Resume & Portfolio Creativity

[JGDesign]

Hey everyone, so I'm working on my resume and portfolio. I have a very clean look to my resume and want to follow that through the rest of my portfolio and business card. What I want to know is do you think its ok to be flashy in a minimalistic way? Also should you include a personal logo or is that to egotistic?

[vxbda]

The beauty of minimalism is that it is NOT flashy. I'm not quite sure what you mean by that.

The purpose of showing your portfolio is to show me what kind of skills you have. If you want to stretch that into a personal logo and visual branding exercise, have at it. I've heard some design veterans frown upon that sort of thing, but as someone who hires designers, I want you to show me something that makes you unique. So, my vote is Yes. Do it.

Hope this helps.

[JGDesign]

Thanks vxbda, I guess what I meant by being to flashy on the resume portion. I know the portfolio should display my best work and what I can bring to the table. I just wanted to know if it would be to flashy to have a logo on the resume. The type is laid out nicely and clean and thats the minimalistic part.

[LostSense]

Hey JGDesign -

This topic is always (and will forever) be debated. However, keep in mind (even as a designer) that function must always come over form. The purpose of a portfolio is to display your skill while a resume is to inform a client about you. A quick google image search of "Graphic Design Resume" will net you several over the top resume's that have sacrificed functionality for creativity. However, as creative's I think it's just fine to add a little design to a resume. It should be easily read, organized, and contain pertinent information but that doesn't mean it has to be boring or look like every other templated resume. After all, you want to stand out of a pile of resume's in a good way. Be creative but conservative when it comes to graphics on a resume. I think a logo is fine (as long as the logo is very well done). Here's my resume http://www.lostsense.com/JBGraphicDesign.pdf i currently use that I feel is a very good balance of form and function which has received positive attention.

In short, I feel it's okay to play with some color use and imagery as long as it is done tastefully and doesn't distract from the function of a resume.

[coradesigns]

If you are too confused on hoe to make your resume and portfolio - but you are desperate to do it the right way; this is one good advice: Have a professional writer do it for you. There are professional writers that have had the right experience to know what employers are looking for. Yo just have to find a person that has deep knowledge in different HR systems, or those that used to work for one. Provide the writer with what you can do and what you have done and he will work his magic.

[Graphix]

Yes, this is a topic that is heavily debated and there is far from a universal answer. A good portfolio has a good range of works, some of which are flash and some are more subdued. You will make your impact in being able to cater to a wide variety of clients.

Really the only way to decide what works for you is trial and error. I think what you are asking is if every project needs to be extravagant or not, and the answer is that it doesn't. Some companies will appreciate subtlety while others will be looking for the flashy grandiose pieces.

Creating quality work and meeting the needs of your clients is more important than choosing a 'style' for your portfolio. Every client looks for something different and building a good reputation and being able to meet their needs is more important than the actual content of the work.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

[NoDecafHere]

When it comes to a creative field, you should always display your skills both literally (visual portfolio) and conceptually (how you display your portfolio).

While I'm a writer, I do not specialize in resumes. In general, I would focus on beautiful and functional layout and typography usage when it comes to your resume. If you want, have two resumes: one created as I just stated (to send to potential in-house gigs), and one that is more visually and conceptually creative (to send to agencies/firms).

As for your portfolio site, don't be cautious when it comes to creativity. Yes, it should function, but the design should be based on a strong and appropriate concept. If I were looking to work with a designer, and their portfolio site design didn't use a concept, I would most likely second guess working with them. I know that sounds lame, but it's just the way I feel. With free template site providers like WordPress and a few well-done illustrations, type choices, and clever copy/links, you can have a strong and conceptually powerful portfolio website in no time!