Designers' Super Power - Celebrate the process

I was recently mentoring some newly graduated designers and the question came up of how to get your portfolio to really stand out.

 My mind went to thinking about how rapidly the evolution of Ai imagery and visual effects are influencing the creative process as apposed to aiding it, so, in some ways it becomes harder to see the creative process of a designer and to distinguish what their individual creative and critical thought process really is. 

Concept sketching for Experiential F&B

Concept Rendering for Experiential F&B - 3DS Max & Twin Motion

 I recently had a lovely conversation with someone who was recruiting designers of all levels and when I mentioned in my experience that a lot of clients still like designers to be able to create confident sketches for concept development as-well as photo realistic renderings, he seemed pleasantly surprised to hear this. The truth is it’s not just design agencies who love the sketching ability but the clients and IP’s their work is for are often really energised by it. 

Concept sketching for Spirit of Mumbai Ride

Concept sketching for Panchatantra Dark Ride

 I think that’s why a lot of portfolios lack evidence of the creative process because of the perceived need to jump straight into final rendering visuals. 

 Its not just Design agencies who want to see the design process but the clients they are designing for. It allows them to truly buy into the creative process far more if a designer can carry them through each phase with confidence and imagination. 

 As designers we need to ensure we have the ability to do both! We should never shy away from sharing our scheme development sketches, its what really sets us apart.

#DesignProcess #PortfolioTips #ExhibitionDesign #ExperienceDesign #DesignSketching