Vital Portfolio and CV Feedback

Portfolio and CV feedback is something I received whilst interning at a company (PS) recently and over time during my degree.
Since my mentor has been very busy recently, I took matter into my own hands to ask those I was around at the time at the company for some advice. Knowing that they were once in my situation, they were more than happy to help. Many of them also did New Designers as so many of them came from a print degree and background.

These were just some the tips I received for portfolios:

• Florals are useful because it is very commercial and shows drawing ability
• Nude colourways because it is very workable and again commercial
• Blue- Having blue is a strength because it is a very commercial and sellable colour
• Different colourways for one project or print can show the versatility of a print or garment
• Edit and refine- Only show the best work
• Show diversity in work- Print, construction, accessories, hand and digital work
• Have a style to the work (for example my style is commercial but with a twist)
• Don't overcrowd or repeat illustrations/ text or words
• Consistent paper quality
• Double printing shows the thought into the layout and order of work

CV Advice:

• Make it look professional with a eye catching design
• Have an introduction or logo or both
• Remember contact details
• List all relevant awards, placements and education
• List languages- Very important because it can be very important
• List places travelled- Very important as it shows another dimension and awareness
• Add a small reference on bottom of CV (I have done this, that way they don't have to read "references available at request."
• Graphics can catch the eye of the user, but make sure they are simple and effective
• Keep CV black and white or still eye catching if it is photocopied into black and white.
• Do not put your work or a photo of yourself on your CV, if they want to see your work you can send them a portfolio link
• Personal statement should go with the house style of the CV.

Overall all of this information I have received has been very valuable, especially since it has been from the industry itself. I changed the full layout of my CV and made sure to add more of my languages and travel to it so that anyone that views it can really see my strengths as a person and designer.