DO'S| GOLDEN RULE: SHOW THE PROCESS
When applying to the fashion industry, the deciding factor in the outcome is not entirely in the personal style, the graphic, or the final work. The process is the thing that most clearly shows your ability. So how is "process" represented in the portfolio of each industry? Fashion Design: sketches, 2D/3D experiments. Fabric swatches, samples... Fashion Marcom: trend reports, analytics, numbers, strategic breakdowns... Fashion Art direction: mood boards, storytelling, creative solutions, mockups... Stylist Portfolio: style analysis, client research, styling range plan. ..
DO'S| BALANCING BETWEEN PHYSICAL & DIGITAL PRODUCTS
As technology advances, drawing machines and design software make the portfolio process faster. However, fashion portfolios and sketchbooks are always encouraged to be "hand-made" as much as possible. Because of the drawings/writing, the manual brainstorming process creates more emotions. Experiments with fabrics and garments cannot be replaced by iPad or computer screens.
DON'TS| CAN NOT DEFINE A SPECIFIC GOAL/TARGET FASHION SCHOOLS
It seems this is a simple thing everyone needs first in the fashion industry application process. But in reality, many of you reverse the process of trying to perfect your portfolio before the deadlines and target schools are determined. As a result, the application process is somewhat delayed due to the lack of deadlines. In addition, each school has its criteria for portfolio (or assignment/test such as Esmod, IFM Paris, LCF, UAL...), which should be determined early to have time to prepare.
DON'TS| FOMO, LOSING YOURSELF
Although applying for fashion is highly competitive, we should limit comparing ourselves to others as much as possible. A fashion portfolio is where we need to show the best of who we are. FOMO, being dominated too much by the forerunners or by 'competitors' will make us not focus on our strengths. Since then, the portfolio has not been able to highlight personal identity. Do not be influenced by trends too much during portfolio making.