Graphic Design Portfolio

[pa007]

Hi, I'm not sure if this is the right forum, so I apologise if it isn't. I was wondering if anyone could shed light on something for me. I plan on applying for a few Graphic Design Degree courses very soon and am umm-ing and aah-ing about the portfolio I will present to them. I could put in some of the work I have done for real life situations which an employer would probably be interesting in seeing but I am thinking that a university will be more interested in seeing what skills I have. I am contemplating including a little real life stuff along with some purpose-created material designed to simply show off my skills. Do you think this is a wise move? In essence I want my portfolio to say "Look what I can do, with your help I will be able to take this further.". I know it's all creative etc. and my plan is more than just a little contrived but I'm simply trying to play the game.

How many pieces should I include? What styles or elements should I cover? Should I have some web stuff, some illustrative, some logo work etc? A little bit of everything to show my range? Is creating stuff specifically for my portfolio a bad idea?

This is a change of direction for me, from performance to design, and though I have been involved in design for a little while I have no formal art or design qualifications. Because of this I want my portfolio to impress them and I also plan to woo them with my charm.

Your comments and opinions would be much appreciated.

Pete. :)

[Toon]

I've said this many times before 4 pieces of outstanding work is much better than 15 pieces of ok work, people don't want to waste their time searching for the good pieces.