Portfolio 1-on-1

2011 Portfolio 1-on-1 Reviewer Survey Results

For nearly 20 years, AIGA Minnesota has produced Portfolio 1-on-1, the premier regional event for placing developing design students and their books in front of experienced creative professionals for intensive reviews, constructive conversations, and valuable connections. During this two-day conference — the largest and oldest of its kind in the country — attendees also participate in career development workshops, go on studio tours, attend a panel discussion, network with peers and future colleagues, and are eligible to apply for scholarship funds.

At the 2011 Portfolio 1-on-1, AIGA Minnesota surveyed the professional reviewers to collect their thoughts during and after the review sessions. Responses were gathered from 63% of the participants, for a total of 53 respondents.

Reviewer background
Portfolio 1-on-1 reviewers have represented a large cross section of design practitioners. In 2011, print and interactive were the most common areas of reviewer expertise, but reviewers also listed brand development, advertising, package design, design recruitment and consultancy, and illustration as their primary focus.

Survey findings
In 2011, overall respondents felt that the portfolios they reviewed displayed a wide-range of projects. Many respondents, however, cited their concern over the lack of digital and interactive work. Some also indicated that the number of pieces presented in many books was smaller than anticipated.

Summary
More and more is being asked of today’s designers. The range of knowledge and skills expected of twenty-first century visual communicators is growing at a ever increasing rate (www.aiga.org/designer-of-2015-competencies). With this pressure on design practice, more is asked of recent design graduates as well. Although 2011’s reviewers felt that the work presented to them was either good (56%), or great (25%), there were several areas that were pointed out for improvement.

A student’s approaches to type and typography, their range of work, and the willingness to push the design past the traditional solutions where frequently listed by 2011 reviewers as key differentiators between strong and weaker portfolios.

Reviewer reaction to school-assigned projects appearing in students’ portfolios was positive. Just under 70% of respondents agreed that the school work presented was challenging and diverse enough to be included. This said, reviewers did appreciate seeing real-world projects as well.

The most common concern voiced by design practitioners in 2011 was the small number of interactive/digital pieces. Nearly 40% said they saw “way too little” during the event. On the other hand, more than one out of every five respondents felt that they saw “way too much bad type” in the portfolios.

And finally, 2011 reviewers suggested that students could focus more on their verbal presentations, developing their public speaking skills so they are more comfortable talking about their design process. Allowing them to present themselves as the complete package, inspiring others with their work as they move into the design field.

The Portfolio 1-on-1 committee and education committee wish to express their thanks to all who took part in both last spring’s sessions and the accompanying survey. Your responses were invaluable and will enrich the preparation of both faculty and students as future designers prepare to enter the field.

For a complete breakdown of the survey results, download the PDF here.