THE MCGUFFIN!

DESIGNING A DIGITAL PORTFOLIO
CHAPTER FIVE
ORGANIZING YOUR WORK



In design, organization is usually isn't beneficial to the creative process. However, with your portfolio, you best be organized.

Baron gives us FIVE DISCIPLINES:
GROUP
NAME
SHOW
WEED
BACKUP

Group
It's a good idea, when starting to get organized, to keep your files in folders. Makes them easy and fast to find, and also can help you remember what the file is.

Name
Untitled.jpg is not gonna work. Give your files names, it's not only fun, but it's better than having to constantly open files trying to find the one you're looking for. If you have variants of the same file name them simmilarly. For example:

Kitten_Black.jpg
Kitten_Tabby.jpg
Kitten_Calico.jpg

Show
Most of today's operating systems (mac and pc) have the ability to use thumbnails in folders. Which is incredibly easier than just seeing the file name. Seeing a small preview of the file helps the organization process.

Weed
Like the dandylions in your lawn, you must get rid of the weeds in your work. Even though they look pretty, have a yellow flower, everyone has seen them before, and really you just want a nice clean beautiful lawn that will make your neighbor jealous. Showing your best of the best of your work makes you look better. The audience viewing your portfolio will only be shown these works and will have a better view of you.

Backup
The computer gods KNOW when you have your files saved in only one place. Do not test their hand. Save in multiple locations. Save on disks. Save on another computer. Save EVERYWHERE.

Did you ever hear about Jimmy and his After Effects file? One stormy night, Jimmy spent many hours completing his motion graphics project. A project he had been working on for MONTHS. Growing weary with the hour, he went to bed. Little did he know, that the single place he saved his After Effects file was.... CURSED! D: Out from the computer came a low voice "SAAAAVE MEEEE...saaaaave meeee!". Jimmy ran to his computer, but when he tried to open the file it was CORUPTED! "NOOOOOOOO!"


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HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SOUL
CHAPTER 9
THE CREATIVE PROCESS



'Industriousness, dedication, and love of your craft' are what Shaughnessy claims to be the vital three qualities of a graphic designer. What he's missing is: a well powered computer with all of the necessary programs that'll cost you thousands.

Voice. Another element to a good happy healthy designer. You have to have a solid idea of what design is about. Also, a good idea of cultural trends, history, and modern design. But most of all...you must have confidence!

"I have confidence in sunshine,

I have confidence in rain.

I have confidence that spring will come again!

Besides, which you see

I have confidence in me."

But for real, if you don't believe yourself to be a good designer, it ain't gonna fly. The determination that confidence gives you when working on a project is invaluable. If what you're working on doesn't look good, confidence will keep pushing you to complete it because you believe you can create great work.

THE MCGUFFIN!!

Yes, the McGuffin was code for a dramatic device that Alfred Hitchcock made up. For example, the McGuffin in Psycho was when Janet Leigh stole the money in the beginning.

Desgin needs something similar. Something compelling that catches the audience's eye. So go out! Find your McMuffin! ..I mean McGuffin!