Aspiring Art Director Portfolio Review: It's Goh Time

Hidayah Goh reached out to get her graphic design/art direction portfolio "ripped apart" so that... is exactly what we're going to do on today's episode! Follow along to pick up a tip or two and feel free to leave feedback of your own below. Constructive critique is always welcome as the goal is to continue to build our advertising portfolios to be even better.
If you need help making your portfolio stronger, my book Breaking into Art Direction is filled with idea-generating exercises, mini creative briefs/design assignments, and more! You can find it over on Amazon.
And if you would like to have your own portfolio critiqued, feel free to throw me a message over at opendoorcreative.com.
See you soon!

[@eusoudanisilva]

I can't believe it! An entire channel focused on Art Direction. Please never stop making content. Thank you so much for making these incredible videos, Kevin!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Wow. Thank you very much. I appreciate that.

[@iamjennro]

Just discovering your channel and it seems like everything I’ve done thus far in life sounds like Art Directing. I always enjoyed creating something that has never been seen or done before. Sometimes I have to use my graphic design skills, my photography skills, my videographer skills, my music skills, or even my own looks to showcase the art thats inside of me. This is truly amazing to finally put a title on what I want to do in life and fully pursue it. Thank you for your content.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Love that! Live that passion!

[@aj12melodies98]

I remember I first started watching you in high school and even submitted some design challenges. Now I’m in my second year of college for graphic design. Love your videos so much!😁

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Love it! Please continue to keep me posted on your journey!! Can’t wait to see what you do.

[@biodunbabaoye4252]

just came across your channel and i really appreciate what you’re doing for young art-directors trying to come up.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Welcome! And much appreciated! 🙏

[@SweetChariotOfFire]

Thank you, Kevin! I went to advertising school at UNT, but I felt like it didn’t get the technical and stringent knowledge that visual communication received. I always felt behind the curve and kind of have been self taught without much direction. Currently in a completely different field due to the pandemic, Events industry, doing project management, and I desperately want to pivot back into creative work.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Do it! It’s never too late to change paths. Not to hard sell whatsoever but my book Breaking into Art direction might be able to help you learn/build your portfolio and get back on the curve. Available on Amazon. Either way. Best of luck to you!

[@MsVanessaSt]

Gotta say, as someone who's been working for 8+ years, this was SUPER HELPFUL. Thank you so much and I am excited to dive into more content

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Love that. Thank you so much!

[@mmlg24]

I watched it all and I love your channel. Very helpful. Keep the good stuff coming!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you. Much, much appreciated.

[@blackgirlemonight]

this was a really helpful video all the way through, i’m starting to look into what moves to make towards this career path and i learned a lot, also as a former art student i appreciate that your way of critiquing was very respectful of the creator (especially for “ripping them apart”) which sadly was a bit too refreshing lol thank you again subbed

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you! I appreciate that. Let me know if you have any questions as you make your way through some of my videos. Happy entry into the career!

[@neshisquirrel032]

I will absolutely be purchasing your book! I'm transitioning from fine artistry (MFA art professor) to the advertising world. Now I wish I had paid attention when I was in school myself! Haha, I have the skillset of traditional and digital and no knowledge of how to put it together. This just gave me direction to start deep-diving. Thanks!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Freakin’ love that! Let me know if you have any questions along the way. Best of luck on your focus switch!

[@neshisquirrel032]

@@OpenDoorCreative Thanks, I certainly will! Just ordered the book and subscribed! 🙌

[@OpenDoorCreative]

@@neshisquirrel032 hope it serves you well!

[@Noodles4L]

Hi Kevin. I am finishing portfolio school with the One School/ One Club and will spend my portfolio to you for review here soon! Thanks. - Aaliyah

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Awesome! Love that. Looking forward to it.

[@mauricioventura1901]

I'm a Cinematographer whose now applying to AD School here in Scotland and I'm a bit intimidated haha. I'm not a graphic designer and have zero interest in being one. I'm more drawn to copywriting, tv and web adverts given my background in production. Not sure what to focus on in order to one day become an Art Director if I personally do not have these skills that many if not most will have.

[@femiolotu6482]

Glad you back man.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Yea life has definitely gotten more full haha but doing my best to keep the vids coming!

[@femiolotu6482]

@@OpenDoorCreative Can't wait brother.

[@n0Drip]

New sub! Watched until the end. I’m a content creator myself trying to decide to be art director or copywriter. I’m interested in strategy and making a million look like a million. I’m getting ready to start an ad program 😅

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Love it! Best of luck. And let me know if you have any questions along your journey.

[@SekundarnoSara]

this is gold

[@OpenDoorCreative]

🙏

[@ElfoTall]

Wooow, great video

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Thank you!

[@somyas3852]

Hey, I'm applying for college in art direction course but i don't know what exactly i should put in my portfolio. I'd be glad to get any kind of advice from you!

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Hi! Typically, the art direction program will have some assignments/projects/prompts to do to get in. If they do not, include anything that shows your artistic ability. You're not expected to have a fully-formed design portfolio yet. That is what the art direction major should help provide you (spending those years to develop your portfolio to make it job-ready). If you want a leg up, you could absolutely take a crack at putting together some ads or campaigns for real brands (even if they aren't real projects) or take part in some smaller design projects like logo design. I've got a few assignment videos on the channel you could check out and execute. Best of luck!

[@AllegedlySpiffy]

Since this is a art focused video, the pink border around the frame at 9:32 looked so good.

[@zoracricket8033]

I did 😁

[@alijah9367]

Hey, I have an issue... I do not know design or have talent for it - but I can conceptualize ideas to be brought to life. To anyone reading this, how do I fit into the Ad world (I love adverts so much, I often find myself breaking down the scenes, colour usage, font etc) and also how do I create my portfolio.

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Hey! Unfortunately, conceptual skills alone will make it tough to grab a job in the ad world as you’re competing against many talented conceptual thinkers who also wear other hats. With that being said, I recommend you look into a role as a Strategic Planner. Though you will need to lean further into analyzing the market and consumer behavior, you will also bring insights and conceptual thinking to the creative team to execute. Hope that helps.

[@timhendson2550]

What beginners jobs should you go for if you just graduated with no real experience?

[@OpenDoorCreative]

You can become a junior art director or a junior graphic designer (also called associate art director and graphic designer at some shops) starting out but you will need a portfolio in order to get your foot into those jobs. Check out my video about the art director career path. It might help you out.

[@nari1071]

I am taking my baby steps into this field coming from a marketing background, can anyone please guide me through it

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Take a look around the channel. It should help! Also have a book about building your own portfolio and breaking into the biz on Amazon. It’s called Breaking into Art Direction. Hope that helps!

[@majesticx3965]

Other than great a great portfolio and skill sets, I’m pretty anti social and public speaking is not my specialty I’m in my first year of GD and would like to be an art director do you have Tips or tricks on this aspect of the job?

[@OpenDoorCreative]

The presenting portion (at most shops) happens more and more at a senior level. In the meantime, you’ll be given smaller opportunities to grow that skill but it won’t be the main focus of your job. See my video on presenting as I think it will help you.

[@Ghoullible]

I disagree, the two tone logo at the beginning pops way more

[@OpenDoorCreative]

Totally cool! Design is a subjective game. To each their own!!