How to build a design portfolio

Developing a good portfolio is essential for getting admission to design colleges in India and abroad. Here are some tips to help you create a strong design portfolio:

1. Understand the requirements: Different colleges and universities may have different portfolio requirements. So, it’s important to carefully review the guidelines provided by each institution to understand what they are looking for in a portfolio.
2. Show variety: Your portfolio should showcase a range of skills, styles, and techniques. This will demonstrate your versatility as a designer and your ability to work with different media.
3. Include your best work: Your portfolio should highlight your best work, so be sure to include your most polished and impressive projects. Quality is more important than quantity, so focus on showcasing a few of your best pieces rather than including everything you’ve ever done.
4. Tailor your portfolio to the program: If you are applying to a specific design program, try to tailor your portfolio to match the program’s focus. For example, if you’re applying to a graphic design program, include examples of your work in typography, branding, and layout design.
5. Consider the format: Your portfolio can be presented in a variety of formats, including physical, digital, or a combination of both. Choose a format that best showcases your work and is easy to navigate for the viewer.
6. Get feedback: It’s important to get feedback on your portfolio from people you trust, such as mentors or professional designers. They can provide constructive criticism and help you improve your portfolio before submitting it to colleges.
7. Practice, practice, practice: Building a strong portfolio takes time and practice. Keep working on your skills and creating new projects that you can add to your portfolio. This will not only help you improve your skills but also keep your portfolio up-to-date and relevant.

It is not important to start a brilliant portfolio from day 1, start with basic sketches and gradually you will improve.  A good portfolio takes 8-9 months to build.