When building an online portfolio, should I keep descriptions of projects brief?
It might sound like a stupid question, but I'm kind of at a loss.
I've worked on quite a few projects that I feel I can't do justice getting across via bullet point.
On the other hand, is anyone actually going to sit and read this? Should I save the good stuff for interviews?
Replies5
- Hi Richard,It also depends which format you use fi. a website or pdf portfolio but definitely give description. It should include the challenge you had to face (the brief but showing your understanding on what the client really needs), what was the big idea to solve it and what pracxtical skills you used for. I would say a few hundred words should be enough, a few hundred words short and sweet. But do really put these ones in without it's a misery for the employer what are your skills and level.
- Could you highlight a case study or two, while keeping the majority succinct?For the latter, I was looking at Pentagram's projects recently, and I think their copy is super compelling. They start with a one-sentence, punchy summary, almost like a movie logline:"Brand identity for a tech company creating cultural resources to inspire change and drive social progress."Boom![what they did] + [who] + [what client does] + [why]Then you get the why and how:"The vibrant colour palette suggests Manuvo’s bold new vision, framing culture and education as a catalyst for change."Three strong paragraphs highlighting the key aspects of the project. Now of course, Pentagram's name and extensive portfolio speak for themselves, but I think there are good lessons there in writing effective copy :-)
- I think yes, keep it brief on your portfolio. Folks are busy and aren't going to be interested in reading screeds of info. Keep it brief on your portfolio, and as you say save the good stuff for interviews. Your passion and enthusiasm will also come across in person, which will be a bonus!
- I wouldn't keep the whole brief, maybe highlight one point that makes your project interesting or different (e.g. unusual target, costraints or challenges)
- I'd save the good stuff for interviews and present your work as it's intended for its audience i.e. it works for them without you explaining it to them. Hope that helps!
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