Our Best Portfolio Advice

KEEP IT TIGHT

“If you don’t feel like something is your strongest work, it probably isn’t. Only include stuff you’re the proudest of and that you think is the best. Especially if you’re a student – no one’s expecting you to have a huge book anyway.”

— Matt Sebert, Creative Director

“Only your best work. You should showcase your versatility, but don’t include work that doesn’t measure up to professional standards in a particular area. I have to assume the work you show is indicative of the quality we can expect from you day to day.”

— Dan Edmonds, Partner

“Including even one weak piece in an effort to bulk up your portfolio will do more harm than good. Showing 5 great projects does more for you than showing 15 mediocre ones.”

— Katelyn Short, Art Director

SHOW YOUR WORK WHEN YOU SHOW UP

“Even if you already included a portfolio with your application, always assume you’ll need it during the interview. Be prepared with a hard copy or digital version to pull up and share.”

— Roberta Forman, Senior Art Director

“Don’t underestimate the impact a physical portfolio can have. Most portfolios we get are digital, but if you have the chance to show it off in-person, pay attention to how it’s bound, packaged and presented. It shows extra care and consideration. We also create a surprising amount of physical proposals and packages for clients, so it shows off a relevant skill.”

— Kristy Laue, VP of Creative

BE PREPARED TO TALK ABOUT IT

“In an interview, I’m going to ask what the best piece in your portfolio is. Be prepared to pick what your proudest of and why.”

— Dan Dismounts, Senior Art Director

“Have a two-minute presentation ready to go in case the only question you get is ‘tell me about yourself.’ Practice it several times before you show up.”

— John Pohlman, Chairman / Partner

“Be ready to speak to each piece in your portfolio. We want to see the work, but we also want to hear you talk about why it’s great, the goal of the project and any challenges you had while creating it.”

— Katelyn Short

SPEC WORK IS OKAY

“Class assignments and freelance pieces are great to put in a portfolio. But if you need more variety, create something on your own. Not only will you have a blank slate to create your best work, but it shows the employer that you’re passionate about creating work even when you didn’t need to.”

— Joey Nielsen, Group Creative Director

“When I was in college, I got a piece of great advice: if you need work for your portfolio, find a bad ad, preferably for a service or product that’s a little dull. Then redesign it. Do all the fun, creative things you can to make it great. Put them side-by-side in your portfolio to show how you can bring great ideas to even the most mundane work.”

— Kristy Laue

MAKE IT AWESOME

“Presentation and personalization are key. Brand yourself, bring the energy and talk specifically to us. Make sure we know you want to work at Lawrence & Schiller – not just get a job at any advertising agency.”

— Dan Dismounts

“Look critically at your work and don’t be afraid to change or expand on it, even after it’s been graded.”

— Katelyn Short

“L&S is all about outthinking and outdoing – going that extra step to make something better. Do the same with your portfolio.”

— Roberta Forman

Got all that? Good. Now apply for an internship position at L&S and show us that sparkling portfolio.