Create {mini} Collections for your Portfolio ⚡️
Create {mini} Collections for your Portfolio ⚡️
It is super intimidating to take on such a massive endeavor all by yourself. Without feedback. Without a schedule. Without community.
Are you trying to work on your portfolio, but feel a little all-over-the-place?
So many Design Tribe members ask me for advice on how to create their Portfolio, and honestly, I think part of the biggest problems are:
Not having a clear focus.
Having good work, but it doesn't "go together."
Having zero direction, or cohesion, among your pieces.
Creating your own portfolio in (mini) collections
is one of the MOST IMPORTANT ingredients in the "portfolio recipe" - even if you've done it before and you simply need new work to show clients / your agent!
Let's try out this metaphor...
If your finished portfolio is cake, and your individual pieces are the eggs, milk, and sugar... your (mini) collections are the BAKING POWDER that helps the whole thing rise. Without it, the entire venture falls flat.
That's why my new summer school program, Portfolio Surge, includes a ⭐️Bonus Lesson⭐️ on how to group your work into collections.
The whole thing should be intuitive anyway, because the entire summer school is structured around creating a mini group of work with laser focus! ⚡
You have 2 weeks to finish each assignment - aka mini collection. By the end of the 2 weeks, your designs should coordinate flawlessly just like this fabric collection:
With Portfolio Building on your own:
You get inspired to create new work, but then it doesn't "go together" with your previous pieces.
You have some work, but it feels outdated and you worry that Art Directors will think you aren't up to date on the latest trends.
You lose focus and direction, and eventually all motivation.
That's why I will guide you through the portfolio building process with proven strategies to develop your own portfolio by the end of the summer with a systematic step-by-step action plan.
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
A bi-weekly Trend Board, Color Palette, and Video Lesson.
A clear, guided schedule with due dates to ensure you get your work done.
A private Facebook community that provides feedback on your work, support, and accountability.
Your portfolio is the perfect opportunity to showcase your style and develop a few mini collections of new work!
WHAT YOU NEED:
A basic understanding of Photoshop / Illustrator
A computer w/ design software like Photoshop or Illustrator, Affinity Designer or Affinity Photo, or Procreate on iPad Pro, etc.
Just one of these is enough; you don't need them all.
Basic knowledge of your craft whether it's creating patterns or illustrations.
WHO IS THIS SUMMER SCHOOL FOR?
Portfolio Surge is an awesome boost for a range of different levels of designers:
It's great for students who are graduating from college, but aren't totally in love with their portfolio.
It's for professionals who want to transition into a design career. They've learned the software and know how to design a pattern or illustration, but don't have a solid collection of work that goes together beautifully and makes a statement.
Aspiring surface pattern designers / illustrators who need a strong collective portfolio to pitch to agencies, design studios, or clients.
Professional designers who haven't worked on their portfolio in 1-2+ years. They simply need a new group of work based on current & relevant trends to propose to clients or their agent.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE ACCESS?
Because Portfolio Surge is a portfolio building summer school based on the importance of current trends, you will have access to the course for 6 months only.
By December, I will complete next year's Trend Guide and will pull out the most significant trends for next year's Portfolio Surge summer school.
In other words, you'll have 6 months to complete your portfolio with the POW of current trends. After that, the previous year's trends start to lose their "pow" effect so once December hits, I'd highly encourage you to start working on future trends for the next year.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Throughout summer school, there is a private FB Group for Portfolio Surge students only where you are welcome to post any questions!
If you have questions about signing up, feel free to email me or schedule an Instagram Live call if you'd rather chat face-to-face. 🤣 I'm happy to chat!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Sign up for summer school here. It's time to make the investment in yourself so that by the end of the summer you'll be ready to start showing your portfolio to clients and / or applying for jobs!
See you there, VIRTUAL HUGS!
-Lauren
