Building a portfolio is a long, stressful, ongoing process that is vitally important to the success of any type of artist. While most other students depend on resumes to introduce them into the workforce and get jobs, artists show their work in a more visual format, picking and choosing pieces that clearly express their innovation, mastery of skills and ability to research and complete a project. Begin collecting pieces for your portfolio as soon as you start your craft: you can always edit and ask for critiques from teachers and other artists later on.

1. Express your own artistic voice: Make sure that your portfolio represents who you are as an artist and what your best talents are. Just because you got an A on a design of a three piece suit in fashion class, doesn’t mean you should include it in your portfolio if you only want to design shoes.
2. Understand your audience: Even though you’re ultimately the one who has to like and respect your work, understanding your audience can help you communicate your voice to potential employers and clients. If you intend to show your drawing abilities and computer skills to someone at a graphic design firm, understand that they may be expecting a CD of your work instead of just sketches on drawing paper. Students going back and forth between more traditional job interviews and meetings with curators or clients will also have to pitch their portfolio in different ways, according to the needs of their audience. Use your portfolio to explain your strengths and versatile talents, even if your work doesn’t always exactly represent the expectations of each kind of audience.
3. Make it accessible: Keep your portfolio clean, organized and logical so that a variety of managers, agents and curators can understand what you’re trying to convey. Don’t clutter up your work with extra headings and designs that will take away from your work. You will also want to start a website that includes a digital version of your portfolio, especially if you intend to do a lot of freelance work. Online portfolios will reach a broader audience and can connect you to clients around the world.
4. Enlist the help of a teacher or other artist: Before you present your portfolio, ask your teacher, who should already be knowledgeable about your strengths and potential, to review the layout and selections. Another artist who has experience putting together portfolios can also be helpful, as he or she will be able to tell you what your audience will be looking for.
5. Don’t forget your contact information: Slip in a business card to leave behind that includes your name, phone number, e-mail address and degree.

Top Online Programs

A.A. in Information Technology B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communications	University of Phoenix – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – The University of Phoenix prepares students for the rapidly evolving multi-million dollar industry of World Wide Web designing and interactive media. The programs offered at the institute teaches students everything from developing their skills in drawing and design to learning programming and scripting techniques.
B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communication A.A.S. in Information Technology	Kaplan University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Kaplan University offers a web design degree that could be completed in as few as 12 months. This allows students to earn their degree at an accelerated pace and be on their way to advancing in their career in web design.
B.F.A. in Web Design A.A.B.A. in Visual Communications B.F.A. in Digital Design	American InterContinental University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – For those interested in the exciting career of web design, American InterContinental Universitye will help them prepare with their staff of knowledgeable and skilled professionals who have had prior experience working in the web design industry. The program is a great choice for those seeking to pursue a career in web design, web development, graphic design, graphic art, or web publications designer.
A.S. in Web Design B.F.A. in Graphic Design B.A. in Fashion Merchandising	International Academy of Design & Technology – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Since 1977, the International Academy of Design and Technology Online has helped thousands of students prepare for a career in which their creativity and talents are respected and valued. Their affordable courses allow individuals with a passion for web design to advance in their career.
B.S. in Web Design & Multimedia B.S. in Visual Communications A.S. in Graphic Design & Multimedia	Westwood College – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – Westwood College's programs consists of courses in design theory, web design, imaging and advanced web technology to help students build valuable portfolios for potential employers. They offer their programs completely online, allowing flexibility for working individuals or individuals with other time contraints.
A.S. in Web Graphic Design B.C.I.S. in Web Development B.C.I.S. in Web Game Programming	DeVry University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – DeVry University has helped thousands of students apply practical skills to produce high-quality graphics and develop many types of graphic media. They are ideal for many students because of their affordable and convenient programs available online.
B.A. in Visual Communications B.A. in Art History	Ashford University – Bachelor's Degree - Dedicated to helping intellectual, professional, and creative individuals, Ashford University offers one of the best web design degrees online. Their web design courses are very convenient and achieveablefor students who have restricting schedules.
B.S. in Web Design A.S. in Web Design Diploma in Web Design	The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest software and programming applications to compete in the highly competitive, yet rewarding, web design industry. They place special emphasis on the practical application of web development skills and how to effectively use them for organizations.