The Do’s and Don’ts of Creative Portfolios (Straight from the Course Director)

Hi everyone 👋
I’m Dan Lewis, Course Director for Design at University of Staffordshire, specialising in Product Design and Automotive & Transport Design. I also work with incredibly talented colleagues in Architecture, Fashion and Ceramics.
Your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It’s your chance to show us your skills, creativity, and individuality. If you’re applying for a creative subject, here are my top tips for preparing a strong portfolio:
1. Quality over quantity
Aim for around 15–20 pages. It’s much better to showcase your best work than to include everything you’ve ever made.
2. Keep it clear and professional
Use high-quality images or scans of your work. Good presentation makes a big difference.
3. Add short titles or notes
A little context helps us understand your creative process, especially when you’re not there to talk us through it.
4. Format it properly
If you’re submitting digitally, make sure files are accessible and easy to view, a single PDF often works best.
5. Tell a story
Think about how your work flows. You could arrange it chronologically or start and end with your strongest pieces.
6. Show variety
Include a mix of analogue and digital work: drawing, painting, collage, photography, 3D work, or digital media. Show different materials, techniques, and approaches.
7. Balance finished and developmental work
We love to see sketchbook pages or early ideas that show how your concepts evolved.
8. Go beyond the classroom
If you’ve done personal projects, commissions, or creative hobbies, include them! It shows initiative and passion.
9. Show your creative problem solving
Include examples of how you developed ideas or overcame challenges.
10. Let your personality shine through
We want to see you - your interests, influences, and imagination.
Ready to dive a little deeper? See more from our creative experts on what your portfolio’s should shape up like in our YouTube playlist. If you’re applying to a creative subject and want to share your ideas or get feedback, drop your questions below 👇
We’d love to hear what you’re working on!
What are you thinking of studying? We've got portfolio advice specialifically for you:
Graphic Design and Illustration https://www.staffs.ac.uk/features/graphic-design-and-illustration-application-portfolio-advice
Automotive and Transport Design https://www.staffs.ac.uk/features/automotive-transport-design-application-portfolio-advice
Cartoon and Comic Arts https://www.staffs.ac.uk/features/cartoon-and-comic-arts-application-portfolio-advice
Fashion https://www.staffs.ac.uk/features/portfolio-advice-for-fashion-students
Photography https://www.staffs.ac.uk/features/portfolio-advice-for-photography-applicants

I am applying for a Graphic Design course and I have an enquiry about portfolios in Graphic Design. Is it okay if a student uses photographs within their designs included in their portfolio that aren't their own however they have been credited?