Any professional’s best tool for showcasing their knowledge, talents, and accomplishments to prospects and clients is an interior design portfolio. Building a professional portfolio, especially for students who have recently graduated, is similar to creating a specialized résumé that will be necessary when applying for any work in the industry. However, knowing where to begin when establishing or, for seasoned interior design veterans, updating and bringing their design portfolio to the next level, is frequently the most difficult element.
So let’s get started.
There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution
Interior design portfolios take effort to put together, and they should. You can’t produce just one version of your portfolio and expect good results, just like you wouldn’t copy and paste the same cover letter to every job you apply for. Every company and project will have unique requirements. As a result, showing a collection of your work rather than how your talents match what your prospect is looking for can send the message that you didn’t do your homework or put in the necessary effort for a position or project.
Keep in mind who your intended audience is
As a result, when organizing your portfolio, the first question you should address is, “Who is the intended audience?” Take the time to study more about the organization to gain a better understanding of who they are and what they stand for. Adapting to your audience will go a long way toward helping them comprehend your value and potential in a more familiar setting. Furthermore, striking a balance between the various types of media and projects will be crucial in letting possible future clients grasp the full scope of your capabilities. While photorealistic renders are fantastic, include a couple of line drawings to demonstrate your technical drawing skills.
Make use of mobile tools
Many people are abandoning traditional portfolios in favor of online or PDF versions. Not only does it save money on printing, but having your portfolio in your back pocket and ready to transmit anywhere you go ensures that designers don’t miss out on opportunities. When it comes to online portfolios or employing PDFs, however, there are numerous advantages and disadvantages to consider. Servers and a good internet connection are frequently used in online tools such as presentation software or more advanced solutions such as Virtual Reality. Your portfolios may take longer to load if the server crashes or if you have a spotty internet connection. On the other hand, presenting with a 2D platform such as a PDF can be accessed from any device, although it might be unimpressive at times. Employers and prospects may be inundated with similar applications, and the inherent beauty of your product may be overlooked in a flat medium.
With VR, you can see things more clearly
VR portfolios are one technique that is growing more popular among professional interior designers. Interior designers have gravitated toward adopting virtual reality to exhibit their designs freshly and spectacularly in recent years. VR’s immersive features allow viewers to be transported directly inside a designer’s project, adding a sense of “wow” and amazement to any discussion. It can not only lead viewers through the designer’s visual tale in a seamless manner, but it can also take them through an experience that is both educational and memorable. This is one technological advancement that has elevated the interior designer’s portfolio to new heights.
Keep it short and effective
It’s crucial to make a strong impression with your portfolio while keeping it concise. A 6-page portfolio will not be appropriate, especially during the preliminary stages, and will be more likely to be thrown out. Condense your abilities, accomplishments, and photographs into a two-page version, just as you would with your resume, and save a lengthier, more in-depth version for later to completely highlight your ability.
Portfolio development can be a time-consuming and demanding process. While proposals and face-to-face meetings with clients are vital parts of the project process, it all starts with the ideal proposal. So spend time researching your target audience, keep your portfolio small but impactful, and experiment with a variety of technologies and interior design software that can assist you in telling your visual story more effectively.
