Graphic Design & Photography Portfolio advice

[mmuhlenkamp]

Hi everyone,

I know that there's a few Graphic Designers/Photographers on this forum and I'm looking to update my portfolio (I may also ask for some critique on it at some point when I have something to show). I definitely see myself as a Graphic Designer first, but I think I have a lot of added value as a Photographer to a potential client or employer.

I want to update my portfolio that I would show potential employers, but I'm not sure how to combine both the GD and Photography. There are some pieces where the photography goes into the graphic piece and those seem easy enough (I just get the photography cred), but I'd also like to show some work (the more commercial stuff, not my bug hunting and nature stuff) that isn't in a graphic design piece that I did.

Anyone else broach this topic, do you just have separate portfolios? Taylor the portfolio very specifically to the job?

Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks.

[Phisch]

If I were going to do both, I would definitely separate the two. I would showcase the photography online material as a client on the graphic design site, but that's probably where I'd allow an overlap.

The two disciplines are very different and it might get confusing for a potential client?

I guess you could think of it this way: put yourself in a potential client's shoes. If you were looking for someone to update your logo, would you be looking for a photographer?

Just my 2 c, FWIW.

[mmuhlenkamp]

I know what you're saying, but at my current job I take product photos and application photos (with said product) to be used in publications or brochures that I design or another designer puts together. For me there is often overlap, but not always, or I'm not always the one to do both. I'm kind of leaning towards separate portfolios, but I'm not sure. It's hard to figure out how it should flow in a way that makes sense.

[Phisch]

Yeah the flow would be the hard part. Off the top of my head, you would want a landing page that gave the option to one or other sides of your work.

There are folks who take the umbrella approach (David Hill) and those that compartmentalize (Stacy Reeves) and both seem to work. I know those are both photographers, but they fit the point all the same.

Maybe look up other folks who are doing similar things? Promise Tangeman is someone who sticks out in my memory. She's mainly a GD but is also into photography.

[texkam]

Show a wide scope of work, but categorize. If I'm an industrial client/employer I don't want to sift through wedding or nature shots. I want to quickly see a wide scope of design and photography that is related to my field with few bells and whistles.

Less is more. Only your best .... you seem to have plenty.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Mark, I think you have a good point. I have a wide variety of stuff (most of my professional stuff is industrial product related though) and that might be best. Sitting down and REALLY deciding on what's best and what to include without being too much is going to be a challenge.

Thanks for the name Mercedes, looking at what other people do will help me see what works and what doesn't. If anyone else has any designer/photographer people they know of please share. I'm all ears.

[texkam]

most of my professional stuff is industrial product related though

That's OK, someone in the know should be able to see talent. Of couse therein lies the problem.

[hue-e]

I would separate them, but in the case where there's overlap, show the designed piece in the design port, then the photo (minus graphics) in the photo portfolio. Personally, that's what I do. I also make quick custom ports for whomever I'm trying to get work from. Mainly because I'm pretty versatile with design, and do different types of photography.

It looks like you're using wordpress. I'm not sure what gallery solution you're using, but I use Nextgen and absolutely love how easy it is to go through, check some boxes, then create instant, new galleries I can easily drop on a hidden page and shoot a link to someone, only showing what they're interested in. But I do sometimes also send additional links if I think I can seal the deal by showing something else they might be interested in.

[texkam]

I would separate them, but in the case where there's overlap, show the designed piece in the design port, then the photo (minus graphics) in the photo portfolio. Personally, that's what I do. I also make quick custom ports for whomever I'm trying to get work from. Mainly because I'm pretty versatile with design, and do different types of photography.

+1.

Often an explaination of how you solved the problem/s is helpful too.

[hue-e]

re: explanations... in my experience, that makes a "first-impression" resume/portfolio clunky. As you said, less is more. I just try to include what I think they want to see, then save explanations for the first meeting/interview.

[mmuhlenkamp]

How much on the photography side would be a good number? I know a max of about 10 different projects is good for GD, I'm guessing about 10 different sets for photography would be appropriate as well.

Ugh, my brain hurts thinking about all this, but I'm really trying to get off my duff. I need a change...

[hue-e]

I keep the same rule of thumb for both ports personally... at most, from any given set, I'll do two shots from it. but that's only if I couldn't define the "best" out of a shoot.

only the best, but don't overwhelm them. remember, you've only got their attention for maybe a minute or two before they move on to the next person in search of the quickest, most effective delivery.

[hue-e]

oh, and don't put so much pressure on yourself. everyone's a freakin' graphic designer or photographer these days so know that you're in a crap shoot anyway. all you can do is put your best foot forward and stay true to your ability and style/s.

[mmuhlenkamp]

Yeah, I just have a hard time deciding what to do and since it's going to cost a fair little bit to get this printed and get a nice case or maybe make one myself I don't want to spend the time and not like it later so then I freeze and don't do anything. Lame, I know.

[hue-e]

ipad? one-time investment.