What is a portfolio?
When should I make a portfolio?
How do I create a portfolio?
How to write a portfolio in Google Slides (6:59)
Digital Portfolio Guidance (1:09)
How to design your print portfolio (11:39)
"Portfolio is partly based on the Latin folium, meaning "leaf, sheet". A portfolio usually represents a portable showcase of your talents. Today actual portfolios are used less than they used to be by artists, since most commercial artists have a website dedicated to showing off their art. But portfolio in its other common meaning is extremely common. Not so long ago, a broker would keep each of his or her clients' investments in a separate notebook or portfolio. Today the investment portfolio, like an artist's portfolio, usually takes the form of a Web page, even though everyone still uses the same old word." (From Merriam-Webster.com
)
A portfolio is used in a large number of careers. Usually portfolios are associated with art careers, but they may even be used in some technology related careers. Some careers that may use portfolios include Acting, Advertising, Architecture, Cake Decorating / Cooking, Computer Programming, Digital & Physical Modeling / Sculpting, Game Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Make-Up Artistry, Painting, Photography / Videography, Sketching, Website Design, & Writing.
Over your career, you will develop a lot of content. You should have all of this content, no matter how "bad" it is, organized in collection. This may be in the form of a CV, or in a folder on your computer. You should make sure that each piece is dated, and has some details about it (like a name, motivation, awards won, etc). A portfolio, much like a resumé, should be different depending on the target audience to which it will be given. You can pull from your collection history to create a portfolio that matches with the portfolio purpose.
Ultimately a portfolio is unique to the person whom it represents. There is no one "right way" to create a portfolio, however there are good and bad practices that go in to making your portfolio stand out. Many times a portfolio is an art piece in and of itself! Making a portfolio should be something that demonstrates not only your skills and talents, but your personality and point of view in life. Each portfolio should include, at minimum, the following elements.
Brief biography and contact information
Career goals and objectives
Résumé, highlighting competencies and achievements
Client list (if appropriate)
Examples of your work
Portfolios may take many different forms. Some may be in a physical book, others may be in a PDF or power point. More common today are portfolios composed on websites. Choose a medium that is most comfortable to you to use, or is best suited for the job / school you are applying for. If you need help, ask! There is always someone available to help you show off your work.
(Information adapted from hr.uga.edu
)
For some examples, check out the Additional Resources for this module
Create or Update your Portfolio