Graphic Design Portfolio Spotlight: Ariel Reyes

June 27th, 2016 | Natasha Englehardt

One of the latest additions to our graphic design curriculum here at Platt College is our Portfolio Development class. This is a course students take after they’ve completed all of their design classes in the Associate’s program. Teacher Ed Boretz works closely with all of the students to help them take their best work and showcase it in a fun and exciting way through print and an online presence with Behance. By helping our students develop their portfolio’s before graduating with their Associate’s Degrees, we’re giving them the tools needed to stand out when applying for jobs in the industry.

Student Ariel Reyes recently completed this class and has put together an amazing portfolio to showcase her work that we couldn’t wait to share. You can tell immediately that she put a lot of careful time and consideration into every piece she included in her final presentation.

Keep reading to learn more about her process, where she finds inspiration and more!

Natasha: What is your favorite design that you included in your portfolio and why?

Ariel: My wolf headdress t-shirt design definitely! I originally drew it a couple years ago so the fact that I was able to bring it to life and make it better was very fun for me.

Natasha: How long did it take to put the whole portfolio together?

Ariel: About 50 hours, including logo design, updating the projects I wanted to incorporate, and actually printing & binding.

Natasha: What was your biggest challenge when creating your portfolio?

Ariel: Deciding what elements to keep consistent throughout the portfolio.

Natasha: What advice do you have for other students who are entering into the Portfolio class?

Ariel: Start with a motivated mindset and do not lose it. Work even if you are tired, and when you think you can not work anymore, keep working. You want to give yourself enough time to really polish what you create.

Natasha: How do you find inspiration for your projects? Are there any artists or designers that inspire you?

Ariel: I look to Abduzeedo, Pinterest, and various websites for new ideas/trends. Instagram also has great typography and graphic design inspiration too! I also read a book a couple times a week to keep my imagination fresh and constant. As for artists and designers, my “go to” are Feng Zhu, Kelogsloops, Jessica Hische, and last but not least Paula Scher. All have very different styles, and oddly when I look at all their work it gives me a much larger horizon to ponder upon.