A targeted portfolio is a curated collection of work designed for a specific purpose — such as an interview, client meeting, grant or graduate school application, or design talk.
Unlike a general portfolio, this one should be strategically selected to showcase work most relevant to the opportunity. Special attention should also be given to the size, format, and materials of the portfolio itself, as these choices reflect your professionalism.
Requirements
- A minimum of 10 works/projects presented in one of the following formats:
- A bio or design statement, with contact information and a leave-behind résumé.
- A consistent layout that enhances and unifies your work.
- Copy for each piece that either:
- Reminds you of your talking points, or
- Provides enough clarity for a reviewer to understand the project and your role.
- All written content must be checked for spelling and grammar.
Grading
| Criteria | Exemplary (Full Points) | Proficient | Developing | Beginning | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Visual Design (25 pts) | Cohesive, polished, professional design; strong typography, layout, and use of format enhances the work (25) | Clear, functional design; mostly consistent visuals; minor issues (18–22) | Inconsistent design; layout distracts from work (12–17) | Minimal design effort; unpolished visuals (5–11) | 5–25 |
| Organization of Works (25 pts) | Portfolio flows logically; works grouped meaningfully; navigation/presentation seamless (25) | Works organized with some minor gaps; generally easy to follow (18–22) | Some projects misplaced or unclear sequence (12–17) | Disorganized or difficult to follow (5–11) | 5–25 |
| Materials & Quality (25 pts) | Format and materials carefully chosen; presentation feels professional, durable, and appropriate to context (25) | Format/materials clear and functional with minor flaws (18–22) | Materials adequate but not polished or context-appropriate (12–17) | Low-quality or inappropriate format/materials (5–11) | 5–25 |
| Professionalism (25 pts) | Portfolio includes polished bio/design statement, contact info, and leave-behind résumé; error-free copy (25) | All professional elements present with minor issues (18–22) | Missing one required element or copy with errors (12–17) | Multiple missing elements; unprofessional execution (5–11) | 5–25 |
Explore
- http://www.creativebloq.com/portfolios/examples-712368
- https://www.awwwards.com/websites/portfolio/
- https://www.thebestdesigns.com/collections/best-minimal-portfolio-websites
Portfolio Checklist
Content & Structure
- At least 10 works/projects included.
- Format chosen (print, PDF, interactive, or slide deck).
- Works presented in a logical order.
Professional Materials
- Bio/design statement included.
- Contact information included.
- Resume prepared as a leave-behind.
Design & Layout
- Layout is consistent across all pages/slides.
- Design choices (typography, color, materials) enhance the work.
Writing & Context
- Each project includes talking points or concise descriptions.
- Writing checked for spelling and grammar errors.
Final Check
- Portfolio format is professional and polished.
- Materials are durable/appropriate for presentation context.
- I would confidently take this portfolio to an interview, client meeting, or application review.