Expert Tips to Make Impressive Portfolio for Design Students

Expert Tips to Make Impressive Portfolio for Design Students

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Mar 01, 2024 02:21 PM IST | #B.Des

For an individual aspiring to be a designer, a well-fabricated portfolio holds immense significance, serving to be a cornerstone for carving a successful design journey. A good student portfolio design gives the confidence to stand out by demonstrating versatility in ideas, catering to diverse challenges that may or may not be design-specific. The portfolio for design students is not only crucial for getting into top design schools, but it is a never-ending constant process of updating projects with every experience and adding new learnings, that promote the credibility in the professional life of a budding designer.

Expert Tips to Make Impressive Portfolio for Design Students
Expert Tips to Make Impressive Portfolio for Design Students

Through this article, aspirants can get an idea of how to make a portfolio for design schools. Moreover, aspirants are provided with answers to some of the common queries on how to make a good portfolio for design.

Experts’ tips on how to make a portfolio for design students

The student portfolio design is a document talking of one’s conscious awareness of surroundings, the skill set that is contemporary to the need of the hour. In the earlier stages of aspirants' career, the portfolio plays a significant role in landing the D-schools of your preference. Portfolio for design students is a constant practice for career advancement showcasing growth and accomplishments. There is no strict guideline for crafting up portfolio design. However, in this article, we will be focusing on a bunch of healthy practices compiled in the form of Learnings from the experience of diverse stakeholders in industry and academia for more than a decade.

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Learning 01

“It is not quantity but quality that matters”

The idea is to showcase your best that communicates your skill set but does not include everything. It is not only the drawings or sketches but also “Your thought process” Most critically, how you approach a given challenge or situation whether you are appearing for NID or NIFT or any good D-school doesn’t matter much. You can communicate your thought process through sketches or illustrations creatively. Secondly, your urge to reflect on challenges around you. Amongst all the most crucial thing is to be genuine and humble in your efforts, believe me, it pays.

Learning 02

“A strong Portfolio is like a good Restaurant, that serves varieties, but all equally good”

I have seen students repeating one common mistake where they assume the portfolio is only to showcase their sketching skills. Sketching is a medium in design to communicate unlike any other language, better the quality better the impression. But always try to include a variety of works in your portfolio, unlike a restaurant that serves a variety of things rather very good idli only on the menu. Try to include your classroom projects, your craft work, and even any good piece of literature like a poem or Shayari provided where to use and how to use is crucial.

Learning 03

“ Overcome the fear of not being extraordinary”

Sharing with experience of more than 06 years being part of the design community, and multiple professional experiences earlier.

Design is not for extraordinary people, rather it is for ordinary people with extraordinary efforts. What makes a design, or portfolio effective, are extraordinary efforts to communicate your idea very simply.

For example, a simple depiction of Pythagoras' Theorem to make it understandable even to class two students is a good piece of design that could make a strong portfolio. Only the crucial factor is looking at how a student would learn, which can be through digital or physical mediums.

Learning 04

“Be Organised”

When I say "organise," I don't only mean neatly arranging papers; I also mean assigning tasks a priority. I'm going to give you a cheat code: your second-best project should always be the best, but your best project should always be the second. Why? This would provide the ideal atmosphere for arousing people's curiosity. People are naturally intrigued when they look through your portfolio, but the final project may be purposefully left unfinished with a clear perspective plan. If done effectively, this could spark intriguing discussion among the jurors. Once more, this is merely a suggestion and not a rigid guideline that must be adhered to.

Learning 05

“ If a good design portfolio is like a good restaurant that serves variety, what should be on the menu? ”

The most crucial question by the time you might be seeking for all along this article, is what to and not to include in the article. What should be the chronology of the projects etc?

a) Good Opening Page (First Impression of a good Menu)

A good opening page is graphically attractive enough but to convey the idea about your skillset and understanding Of design at this level.

b) Second Page talks about you (The chef)
The second page should talk about you and depict you being full of energy and life facilitated by a good photograph of you (The chef). When talking about photographs one should avoid sincere passport size, rather a good mid-shot photo graph depicting you in an activity is an ideal click.

c) The third Page Onwards (Projects- The Recipes)

Ideally, we should keep between 05-08 different projects in our portfolio, the chronology of the portfolio should be as per the best and most relevant work.Sketching/Portraits Should not be more than 02-03 sheets, rather a better practice is to showcase the sketching as part of projects as a medium to communicate the thought process.

d) Overall Theme (Be Specific)

It is advised to include works more as per the opted domain, e.g. if someone has opted For Fashion design Particularly in Lifestyle Accessories, your portfolio should include more works around the same theme rather than including photography or product sketches.

Through this article, we tried taking you on the journey along with tips that would be immensely useful in crafting an impactful portfolio being a design aspirant. We have shared experiences and lessons that have worked for many. Additionally, whatever is shared here is the summation of years of collaboration with professionals from diverse design backgrounds.

