It isn't easy to get a job these days. Interviewers are partly about you, and mostly about your graphic design portfolio. Graphic design portfolios are graphic resumes. They show real examples of the type of work you have done in the past and are also a good indicator of the work to come. A few simple steps will help you achieve an impressive portfolio - choosing samples, creating samples that don't exist, and your portfolio case.
You already know that portfolios should contain examples of work, but which samples in what format? Whenever possible use actual samples. If you did a four-color magazine ad for school or a client, put an original removed from the magazine in your portfolio. It always seems better to actually feel and see an actual piece that has been mass-produced. If you are unable to use an actual piece make the best print out and mock it up as the original would be.
If your work is too large to display or is 3-dimensional and will not fit in your portfolio (large boxes, or billboards) get the best photos that you can. You might also want to accompany these photos with smaller print outs of the digital files you worked from. Maybe you don't have much to display; what should you do in this situation? Get creative!
Use work you did for friends and family. Did you create your dad's business identity or your best friends wedding announcement? Include the best of those pieces. Don't forget to include your own pieces. Create an identity for yourself - letterhead, business card, website etc.
The size of the samples you decide to include along with the style will dictate the size of your portfolio case. Keep in mind that you will be presenting a portfolio in an office. No art director wants a portfolio to cover her entire desk. Along with your actual paper portfolio you should keep a multi-page PDF of your portfolio. With a multi-page PDF you can easily email samples.
Put this advice to use and gather samples to combine in an impressive portfolio case, and join us for our annual Portfolio Day. You will have the chance to interview with local professionals and possibly be hired! Keep up to date with news about Portfolio Day here at AAF - Montgomery or contact our Education chair for more details.