10 Rules for Portfolios

I have been working in the creative industry for over a decade. first as a designer, then art director and finally illustrator. Over this time period I have cycled through many interactions of my portfolio and learned what works. This is my way of giving back by sharing the hard won lesson so that you can develop the best portfolio.

Rule 1: Bang for Buck

We often say ‘Save the best for last,’ this quote can no longer be applied to your portfolio or your website. A study conducted by Microsoft showed, on average you have an eight second window to capture the attention of your audience.

With only a couple of sec to grabs someone’s attention, show them your best work first. Let it capture the attention and the imagination of the viewer.

Rule 2: Who Are You

Let me ask you this, when you have two products that for all intensive purposes are the exact same quality how do you decide which to get?It comes down to personality and taste.

Your portfolio should give a sense of who you are. As Blair Enns says “people buy from people they know like and…