• Try “portfolio”, “ink”, “branding” or a code like “PRS 101”.

GDS 301Graphic Design

Building a Graphic Design Portfolio

Select, document and present design projects as clear case studies that show your thinking, tailored to the agency, in-house or freelance work you want.

Planned

About this course

A design portfolio is judged on thinking as much as finish. This course helps you audit your work, select projects for the roles you want, and write case studies that show the problem, process and result. You will handle client and confidential work responsibly, present work through photography and mockups, sequence a portfolio, and produce both a web-ready set of case studies and a PDF version. It focuses on design-specific case studies; the Professional Identity department covers broader online presence.

Who it’s for: Designers with at least six finished projects (client, personal or student) who are preparing to apply for jobs or pitch freelance work.

You will be able to

  • Audit a body of work and select projects that match a stated career goal.
  • Write design case studies that explain the problem, process, decisions and outcome.
  • Present client and confidential work only with appropriate permission.
  • Sequence a portfolio so its strongest and most relevant work leads.
  • Produce a tailored PDF portfolio and web-ready case studies.

Studio project

Three published design case studies and a tailored PDF portfolio aimed at a specific opportunity, with a rationale for selection and sequence.

To complete this course

  • Complete every required lesson.
  • Have the assignment “Three design case studies” accepted by an instructor.
  • Have the assignment “Tailored PDF portfolio” accepted by an instructor.
  • Records of completion are issued only for courses whose content has passed instructor review.

Part of

Syllabus

Working titles: they may change as the course is written.

  1. Module 1: Auditing your work

    Deciding what belongs in the portfolio before designing anything.

    1. 1.1Inventory and honest auditExercise · 45 min
    2. 1.2Selecting work for the work you wantReading · 30 min
    3. 1.3Filling gaps with self-initiated projectsReading · 25 min

  2. Module 2: Case studies

    Showing how you think, not just what you made.

    1. 2.1Anatomy of a design case studyReading · 35 min
    2. 2.2Showing process without overwhelmingReading · 30 min
    3. 2.3Writing project descriptionsExercise · 40 min
    4. 2.4Client and confidential workReading · 25 min

  3. Module 3: Presenting the work

    Making the work look as good as it is.

    1. 3.1Mockups and photographing printed workReading · 30 min
    2. 3.2Layout and sequencingStudio · 45 min
    3. 3.3Formats: website, PDF and printed bookReading · 25 min

  4. Module 4: Testing and tailoring

    Getting feedback and adapting the portfolio to each opportunity.

    1. 4.1Tailoring for a specific opportunityExercise · 35 min
    2. 4.2Studio: portfolio reviewStudio · 60 min

Covers asking permission to show client work and respecting confidentiality agreements. This is educational information, not legal advice; check your own agreements and consult a qualified professional when unsure.

Author: Ricketts University curriculum team (draft for founder review) · Not yet reviewed

Related courses

  1. GDS 101

    Typography Fundamentals

    How type works and how to use it well: anatomy, classification, spacing, hierarchy and pairing, practised through short exercises and a typographic poster.Graphic Design    Foundation13 lessons · ~18 hIn development
  2. GDS 102

    Composition and Visual Hierarchy

    Arrange images, type and space so viewers see what matters first: balance, grouping, grids, reading paths and adapting one layout across formats.Graphic Design    Foundation12 lessons · ~16 hPlanned
  3. GDS 103

    Colour Theory

    Practical colour for designers and artists: hue, value and saturation, building palettes, using colour for emphasis, and keeping colour consistent from screen to print.Graphic Design    Foundation12 lessons · ~14 hPlanned
Back to the full catalogue