---
title: Showing off
teaser: How to get noticed as a designer.
tags: design,typography
author: Kyle Fiedler
published_on: 2011-08-30
---

Over the last few months we have been looking for [another designer to join our
team](http://thoughtbot.com/jobs/designer/). We've seen a bunch of portfolios
ranging in experience and style. I've found it intriguing to see how other
designers present themselves and their work through their portfolio.

When it comes down to it you want your portfolio to show your work in the best
light possible. You want to make the person hiring to be looking for more and
eager to talk to you. Here are a few things that I am always looking for in
portfolios.

## Master the basics

I can’t put enough emphasis on design basics in both your portfolio and the work
that you decide to put into it. There are in particular two things that I am
really looking for: a proper grid and outstanding typography. You should have a
solid understanding of both and be able to show it in your portfolio.

A grid is something no design should be without and there is no excuse not to
use one for your portfolio. Its benefits are well documented and accepted; it
adds form structure and flow. If you think you need help in this area pick up
[_Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type_][grid-book] by Kimberly Elam.

Choose a solid typeface and set it perfectly. Pay close attention to
line-height, letter-spacing and the hierarchy in your type. I feel like every
designer should have a copy of Robert Bringhurst’s book [_Elements of
Typographic Style_][style-book], and have read it at least twice.

## Best work and only the best

Don't show anything less than your very best work. If that means that you can
only have one portfolio piece then you only have one. Don’t just put in a bunch
of work that doesn’t show your full capabilities. The work in your portfolio
site should be shown well. It seems obvious but don't have lots of distractions
and useless ornaments around it unless it serves to better show your work.

Client work proves that you’ve done it before. It indicates that you can handle
clients, handle project timelines and everything that comes with being a
designer on a team.

If you don't have this kind of work look for projects that you have done that
might fill that gap. They can range from a goofy tumblr account, to contributing
to open source, to maintaining a blog. They show that you have a passion for
this thing you want to do, that you are eager to learn and that you eat, drink
and breathe this stuff. Even if you have a bunch of great client work it's still
great to see projects that you have started or contributed to showing your
passion for your work.

## Play to your strengths

All in all, you want to play to your strengths. If you are right out of school
you won’t have much client/in-house experience so play up those projects you
take on in your free time. If you have a bunch of solid work select the few you
consider the very best and switch out pieces depending on the job you are
looking to get.  Make sure that who you are and your core design principles are
reflected in the design of your portfolio and the pieces that you have chosen
for the portfolio.

[grid-book]: http://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Principles-Organizing-Design/dp/1568984650
[style-book]: http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Typographic-Style-Robert-Bringhurst/dp/0881792063