Tagged: graphic design

the physical portfolio: inspiration

Portfolio research/inspiration

I began researching into the presentation of physical portfolios to think about how I want to present my work physically. I have never wanted to use a typical portfolio folder, binder or box as I feel this better suits two-dimensional work or image-based pieces. The work I want to include in my graduate portfolio includes a selection of zines and booklets I have created, as well as some photography and other print-based work, so I want my portfolio to reflect my love of materials, printing and tactility. I started to look at innovative packaging for portfolios, for example, envelopes, bags or obscure packaging.

We Sow is a project by French graphic designers Léa Beaubois, Marion Cachon and Paul Faure, who ‘sow’ packages of printed matter throughout Lyon and Ghent, of reworked pieces of text in the form of pamphlets, flyers, zines or little scrolls of paper. The packages of risograph prints will be left on streets or in public places, or hidden and left to find by passers by.

“We Sow is an independent self-publishing initiative which was launched in Lyon, France in summer 2016 by Léa Beaubois, Marion Cachon and Paul Faure. Created in response to the current socio-political state of affairs in France and beyond, the project seeks to sow seeds in the minds of its readers, in a thoughtfully designed and printed form that also offers the group a chance to flex their design muscles.”


Other forms of packaging that have inspired me include >>Robynne Redgrave’s portfolio<< which has a similar aesthetic, placing all elements of her portfolio and documentation into a transparent package, almost like an evidence bag or important piece of mail. I like the idea of using bulldog clips or other basic stationery fastenings, to allow the recipient to take apart the portfolio and look through it in whichever order they like; being able to look at items up close, touch them and turn them over.

>>This stationery packaging I discovered on Pinterest<<, (but unfortunately cannot find the original source or designer) uses playful links to food and eating, packaging a notebook in what looks like a takeaway box or lunchbox with a branded cardboard band around it. Linking this to the food/fashion concept of my final major project and where I would like my future work to go, I like the idea of using food packaging within a visual portfolio. (Even rolling up a CV or cover letter like a napkin could add to this effect?)

initial portfolio research/inspiration

I began my research into online portfolios by taking a look at some that I find visually inspiring or pleasing, by artists and designers that I admire, to see what elements I could use (or should avoid) for my own website development.

http://www.marleighculver.com

Marleigh Culver is a graphic designer and illustrative artist, and her online portfolio showcases the combination of these two disciplines. Her website is simple but colourful, mirroring the use of bold colour, shapes and type in her work. It doesn’t feature any unnecessary details, animation or extra pages, simply a description of the artist and her work, and pieces separated by clients/projects. Her about page is a chance to see a more in depth description, list of contact points/social media platforms, experience, clients and features. Her descriptions are humorous, giving a personal insight into the artist’s personality and life, e.g. “SHE SPENDS MORE WEEKENDS OUT OF TOWN THAN AT HOME AND HAS AT LEAST FOUR PROJECTS HAPPENING AT ONCE. HER SINK IS ALWAYS ROTATING DISHES FROM A LABORED DINNER OR BAKING SITUATION AND HER PLANTS KEEP EACH OTHER COMPANY WITH HALF FINISHED PAINTINGS AND KNICK KNACKS FROM ANTIQUE MALLS,” which is a creative way for visitors to the website to feel like they know the artist a little more, and get to know about other interests/activities they engage in.

 

https://chloesheppard.com

I’ve followed photographer Chloe Sheppard’s work for years on Instagram and through various publications, but had never taken the time to view her portfolio. It is very simple in design, splitting photographs into projects or clients and viewing them in a slideshow – however I feel the titles on the sidebar are a little confusing – it would be difficult to find a particular piece of work on the website. None of the type stands out to separate it from each other, or highlight particular works above others. However, I do like the dramatic landing page when you first reach the website. A full screen slideshow of images appears, allowing you to enter the full website. I think that having an eye-catching entrance to the website could be something I can take on board, but also to make sure the entire site is cohesive and one page isn’t more impressive or polished than the others.

http://gracemiceli.com

I love Grace Miceli’s childlike, girlish and humorous illustrations, and so I was interested to see how this could be presented on a polished digital platform. Her website is bold and simple, reflecting the nature of her work. Her homepage consists of large images which show a heading when hovered over, which I like as headings can sometimes ruin the aesthetic impact of a page, so hiding them until hovered over is something I’d like to incorporate. Her about page contains a short bio and email address, but also shows a link to her Instagram and online shop to promote her other platforms. She has also included a CV, which is useful as this displays the large number of exhibitions and publications her work has been a part of (this has made me think about whether I will need a CV or not on my website – I feel it is only particularly useful once you have enough experience or exposure to showcase).

 

NOOKIE media pack

https://issuu.com/hollyeliza/docs/media_pack_nookie_final_2

In our finished media pack, I wanted to capture the fun and lighthearted mood we want our publication to create, and so the art direction and overall layout and design has this feel. The media pack illustrates our thoughts and plans for fashion direction, the flat plan of the issue, promotional strategies and advertising.