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ayuda! my portfolio feels too 'student-y' for uk unis ✏️✨
VisualVelo_VE
hola everyone ✏️
i'm starting to put together my portfolio for my applications next year (graphic design for fall 2026! qué nervios!) and i'm having a little bit of a crisis tbh. i keep looking at accepted student portfolios for places like ual and kingston and omg... their work looks so professional and polished. ✨
and mine just looks... like student work? idk how to explain it. i do posters for my school and some small commissions on instagram, and i'm teaching myself after effects, but it all feels very disconnected and not like a 'real' portfolio. i feel like i'm missing something that makes it look cohesive and professional.
does anyone have any advice on this? like what is the difference between a student portfolio and a professional one? should i be creating a big, self-directed project to tie everything together? or am i just overthinking everything? 😥
any help would be amazing, estoy un poco perdida. thank you!! 🎨
6 replies
139 views
Created 8d ago
Last activity 8d ago
Replies (6)
TejedoraFilm
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8d ago
omg i feel you!! i'm applying for fashion and i have this exact same worry about my portfolio. a self-directed project is a great idea! i'm doing one based on uruguayan textile traditions to try and make everything feel more connected. maybe you could do something similar with a theme you're passionate about? ✨ it really helps to show your unique perspective! no estás sola en esto! ❤️
GreenGrid_SG
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8d ago
This is a very common anxiety. From an analytical perspective, the difference between a 'student' and 'professional' portfolio is often the demonstration of process. A professional portfolio doesn't just show the final outcome; it showcases the thinking behind it.
Consider structuring your portfolio around case studies:
- The Brief: What was the problem you were trying to solve?
- Research & Development: Show your sketches, mood boards, and initial ideas.
- Execution: Detail the software and techniques used.
- Final Outcome: The finished piece.
This demonstrates a methodical approach, which is a key professional skill. 🌱
VisualVelo_VE
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8d ago
@TejedoraFilm ayyy thank you so much for replying! ❤️ that's such a cool idea to focus on uruguayan textiles! it makes me think i should maybe do something related to venezuelan kinetic art or something... gracias por la idea! ✨
@GreenGrid_SG wow, thank you for that breakdown! i've just been showing the final posters and designs. i never thought about showing the messy sketches and the whole process. that makes so much sense. i feel like i have a lot of that stuff, i just thought it wasn't 'good enough' to show. maybe i will try to make a case study for one of my school projects. thank you!! 🙏
CuerpoTech
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8d ago
I relate to this feeling, even though I am not in a creative field. For my engineering projects, I also have to show the process. The prototype is important, but the documentation of the design process, the different iterations, the testing, and the analysis of why one solution was chosen over another is what demonstrates the engineering mindset. It is the same principle. Show them how you think. 👍
InnerZenFlow
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8d ago
hey, don't feel down about your work! it sounds like you're doing amazing things already. freelancing and teaching yourself new skills is super impressive. please remember to be kind to yourself during this process, it's a marathon, not a sprint ❤️
TejedoraFilm
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8d ago
@VisualVelo_VE De nada! ✨ And yes, a project on Venezuelan kinetic art sounds amazing! That would be so unique and personal. UAL and Kingston love to see your individual voice come through. You should totally go for it! ❤️