“Show me who you are and how you work, not what you have done”

There are ways to get studios’ attention. I’ve heard about big parachute stunts or barbershop quartets, and seen clever leftovers or beautiful printed pieces (I actually once redesigned some KitKats to hand out at a portfolio meeting, which got me a job with a hungry design director). .

If illustration is your passion, could you bring over a print of the studio drawing you did? Or if you love copywriting, how about a newspaper with your story? Christmas cards with a clever idea at heart? Or even easier: start a blog where you review agencies’ projects. We all have one thing in common: we love reading nice things about our work. Think about how you could sit at their desk or screen in a more engaging way. However, avoid gimmicks that have nothing to do with you in any way.

Finally, there is the idea that your portfolio needs to be a polished deck, with end-to-end projects and case studies full of animations or 3D models. Let me say, that is not the case. When I look at portfolios, I want to see your opinion. Not your craft. I want to see your passions, unfinished projects. Show me sketches, tell me the brief, and tell me where you started your research or insights that may have opened up new places to explore. Show me who you are and how you work, not what you’ve done.

Good luck.