VC 284 Graphic Design Portfolio

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Serves as a capstone course for all students pursuing a Graphic Design degree in the Visual Communications program. Includes Portfolio Show preparations, personal résumé and branding, and the analysis and reworking of previous projects, and the development of new projects to include in a digital portfolio to assist students in getting started on a career path.

Prerequisite: Second-year standing in the Visual Communications program and consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Evaluate work and determine what will serve them in getting started on a career path.
Design and implement a personal brand for entry into the workplace.
Articulate own vision of personal goals, including career and creative process objectives.
Organize a portfolio of creative work that gives evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to begin a successful career in graphic design.
Present, promote, and defend creative and technical work.
Demonstrate personal and professional skills and workplace attitude.

Content Outline

Inventory and Evaluate Previous Projects
Revise Existing Projects
- Communicate project concepts
- Articulate steps in individual creative process
Expand or Refine Projects
Develop New Work
Work with Instructor to Determine What to Include in Portfolio
- Promote and defend choices
- Participate in professional multimedia arts dialog
Organize Work to Present in Portfolio Show
- Participate in the planning and preparation for the annual portfolio show
- Present portfolios/demo reels to the public, potential clients or employers, or for transferring
Establishing Personal Brand
- Design personal logo/motion graphic
- Self-promotion materials including portfolio website
Career Options
- The local, regional, and national job markets
- Training and internships
- Entry level skills and attitudes
- Building experience on the job
- Ongoing education
Personal Skills
- Dressing for interviews and the workplace
- Attitudes, energy, and personal skills
- Working as part of an effective team
- Work site ethics
- Responsibility and reliability