Web and Graphic Design

Take time to seriously organize your portfolio. Having a nice portfolio is an opportunity for you to show your range of skills and talents. How well you prepare this portfolio shows a lot about how you value creativity. For this reason, it is unwise also to provide samples of low-quality work. Quantity is not quality. If you only have 3 sites that you're really proud of, then your portfolio should only have 3 sample sites.

As an artist, be imaginative with the way you present your portfolio. After all, you are represented by your work. Use the portfolio as an opportunity to explain how you were able to solve a problem. Don't be modest in a portfolio. But don't lie either. If you worked with a team of designers before on a successful project - don't present it in your portfolio as all your own work. Be sure to clarify your involvement.

While it might help to dress up differently for the occasion and create a little fashion statement if you want just to show that you're an out-of-the-box thinker, bear in mind that not all people hire you on good looks alone. If you are unsure then looking proper and decent always work.

One good way to peek at your codes is clicking on the view source and download your CSS file. It is thus favorable then to clean up your codes before making a presentation. If you are good with Flash, also prepare a sample .fla file to show just in case. We are not looking for perfect files but readable codes are best desired.

Try not to trick yourself into believing that the tools are your artworks. Being familiar with Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, and any other design software application tools is great but it is what you can produce with them that ultimately matters. Hang around bookshops, art departments or take time to visit museums. Discover more about the values of communication arts. The basic elements of proper composition, color combination, illustrations, visual effects on human behavior, and similar topics would provide you fertile ground to grow on. Learn to distinguish on what works and what doesn't. When you can, be influenced by the masters.

Spend your weekends continually experiment on your own. You don't need assignments to be productive specially if it means your own growth. All you need is your own passion. And you will never miss out on those creative "happy accidents" again.

The requirement is to create visual communication of commercial value. So when you come to the office, show that you can communicate. Learn to sell yourself. Have confidence. Be generous with your smiles.

Lastly, be sincere with yourself and your passion. If you love what you do, then doing it every day should be a wonderful thing.