Wishing you All the very best!

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Questions related to B.Des

Have a question related to B.Des ?

Hello Greetings

Yes, you can modify your application to attempt both B.Des and B.F.Tech exams when the NIFT edit window opens.


According to the NIFT website, the edit window is a facility provided to candidates to make corrections or modifications to their application form. During this window, you can:


1. *Add or remove exam categories*: You can add B.F.Tech as an additional exam category.

2. *Make changes to your application form*: You can edit your personal details, qualification details, or any other information.


To make changes, follow these steps:


1. Wait for the NIFT edit window to open (dates will be announced on the NIFT website).

2. Log in to your NIFT account using your credentials.

3. Click on the "Edit Application Form" option.

4. Make the necessary changes, including adding B.F.Tech as an additional exam category.

5. Save and submit the changes.


Please note that the edit window is usually open for a limited period, so make sure to make the changes within the specified timeframe.

Have a great day

Hello aspirant,

Yes, you can modify your course option in the edit window if you originally registered for the BFTech (Bachelor of Fashion Technology) program but now want to convert to the BDes (Bachelor of Design) program. The edit window often allows candidates to make changes to their application, including course preferences.

To do this:

1. NIFT will open the edit window after the application submission deadline, allowing candidates to make errors or modifications to their application.

2. Log into Your NIFT Account: When the edit window appears, log in to your NIFT application gateway.

3. Change Your Course: In the application form, you should be able to change your course selection from BFTech to BDes.

4. Save and Submit: After making the necessary changes, save the modified information and resubmit the form, if necessary.

Important Notes: a) For precise instructions on the edit window, be sure to visit the official NIFT website or your application portal. They may include information on the duration of the window's operation as well as any further instructions.
b) Prior to making the modification, confirm that you fulfil the BDes program's eligibility requirements.
c) You can ask the NIFT helpdesk or support team for more information if the edit window isn't available yet or if you're not sure.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is India's foremost institution for undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in fashion design, technology, and management. It is renowned for its demanding curriculum, industry ties, and high placement rates in the fashion and design industries.

To know more on this you can visit-

https://www.careers360.com/colleges/national-institute-of-fashion-technology-delhi/courses/bdes-idpg?page=6&sort_by=1



Hi,

B.Des or bachelor of design is an undergraduate degree programme. B.Des course duration is four years, offered by many colleges and universities across India.

There are many best government and private colleges for bachelor of design in Pune. some of the best government colleges are given below

  • Department of Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
  • COEP Pune
  • Film and Television Institute of India Pune
  • Savitribai Phule Pune University Pune

For more government design college in Pune , you can check here.

Hope this information will help you

Hello Nandita,

If you're looking to pursue a Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Fashion Communication or a design program without an entrance exam and at an affordable private college, here are some options that offer such programs:

1. Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID), Ahmedabad

  • Program Offered: B.Des in Fashion Design and other design disciplines.

  • Admission: You can apply directly, and sometimes an interview or portfolio review may be needed.

  • Reputation: Known for quality design education.
  • Affordability: Moderately priced compared to other top design institutes.

    2. Pearl Academy

  • Program Offered: B.Des in Fashion Communication, Fashion Design, and other design courses.

  • Admission: Pearl Academy has its own entrance test, but it’s generally considered easier compared to NIFT.

  • Reputation: It’s one of the reputed design colleges with good industry connections.

  • Affordability: Offers scholarships and various fee structures.

    3. Amity School of Fashion Technology, Noida

  • Program Offered: B.Des in Fashion Design and other fashion-related programs.

  • Admission: Direct admission or based on an interview/portfolio.
  • Reputation: A well-known private institution with decent placements.
  • Affordability: Generally more affordable than top-tier design schools.

    4. Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab

  • Program Offered: B.Des in Fashion Design.

  • Admission: LPU has its own entrance exam (LPUNEST), but you can get direct admission based on your 12th grade marks.

  • Reputation: Known for offering a wide range of programs with modern infrastructure.

  • Affordability: Offers scholarships to make the course more affordable.

    5. JD Institute of Fashion Technology

  • Program Offered: B.Des in Fashion Communication, Fashion Design.
  • Admission: Offers direct admission without any entrance exam.
  • Reputation: Well-established design institute with decent industry links.
  • Affordability: Comparatively affordable.

    Conclusion:

These colleges offer direct or easier admission routes without the pressure of national-level entrance exams like NIFT. You should also check their scholarship opportunities, which can make your education more affordable. Choose a college that aligns with your interests, budget, and long-term career goals in design.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

Here below I am providing you with the name of some of the colleges:

  • National Institute of Design, Andhra Pradesh
  • National Institute of Design, Haryana
  • National Institute of Design, Madhya Pradesh
  • National Institute of Design, Assam

For more information, you can visit the following link:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/list-of-nids-in-india

Thank you

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