for growth. Employers demand the very best and brightest new graduates.

The following is a checklist to aid you in the development of your portfolio and preparation for the interview:

1. Have an organized plan of thought to your presentation, i.e. what are you trying to say or show about yourself.

2. Show that you have an ability to generate ideas, alternatives, in rough and finished sketches, etc.

3. Show at least one complete design project.

• Why the project was selected

• How you decided to approach it

• What your research revealed

• The flaws, weaknesses, or disadvantages in existing designs

• The improvements you expected to make

• The alternatives you explored ( what you retained of these, and why; what you discarded, and why )

• The direction you eventually selected, and why

• The outstanding features of your final design(s)

1. Show a display of skills; sketching, rendering, computer graphics, model making, technical drawing, and other presentation methods.

2. All work should be neat and clean.

3. Show a variety of design knowledge; systems, products, graphics, human factors, etc.

4. If you have a portfolio case make sure it reflects your design taste and that you can take it on a plane (do not check a portfolio, keep it in your possession at all times).

5. Do not be afraid to show other creative work or hobbies that are relevant to the position.

6. Research the job that you are seeking:

• Who will you be talking to….Name, Position?

• What will be your responsibilities?

• What does the company manufacture (what are their product lines)?

• Who are the consultant offices’ clients (what are their products)?

• What about salary, advancement opportunities, vacation, sick leave, insurance coverage, professional dues, attendance at professional meetings, etc,

• Exactly what are your expectations?

10. The Interview

• Be prepared

• Have a list of questions ready

• Know what you want

• Be prepared to show all work in 5 minutes or 30 minutes

• Follow interviewer’s reaction as you proceed

• Be prepared to present your work in varying environments

• Meet personally with those who you will be working with

• Tour your working area

• Are there any hidden expectations…i.e., overtime, etc.?

11. A “Typical” Portfolio

A.Complete Project

Project Statement and “Examination” of the Project (written

material, why the project was selected; how you decided to

approach it; what your research revealed; the flaws, weaknesses, or

disadvantages in existing design; the improvements you expect to make)

B. Concept Sketches/Form Studies

Alternative Solutions (what you retained and why; what you

discarded and why)

Variations of some or all of those alternative solutions

Refinements of the selected solution and why

Sketches

Comprehensive sketches

C. Support Materials

Working Drawings

Exploded Drawings

Materials Specifications

Other pertinent material

D. Model or prototype representations (photo or computer rendering)

E. Cost Data

Additional Concept Sketches (less than in project above – perhaps selected from two or three different projects)

1 or 2 additional Comprehensive Sketches

1 or 2 additional models (computer renderings, photos)  [tape player, bag?]

Graphics

Layouts, letterheads. Logos, packaging (2-4 examples—total)

Computer Graphics

Examples demonstrating your range of software use/knowledge (examples

in the complete project above will probably be sufficient. If, for some reason, your full capability isn’t shown in that work or other projects, include additional examples that demonstrate additional software capabilities

Photography

Examples demonstrating your ability as a photographer (could be of 2-D

and 3-D work, product photography)

Drafting

If, for some reason, you’re full capability isn’t shown in above projects,

include additional example, i.e. Pro-E, CAD, etc.).

General Art

Drawings, paintings, prints, other personal art or design work (no more than

3 examples each)

SHOW ONLY YOUR BEST WORK! DON”T INCLUDE ANYTHING FOR WHICH YOU MUST APOLOGIZE

Bear in mind that it is always better to show fewer rather than more examples. Keep your portfolio “flexible” so that you may increase and decrease certain aspects of it depending upon where you are interviewing.