The portfolio workshop was awesome. Robert Fee of SCAD and Jeff Smith of Reflexdesign gave presentations on portfolio dos and don’ts. Afterwards the a panel consisting of (back row LtoR) Jeff Smith of Reflexdesign, Robert Fee of SCAD, Tim Fletcher, (IDSA's very own National Chapter Vice-Prez) of Elumens, Brian Roderman of PDS Development, (front row) Lauren Brenneman of id-one, and Carie Davis of Coca-Cola fielded questions from the student audience.


Robert Fee- "Don't show washing machines to a washing machine design studio." They probably know more than you about w/m. If you design shoes, but want to get into washing machines then consider banging out some quick concept related design. A little ideation is better that nothing.


Jeff Smith - "Always show lots of sketches." If you came into his office without a sketchbook "YOU WOULD NOT GET HIRED!" Wow what a statement. Without it, it doesn’t show the intimacy of your designs and communications. We are designers. This is how we communicate. Sketches are critical.


Digital or tactile???
PDF, CD, web site or printed portfolio -why not all. Let the potential employer choose what they want to see. Be sure to keep file sizes small. Make sure the PDF can be printed well.


Don't go in blind. Send plenty of info to employer. Hopefully they should be at least familiar with one of your images when you follow up phone call or visit studio. Also, another comment to consider... don't illegally use a industry logo to make your design look real world. The company you are interviewing with will kill you.