3 answers
Stina
Student
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
1
Question
3 answers
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Stina,
It seems like you are looking for general information about industrial design portfolios. Make sure to follow up with any specific questions you might have, but in the mean time here is some general info I can share with you.
When creating your portfolio, you are sharing your work and who you are as a designer/person. It is about showing your skills, as well as showing your morals and values. It should tell what the designer cares about, all the skills they are able to bring to the table, and should be simple yet unique.
You should show all the skills use have including but not limited to:
-hand sketching
-digital sketching
-ideation sketching
-3D CAD Modeling
-3D Model Rendering
-Prototyping
-Creative thinking
-Market Research
-User Research
-Testing
Start with the project you believe in the most, or that is most related to your work or for where ever you are applying this to. If it is for a school, they should tell you how long to make it. If it is for a job, anywhere from 4-8 projects work. Decide how much of the process you have to show and stick to what is most important. Most people want to know what it is right away and do not want to wait so long to get to it.
Make sure that it makes sense to people before sending it off. Best of luck to you!
It seems like you are looking for general information about industrial design portfolios. Make sure to follow up with any specific questions you might have, but in the mean time here is some general info I can share with you.
When creating your portfolio, you are sharing your work and who you are as a designer/person. It is about showing your skills, as well as showing your morals and values. It should tell what the designer cares about, all the skills they are able to bring to the table, and should be simple yet unique.
You should show all the skills use have including but not limited to:
-hand sketching
-digital sketching
-ideation sketching
-3D CAD Modeling
-3D Model Rendering
-Prototyping
-Creative thinking
-Market Research
-User Research
-Testing
Start with the project you believe in the most, or that is most related to your work or for where ever you are applying this to. If it is for a school, they should tell you how long to make it. If it is for a job, anywhere from 4-8 projects work. Decide how much of the process you have to show and stick to what is most important. Most people want to know what it is right away and do not want to wait so long to get to it.
Make sure that it makes sense to people before sending it off. Best of luck to you!
Irene Caduhada
Graphic Artist, Photographer, Content Creator
6
Answers
Philippines
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hello Stina,
It’s wonderful to hear about your interest in Industrial Design, a field where creativity meets practical problem-solving. Building a strong portfolio is one of the most important steps for you as a student, since it will showcase not only your skills but also how you think and solve design challenges.
Here are some steps you can take to start building your portfolio practically and realistically:
1. Start with the Basics – Learn sketching, 3D modeling, and presentation skills. Hand sketches show your thought process, while software like Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or Blender will help you bring your ideas into 3D form.
2. Show Your Process, Not Just the Final Work – Document each step: brainstorming, research, sketches, digital models, prototypes, and outcomes. Schools and employers love seeing how you arrive at solutions, not just the polished result.
3. Do Real Projects – Pick small, everyday objects around you (like a chair, water bottle, or lamp) and redesign them. Think about usability, sustainability, and aesthetics. Even simple redesigns can look strong in your portfolio if you present them clearly.
4. Highlight Variety – Include different types of projects: product design, furniture, packaging, user-experience concepts, or sustainable solutions. This shows flexibility and curiosity.
5. Keep it Organized and Visual – A portfolio should be easy to navigate, with clear layouts, good photos or renders, and concise explanations. Tools like Behance, Coroflot, or even a personal Adobe Portfolio or Wix website can help you present your work online.
6. Get Inspiration – Look at existing portfolios and projects on Behance, Dribbble, Pinterest, and Dezeen. Follow industrial design communities on Instagram and LinkedIn to see current trends.
7. Practice Prototyping – Even simple mockups using cardboard, clay, or local materials can strengthen your portfolio by showing hands-on skills.
8. Learn from Free Resources – Start with YouTube channels like Sketch-a-Day, The Futur, and Design Theory, or free courses on Coursera and Skillshare to sharpen your techniques.
Remember, your portfolio is your story; make sure it reflects your creativity, problem-solving ability, and passion for design.
Don’t worry about perfection right away; it will grow as you grow.
I wish you the best on your journey, Stina. With steady practice and curiosity, you’ll build a portfolio that truly represents your talent and potential.
It’s wonderful to hear about your interest in Industrial Design, a field where creativity meets practical problem-solving. Building a strong portfolio is one of the most important steps for you as a student, since it will showcase not only your skills but also how you think and solve design challenges.
Here are some steps you can take to start building your portfolio practically and realistically:
1. Start with the Basics – Learn sketching, 3D modeling, and presentation skills. Hand sketches show your thought process, while software like Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or Blender will help you bring your ideas into 3D form.
2. Show Your Process, Not Just the Final Work – Document each step: brainstorming, research, sketches, digital models, prototypes, and outcomes. Schools and employers love seeing how you arrive at solutions, not just the polished result.
3. Do Real Projects – Pick small, everyday objects around you (like a chair, water bottle, or lamp) and redesign them. Think about usability, sustainability, and aesthetics. Even simple redesigns can look strong in your portfolio if you present them clearly.
4. Highlight Variety – Include different types of projects: product design, furniture, packaging, user-experience concepts, or sustainable solutions. This shows flexibility and curiosity.
5. Keep it Organized and Visual – A portfolio should be easy to navigate, with clear layouts, good photos or renders, and concise explanations. Tools like Behance, Coroflot, or even a personal Adobe Portfolio or Wix website can help you present your work online.
6. Get Inspiration – Look at existing portfolios and projects on Behance, Dribbble, Pinterest, and Dezeen. Follow industrial design communities on Instagram and LinkedIn to see current trends.
7. Practice Prototyping – Even simple mockups using cardboard, clay, or local materials can strengthen your portfolio by showing hands-on skills.
8. Learn from Free Resources – Start with YouTube channels like Sketch-a-Day, The Futur, and Design Theory, or free courses on Coursera and Skillshare to sharpen your techniques.
Remember, your portfolio is your story; make sure it reflects your creativity, problem-solving ability, and passion for design.
Don’t worry about perfection right away; it will grow as you grow.
I wish you the best on your journey, Stina. With steady practice and curiosity, you’ll build a portfolio that truly represents your talent and potential.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
110
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hello Stina! It looks like you are interested in Industrial Design, but you have not asked a specific question about it. I suggest you add to your inquiry to help me and others give some useful advice.
Are you looking for specific schools that offer courses? Do you want to know more about this career?
What things interest you? If you are curious about how things work, and have a desire to make them work better, that would be a good start.
Since you mentioned "portfolio," I wonder if you have done some work in this area already. If so, that is great as well. Or, if you haven't, that would also be a good place to begin. Think about some everyday items - tools, toys, whatever. Bend your mind a little bit and see what you come up with. Make a sketch or even a line drawing of it. Does your design use a new and different material? Is it lighter or more ? The sky is the limit here. Actually, maybe not if you are designing a space ship.
I hope to see you post a new or revised query soo, Stina.
Good luck!
Are you looking for specific schools that offer courses? Do you want to know more about this career?
What things interest you? If you are curious about how things work, and have a desire to make them work better, that would be a good start.
Since you mentioned "portfolio," I wonder if you have done some work in this area already. If so, that is great as well. Or, if you haven't, that would also be a good place to begin. Think about some everyday items - tools, toys, whatever. Bend your mind a little bit and see what you come up with. Make a sketch or even a line drawing of it. Does your design use a new and different material? Is it lighter or more ? The sky is the limit here. Actually, maybe not if you are designing a space ship.
I hope to see you post a new or revised query soo, Stina.
Good luck!