Is Your Portfolio in Good Shape?

Is Your Portfolio in Good Shape?

Ever looked at a portfolio and thought, "Wow, that's really nice!" only to realize later you're still not sure what other skills this designer has? Sure, the designs are impressive, but there's a little more to a portfolio than just pretty pictures. And that's what I’m here to discuss today.

— To Case Study or Not to Case Study?

I've heard the whispers in the corners of the design community. "Do case studies matter anymore?" "Aren't they outdated?" "Do people even care?" I get it, there's an ongoing debate about this. Some designers feel that if their work can't speak for itself, then what's the point?

But here's the thing, we're not just artists. We're problem solvers, marketers, and communicators. And that's exactly where the value of a case study comes in. A well-crafted case study isn't a boring or mundane project—it's a chance to demonstrate your ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to solve problems creatively.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating for a tedious, in-depth, 40-page report explaining why you chose Helvetica over Arial. Case studies, like good designs, should be easy to read and clear.

Here are some of my examples of short studies that add value;

Misfits Gaming (Assisting art direction) https://www.behance.net/gallery/173549875/Misfits-Gaming-Rebrand-Website?tracking_source=search_projects|misfits+gg

100 Thieves (Art director) https://www.behance.net/gallery/165619959/100-Thieves-2022

— Keeping Case Studies Short and Sweet

Here's the reality check: Nobody's got time for a 20-page case study these days. Save that for your $50K clients. We need to be as quick outputted and entertaining as the Tiktok’s we watch for hours in our portfolios. And the secret weapon in your arsenal? A clear, pointed creative objective.

Imagine you've got a wild idea to rebrand the NFL for fun. Instead of flooding your portfolio with a social media posts that lack context, why not tie it to a creative objective? A creative objective is the 'why' behind your design. Maybe you've identified that the NFL is now broadcasting junior games and you want to design around this fresh perspective. Or perhaps, you feel the aggressive undertones of the sport need addressing and you want to find a solution. Whatever your motive, it's the driving force behind your design decisions.

Now your design project isn't just a collection of good-looking posts. It's no longer about just rebranding the NFL, but rebranding with a purpose. You're demonstrating how you approached a concrete problem and crafted a creative solution for it.

When it's interview time and the inevitable "What was your process?" question pops up, you're ready. You're not just explaining your design; you're sharing a story about problem-solving, about creativity, and the result you came up with.

— The Future of Portfolios

The way I see it, including case studies in your portfolio can only help you, not hinder you. You may encounter a creative leader who values reasoning over your creative ability or is looking for someone who knows how to solve problems and can communicate that solution to a wider team. By ignoring case studies, you could be excluding half the jobs out there.

So, take a step back, look at your portfolio. Is it just a collection of beautiful designs, or does it reflect the journey from problem to solution? Remember, a great portfolio showcases not just your ability to create art, but also your abilities in problem-solving, marketing, and communication.

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