Updating your portfolio regularly, I suggest 3 times a year, will bring you the best results!

Not only you will include your new work, but also for the past months that you have been creating, you will see a big difference between your thinking of what layout works.

So improving your Portfolio definitely needs to be more than just adding your recent job title. I will give you some tips on how I created mine:

1.I used Indesign

Very useful for layout and much more organised than Illustrator.

I created A master with my favourite colour and logo which will be shown on every single page / learn how to do A- master in Indesign /That creates a consistency within the portfolio. Even picking up a single element such as a column that stays on the left on every page will make it very clear.

2. I try to pick up images of similar colours on one page, even if they are different projects.

Sometimes that is more of a sense to what goes right together. However if you have a very light/ warm colour visual you wouldn’t want it combined with something totally dark on this same page.

My projects are so various so sometimes it is hard to choose which images to combine. Ideally you will put 2 images of the same project on one page, if not:

3. I use the whole page for a single visual.

That makes it clear that I want to show my skills not on how the project was created, but on the end result. You don’t need to engage your viewer with ordinary details. You want to focus on what you can do best.

4. I also include work in progress.

Yes some images will be the end visual, but I have just a few examples of a start of a project / sketches, research, inspiration./ That needs to be like a 10% of your portfolio just to show your way of how you carry on a project.

5. Experiment with front and end page.

You don’t need to have your whole portfolio On a single page. Make it look like a book. It is not a newspaper, right.

Having 10-12 pages will be enough to show the best. The front page is so important. Imagine it is a book’s cover. It needs to sell. It needs to make the viewer want to go through your works. Also it needs to reflect your style. It is very clean, you can’t use a busy illustration. It is not what matches.

6. Be different

I guess that is my advice for almost everything until now, but it definitely helps. Don’t be afraid to follow your sense of what works. Don’t ever copy and paste someone’a ideas. Your portfolio needs to be unique. What will make people stop and really give you a chance is if you are different in some ways.

I also once created a wooden book box for my university project. It has a hand illustration on top / like a print. It made it so different to what a standard portfolio is. Focusing on presentation is a win-win.

How to turn your home + work environment into a pretty place, that motivates you to focus and why it is important to refresh your house style! This can be actually done for a very small cost if you take in mind these tips:

1. Add tropical decor

You don’t need to spend a lot, actually buying fake tropical flowers can make you smile too!

- tropical rugs, think of these beautiful rich green colours. Now it is the best time to replace your old one.

2. Art + wall art. Sometimes there is simply a graphic print, your favourite quote put in a frame or a picture that inspires you! It will bring up your mood straight away!

3.Get new pillows. And all that makes you comfortable. Why not a new silky bed cover or replace your office chair with a new one. Comfort is a game changer.

4. DIY. Remember the times when you got so excited for doing a DIY home renovation. You can get creative now and use your free time to transform your ideas into your home. Make it personal.

5. Change your cutlery.

You might be bored of using the same for the past few years. You don’t need to replace it, but add to it! Get that beautiful coffee mug. If you like cooking, buy additional set that you always thought of. Change your table cover to brand new one.

6. Aroma

Candles, scent sticks - these have become so popular! I have one in my bathroom and every time I go it smells like a forest and flowers. Some scents that you can place around the house will bring so much freshness! I like lavender, cinnamon, rose oils, almond and Shea butter.

Have a quick look at my creative projects below @christine_official_design. Contact me if you want some tips for your own house! Send me a picture & we can chat on how to improve your own interior!

Designers are so different in every field. It is so worth though exploring more than one design field. It is true that we designers learn from each other and get ideas from more than our own field. If you are a fashion designer you might want to look at textures, fabrics & themes that interior designers use. There is plenty of topics that fashion takes over from such as art, architecture, product design and film.

There is such a diversity in the topics that you can choose for your design. That is why it’s always interesting and fascinating to see a blend between different design forms.

Whenever I create a design I always think of it as more of a meaningful message, and how it can be related across different disciplines.

My favourite designers vary greatly because they represent different design sectors.

My favourite fashion designer is Vivienne Westwood & Alexander McQueen. I don’t just talk about the quality but rather presentation. Alexander McQueen makes a massive show which is like a theatrical performance. His clothes tell stories and I find this very powerful. I adore Westwood’s designs because she is such a strong figure and brings so much of individuality with her collections. I believe when you see passion it is clearly shown in the way designers talk about and present their work.

In terms of interiors, I would say Kelly Hoppen. Her style combined with her strong personality is seen within her work.

I love the work of artists such as Es Devlin, who is a set designer and Peter Gronquist. Their work is art itself. Well I honestly just read that art and design are not the same, but good design is made with art!

Also last but not least Charlotte Tilbury. Make up queen, empowering women to rediscover beauty. Her passion is so clear and her brand is so impressive. Building up confidence and using make up as an art is also very creative!

Drop me a message for what else you want to know! I am very happy to answer your questions!

Xoxo

Kristin

@christine_official_design.