Portfolio Advice

[Skeen]

*If this is in the wrong place, please move. Im new!*
Hi

Ive applied to Study Graphic Design at College and i require a portfolio to show my skills on the required programs(Illustrator and Photoshop)

I have a good knowledge of Ps but i have only just started using Illustrator so as a result im not to crash hot on it.

I have some good ideas for the portfolio but when i come to make them , i cant. Whether it be finding the stock Images needed or just methods(Illustrator mainly, but a bit of PS) I have a portfolio for a design subject (Resistant Materials) which maybe enough to get me in but i dont want to chance it.

So , i need 3/4 Projects to show them , maybe one poster, one flyer/leaflet, Website Header, and some signatures ive already made. I will draw up some fake client briefs to make it look professional but i just need some ideas , which aren't to hard to do , but look good and will show my good knowledge on PS and my basic knowledge on Illustrator.

I really need to get my portfolio done as soon i will have to start revision for my GCSE'S and therefore that will take my time up.

Any help would be appreciated.

---------------------------------

Some Sigs ive done in the past.





These are my simpler ones as i lost alot of my more complex ones.

[zumojuice]

To me, I'd include a wide spectrum of all the work you have down, from banners to flyers and posters etc. Play to your strengths and admit your weaknesses and where you want to and need to improve. It is college so they'll expect a certain level but not experts.

Select arounf 8-12 pieces hat best show what your work/style/passions are. Try to make them as muhc your work as possible. So in your case, try to minimise the use of stock and shoot some of your own. Even if this is really basic stuff. Try to think around the issues and holes you feel you have. If you wanted to create a film poster for example, you might need to use your imagination and think around the problem to come up with innovative ways (and therefore more creative and visually exciting ways) to tackle the subject matter.

On a side note, losing work is darn annoying. I've lost a lot of my old stuff with computer crashes and the like. Used to have a lot of really nice PS only work, creating worlds and surreal scenes. So back it all up and keep it organised.

[Seedy GD]

Zumo is right. the best thing to do is show a wide rage of stuff. Depending on the college and where you are applying they will be looking for different things. However being a school they are looking to see that you are trying new things.

Yes, it helps if you have some basic technical skill such as photoshop but, they can teach you that, what most schools are looking for are people that will try different things and experiment with ideas.

Having said that, your signs are all very similar products. If you have drawing or paintings or photos ect... I would try to be diverse. But again all this depends on where you are applying.

I think the Global Gatherings one is particularly strong.