If you’re not familiar with creative portfolios, hiring the right creative for your project may seem daunting. What are you supposed to look for? How do you know that you’re selecting the best fit?
Before you get started looking at anyone’s portfolio, be sure to nail down exactly what you need for your project. Define the key skills and style that will make your project a success. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to dive into your first candidate’s portfolio.
Let’s start with your first impression.
- Is the portfolio easy to navigate? - You’ll want to be able to find what you’re looking for quickly and easily.
- Is it messy or well-organized? - If it's the former, they may not have the best attention to detail.
- Are there a good number of work samples? - Seven to 10 is ideal to showcase a variety of projects and skill sets.
- Does their overall style of work complement your brand? – consider whether aesthetic, tone, and approach align with your brand's identity.
Get into their work.
A portfolio for a graphic designer will naturally look different from that of a copywriter, but both must include one essential element: Storytelling. Erica Fortgang, A NYC-based creative recruiter and career coach, says, “Is there a story? Is it clear what the project was, what their role was, how they described the work? Ideally, you want storytelling that is short, succinct, but engaging and strong.”
The best portfolios won’t just include work samples. Be sure to poke around other areas of the portfolio site, especially if there are case studies included. A case study helps explain the full process that led to the final product, helping to highlight creative thinking and problem-solving approaches.
Do a final gut check!
Do you feel that the candidate’s work stands out from others? Would their aesthetic or creative vision add value to your project? If you’re not feeling confident, feel free to use your network for help.
“You can also ask a design leader to advise you on the outside and help review portfolios or be part of the interview process, especially if it is a critical role,” says Fortgang.
To learn more about any or all of these solutions, contact your Wripple Client Lead, or
request a demo.If you’re not familiar with creative portfolios, hiring the right creative for your project may seem daunting. What are you supposed to look for? How do you know that you’re selecting the best fit?
Before you get started looking at anyone’s portfolio, be sure to nail down exactly what you need for your project. Define the key skills and style that will make your project a success. Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to dive into your first candidate’s portfolio.
Let’s start with your first impression.
- Is the portfolio easy to navigate? - You’ll want to be able to find what you’re looking for quickly and easily.
- Is it messy or well-organized? - If it's the former, they may not have the best attention to detail.
- Are there a good number of work samples? - Seven to 10 is ideal to showcase a variety of projects and skill sets.
- Does their overall style of work complement your brand? – consider whether aesthetic, tone, and approach align with your brand's identity.
Get into their work.
A portfolio for a graphic designer will naturally look different from that of a copywriter, but both must include one essential element: Storytelling. Erica Fortgang, A NYC-based creative recruiter and career coach, says, “Is there a story? Is it clear what the project was, what their role was, how they described the work? Ideally, you want storytelling that is short, succinct, but engaging and strong.”
The best portfolios won’t just include work samples. Be sure to poke around other areas of the portfolio site, especially if there are case studies included. A case study helps explain the full process that led to the final product, helping to highlight creative thinking and problem-solving approaches.
Do a final gut check!
Do you feel that the candidate’s work stands out from others? Would their aesthetic or creative vision add value to your project? If you’re not feeling confident, feel free to use your network for help.
“You can also ask a design leader to advise you on the outside and help review portfolios or be part of the interview process, especially if it is a critical role,” says Fortgang.
