Questions on building a portfolio

[DamnStraight]

I want to start building a portfolio to do some freelance graphic design.

1. This sounds like a really silly question to me, but can I start out only doing logos? I want to do something I'm comfortable with and my skills aren't where I want them for illustrations.

2. How do I build a logo portfolio? I know I need to create spec logos, and the first step I can think of is to make up a bunch of businesses from a variety of industries and start sketching ideas. Is this the way to go or am I missing something?

[hitnrun]

1) Yes. You can start off doing only logo's. Better to have more versatility, but we all have to start somewhere.

2) Portfolio - If you already have commissions, put them in there. Between 7 and 10 is a nice amount. Print on good quality paper. If it's stuff you haven't been hired to do, make sure its clean stuff; good, high resolution images; If it's a digital portfolio, I'd add a watermark for extra security. This also tells people "this image belongs to someone, no use w/o permission". The "good clean, high rez" stuff obviously applies to anything you're hired to do as well.

[TheMumm]

You can start doing only logos but you WILL be selling yourself short in the long run. Layout is where the fun really is with GD -- make up a phoney magazine, some story titles, and just use ID's placeholder text to make the large blocks. Great exercise in grid layout and 'publication' design.

[ephelan]

Branding is a crucial aspect to graphic design. It's not just a logo, but an identity that represents the company's products and beliefs. Building a successful brand can be just as difficult as any illustration. I've personally never had a job where the work starts and stops at just a logo. Secondly, most professional graphic designers concede that graphic design and illustration are two different fields entirely.

As stated above, you'd do yourself a favor to layout various collateral like magazine covers, publication layouts, environment design, business cards, etc. Even if you only wish to try logos, most employers like to see flat design work and mock ups of branding in use.

Don't skimp on printing. You don't have to run out and buy a Pina Zangaro book, but at least choose bright, opaque paper. Show how the logo works well in color and black and white. Show how the logo works at a reasonable scale from a business card to an outdoor board. Don't throw different logos on the same page. The brand should speak for itself.

I hope this helps.

[hitnrun]

Branding is a crucial aspect to graphic design. It's not just a logo, but an identity that represents the company's products and beliefs. Building a successful brand can be just as difficult as any illustration. I've personally never had a job where the work starts and stops at just a logo. Secondly, most professional graphic designers concede that graphic design and illustration are two different fields entirely.

As stated above, you'd do yourself a favor to layout various collateral like magazine covers, publication layouts, environment design, business cards, etc. Even if you only wish to try logos, most employers like to see flat design work and mock ups of branding in use.

Don't skimp on printing. You don't have to run out and buy a Pina Zangaro book, but at least choose bright, opaque paper. Show how the logo works well in color and black and white. Show how the logo works at a reasonable scale from a business card to an outdoor board. Don't throw different logos on the same page. The brand should speak for itself.

I hope this helps.

*Fantastic* advice!

[said7]

Check out behance.net and see other peoples portfolio. This is a great way to see how designers present their work. A lot of good stuff.

Here is a sample of a branding campaign i did.
http://said7.com/projects/possible-branding/