My Future Held in a 3.5"x2" Card

In such a creative field, one needs to be unique to create a standing first impression. Throughout my readings and constant visits to graphic design websites, I have learned the powerful impact of a business card. This small dimensional card is used to capture your personality and character as both a human and a designer. A potential employer may take a quick glance and then make the first impression. It is crucial to stand out and emphasize your strengths as a designer.

The hardest part of the process behind me, my branding is now chosen. My logo concept is a chameleon. While researching the animal totem, I found the chameleon represents quickness and adaptability to change. Embodying strong intuition and independence, the chameleon changes colors rapidly and easily. Thinking of the possibilities to execute this idea was immediately flooding my mind.

Throughout my research, I came across an article in Smashing Magazine about the process and technique used to create business cards. The article provided information about working with your printer as well as how to prepare the files. As a student, this was very helpful because this will be my first experience. However, I was intrigued with the different ways I can execute my ideas for my chameleon.

With excitement also comes a little anxiety. I was reminded recently that we as seniors only have 9 weeks left of school. When told, the first thing that came to mind was gathering and creating my portfolio. Will it be enough time?

Countless Resources

In a way, graphic designers have an advantage. When going into a potential job market, we can prepare our portfolios to meet the needs of our future clients. How do we do that? Research. And lots of it!

Throughout my college experience, I have always fantasized where I am going to work after I graduate. Where will I live? California? New York City? I may have been dreaming, but now I need to solidify my options realistically to prepare my portfolio. During these first few weeks of the spring semester, I have been visiting graphic designer websites as well as making the frequent trip to Barnes and Noble. I am so determined to be proud of my portfolio and my presentation that it is almost all I think about. (I am also guilty of checking the AIGA job postings everyday…)

This may sound cliché, but reality is quickly approaching and it is picking up speed. I have been gathering my design pieces and wondering which ones will make the cut. It is crucial that my decisions illustrate what field I wish to go in as well as please the audience. My work ranges from Photoshop to Aftereffects. How do I want them to see me? What am I most proud of?

Luckily, my research has enabled to me to feel optimistic and grounded throughout this process. I have been reading two portfolio books, Designing a Digital Portfolio by Cynthia Baron and Building Design Portfolios by Sara Eisenman, that have been increasing my knowledge of what is expected of me. I look forward to reading what is next.

Logo Comps

Researching

First Impressions

I have always been taught that first impressions are crucial. Whether presenting a design portfolio or meeting new friends, personal presentation tells a great deal about your character.

First impressions are vital in the design world. As a senior design student, I need to present my portfolio as well as my personal branding in a way that makes me unique and memorable. To jumpstart this process, I have been sketching and rattling the right side of my brain to create a logo that embodies myself as a designer as well as a human being. I began this process by mind mapping how I see myself and asked others to write down how they see me. By researching, I was able to record my process as well as avoid “mucking” around on my computer. This approach was extremely helpful because I am now able to intelligently explain my design choices.

Not only are logos and design pieces important, presentation is very significant. A young designer needs to hold confidence in his or her work as well as in his or herself. Researching the proper way to design and deliver my portfolio has made me study myself and evaluate my goals. I have never tried to design for myself and now understand how difficult the process truly is. Logos are challenging because I want others to see me in a certain way. It needs to capture who I am as an individual and set me apart from the rest of the world.

Now, what will it be…?

Who am I? I need more research...

Throughout my experience as a student, I have collected many works that I am proud of and eager to share. To this day, I have learned from my respected professors the importance of research, organization, and individuality in my designs. My goal of my last semester of my senior year is to design a portfolio that showcases my personality, my best pieces, and my hard work.

In order to do this, I need to research and analyze who I am as a designer. This is the ultimate design that will aid me in taking the next step in my life: my future career. What are my strengths? Where am I applying? What are my values? These questions will help me tackle the first stage of the portfolio process.

When thinking about graduation, I have my doubts and worries about the future like many of my peers. However, throughout this semester, I am committed to improving my self-confidence not only as a designer, but also as a human being. I struggle with the questions of what I want my audience to think about when they look at my work in my portfolio. What do I want them to see? I certainly have ambition and motivation, but how do I display it?

To get all of my ideas in order, I have created a mind map that has organized all of my thoughts and practically everything about me into one organized diagram. Also, to stay informed with job openings and the design world, I have recently joined the AIGA. I am now connected with other professionals and am able to use this creative resource.

Through this blog, I will be able to find these answers and track the process of my portfolio.