Vancouver’s #BehanceReviews event is on Oct 28, 2015 at Brainstation.
This panel Q&A is a chance for creatives to get advice on how to improve their portfolio—and how they present it to clients and employers.
It’s shaping up to be an amazing event—a rare chance for ad/design pros to ask burning questions without feeling awkward. Our hope is that we put you on the path to landing your dream gig.
But before the big day arrives, we need your help.
Answer this question:
What’s your single biggest struggle when it comes to your portfolio or portfolio presentation?
Answer in the comments section below (be as detailed as you can)!
Ami has helped over 430 business owners connect with millions of prospects online.
As a marketing consultant and coach for client-based business owners, Ami specializes in helping experts attract ideal clients — predictably.
Formerly a freelance photographer, Ami has photographed celebrities like Jay-Z, Coldplay, and Olympic athletes.
He’s the proud co-founder of Creative Pulse and has led its volunteer team since 2014.
As a marketing consultant and coach for client-based business owners, Ami specializes in helping experts attract ideal clients — predictably.
Formerly a freelance photographer, Ami has photographed celebrities like Jay-Z, Coldplay, and Olympic athletes.
He’s the proud co-founder of Creative Pulse and has led its volunteer team since 2014.
I’ll start: my biggest struggle when it comes to presenting my commercial photography portfolio to agencies is knowing what to SAY to increase the odds of being remembered and called upon in the future.
Should I be leading the conversation? Asking questions about the agency’s work? Having a CD thumb through a portfolio doesn’t take long…and depending who the person is, it can be a pretty quiet affair.
My problem is similar – what to say, and WHEN to say things. I am a graphic designer and when it comes to presenting design projects, some people love to hear the thought process and the story behind the work, some prefer to just look at the images and take it in. And depending on the project, the backstory could be loooong so I can understand why some people don’t want to hear all of it! Should I just ask up front what they want?
My problem is kind of similar – what to say, and WHEN to say things. I am a graphic designer and when it comes to presenting design projects, some people love to hear the thought process and the story behind the work, some prefer to just look at the images and take it in. And depending on the project, the backstory could be pretty long so I can understand why some people don’t want to hear all of it! Should I just ask up front what they want?
Preach! Thanks for sharing Celia 🙂
My biggest struggle so far has been narrowing the focus of my book. As a creative, you tend to have a variety of projects that you’ve worked on, but it doesn’t mean you need to show everything you can do – have focus.
It’s hard, especially when you’re just out of school, to be confident in the work you’re able to present and show that you have potential. I guess one thing I can say is, show at least one project that includes some of your process!
I’ve been lucky to have some great mentors who have helped me fine tune my portfolio, but your portfolio never stops being a work in progress. Never stop learning or getting your book in front of people 🙂
Thanks for your input Darren. I’m 7 years in and I still have trouble with this!