51-374/774
Preparing For Design PracticeInstructor: Kelsey Elder (MM204a)

Fridays 9–11:50 in MM203 Office Hours T/R 1–2 & via emailed request

Weekly Rounds




R1: Orientation
defining professional goals, mapping out projects
For the next class be prepared to share the following in small group peer review settings:

1. Translate our in-class Intention Setting Activity into a dedicated job search and goals tracking sheet. There is an example template in our Google Drive you are welcome to copy and use as a basis for your own.

2. Curate a collection of projects. List them and write a rough narrative outline for each. Make an inventory/collection of documentation. Anayalize and note needs (e.g., need to document __, fix spelling on ___)

3. Be prepared to visually and verbally share your selection of projects in small group breakout rooms on Zoom.



R2: Resumes & Strategy
resumes, content layout, sequence
For next class be prepared to share:

1. Create and print a resume/CV to share. If you use color in your design you should also print a version in greyscale. It should be a single page and should generally include the following:

  • objective / bio statement (1-3 sentences)
  • contact information
  • educationp
  • professional experience
  • exhibitions
  • awards + grants
  • publications
  • honors, scholarships, academics
  • skills and languages

2. Using your inventories, create content wireframes for your portfolios. What will go where? How can sequence be leveraged? What typographic hierarchies will be needed? Take note of any content you still need to create, write, and/or document. 



R3: Portfolio Site Draft
setting visual templates, formatting
By 2/14 you will be prepared to share:

1. A refined resume/CV. This should be printed.

2. An initial draft of your portfolio website. How you make your website is up to you, but it should be relatively easy to maintain. I use and recommend Cargo. As a student, you get a free site. In general, your site should include;

  • Curated Selection of Projects (~5–7); including descriptions, details, roles, and other credits
  • Access to Process; could be its own page or included via text/ image in 1-2 projects
  • Bio/About: doesn’t need to be lengthy, but it should serve to introduce yourself
  • Contact Information
  • Dedicated URL





R4: Portfolio Package Draft
translating designs, finalizing pieces, creating consistency
By 2/21 you will be prepared to share:

1. A few questions for our alumni (TBD).

2. A first draft of your portfolio .pdf. Consider using this requirement as an opportunity to create a curated selected portfolio for a studio or opportunity of your choosing. How do you translate your site to a static expereince? This should be an interactive .pdf that includes the following; 

  • Designed Layout: grid, page numbers, running header, title page, etc…
  • 4-7 Projects: with considered and clear documentation and descriptions of the project, materials, dimensions, credits (role/collaborators), production/edition information, etc…
  • 15-20 pages, Under 10mb
  • Statment, Bio, and/or CV; optional, but this course is a good opportunity to format one in this ratio even if you don’t need it right now

3. If you intend to make any optional materials (e.g., demo reel, business card, invoice template, etc...), you should be prepared to share a draft of it next week.



    R5: Portfolio Package Draft
    final polish, communication strategies

    By 2/28 you will be prepared to share:

    1. A “5x2” slide presentation (5 slides by 2 minutes) designed to answer the following question: can you please tell us a little about yourself and your work? It should show us your work while you narrate your story. Please use the shared deck in our Google Drive.



    Final Submission
    The final submission form in Google Drive is due by noon EST on 3/07.