A portfolio is a graphic designer's collected voice. It's a chance to make a statement to the world and to show (sometimes even yourself) the fruit of the many hours of work that you have diligently invested into all of your many projects. Because of the fact that the portfolio is often the first thing that prospective employers or clients see of your work (and sometimes the last), there can be a sense of pressure associated with preparing and showing your portfolio. However, this doesn't need to be the case. If you have done your leg-work in creating quality design and have taken care to prepare your portfolio in a professional manner, then there is nothing to fear. Here are a few simple tips to making sure that your portfolio is one that you don't need to sweat over showing. These priority topics will help you to stand confidently behind your work and feel assured that you are presenting yourself in the best light.

1. Quality Work: It's probably not a mystery. Your work should be quality. Do not put work into your portfolio that you yourself don't even like. If you're showing to a client or art director and you find yourself feeling the need to apologize for certain elements of your design, you will not make the best impression. Choose the very best of your work, and if something in your line-up feels weak, then refine it, rework it, or just take it out before finishing up your portfolio. This applies to students preparing their first portfolio as well. Do not include your first project from your first 2D Design class. Make sure that everything you show reflects your true capacity as a designer.

2. Pacing: When deciding what order your pieces should appear in in your portfolio, it is important to consider making a good first impression and a good final impression. We have already discussed how all of your work should be quality, but even if everything is of good quality, there will inevitably be things that you feel are still stronger than others. Here's a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when considering order: Place your best work in the beginning (if they decide they're bored halfway through and don't want to look at the rest, you at least don't leave thinking, 'but only if they had seen _____________'). Follow your best pieces by a few more of your favorites. Then tuck in a few that are at the weaker end and finish up with a couple more that are really strong to go out with a bang. Your portfolio (if in a traditional print format) should contain

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