I just wrote about my trip to North Harris College for the portfolio review. I figured I better tell you my own portfolio experience.

I went to college to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I didn’t go to any fancy design school. All I knew was that I liked being creative, and I liked solving problems. I received an Associates of Applied Science in Interactive Media. I studied Web design, video editing, Flash animation, HTML, JavaScript, and 3D modeling/rendering. The only reason I didn’t get the AAS in Web Design is because I wanted to see what 3D modeling/rendering was all about. So when I graduated I had a Web site portfolio will all my stuff on it. It was www.funkyfreshmedia.com. I still love that name (I let the domain expire though).

About a year ago, I go to the Creative Group to interview to be a candidate for temporary assignments. On the phone, she said for me to bring my portfolio. I stuff some work in my laptop bag and leave. When I get there, she asks to see my work, so one at a time, I pull the work out of my laptop bag and lay them on the table. About 5 minutes into it she says, “Odd, you’re only person I’ve met who doesn’t have a portfolio.” I said, “This is my portfolio.” She said, “That’s not what I meant.” Instantly I knew, so I replied, “You mean, one of those portfolio book things” and of course she says, “Yes”. Well I kind of shrugged and the conversation moved to other things.

When I got home, I made up a story similar to my experience, and posted it on a forum to see what others thought. Boy was I flamed! One person said, “Why even bother looking for a job.” Another had a good point and said, “It helps with the presentation. Having all the work in one place.” So out of 80% spite and 20% knowing that if I want work, I better follow in suit, I bought the 14″ x 11″ Machina Pina Zangaro. I still think it is gaudy. I was instantly “cool”. I was officially a designer now! I might as well as buy some black rimmed glasses, shave my head, and where a cool blazer with no tie to finish the ensemble.

I have in fact received comments that I have a “cool” portfolio. I think it is hilarious.

So in short, if you want to be a designer, get a book and put your crap in it.