Critiquing 2 Portfolios: 1 Student, 1 Pro

If you want a portfolio review, you can schedule one here: superpeer.com/zoehong
In this video, I critique 2 portfolios. One is a student portfolio submitted for admittance to a fashion design program, the other is a professional fashion design portfolio. I discuss what's working and what's not. As usual, I sprinkle in advice that would apply to anybody.
Michelle's website: michelledurbano.wixsite.com/m...
Liv's portfolio was sent to me as a PDF.
MENTIONED/RELATED VIDEOS:
All critique videos: • Critiquing Viewers' Work
My fashion design process tutorials: • Fashion Design Process
All videos about fashion school: • Fashion School
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[@zoehongteaches]

LATEST CRITIQUE VIDEO! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmXCaJ2Qf62WiKs

[@livbjorholm7526]

Thank you SO MUCH for critiquing my portfolio Zoe! Sadly I didn't get in to the schools I applied for this year. But thank you for the critique, I really think it can help me improve.

[@liart6219]

Liv Bjorholm , I wish you good luck for the next year, don’t give up!

[@livbjorholm7526]

Li Art i promise i won’t give up 😊 The design schools I applied for are quite high ranking, and only accept around 5 to 10% of the people applying, so I didn’t expect to get in this year. One of them even says that most of their accepted students haven’t been accepted until their 3rd or 4th try!

[@annalindsay7926]

I really like your work and hope you don’t give up! Do you mind me asking what schools you applied to?

[@livbjorholm7526]

Anna Mito Thank you so much! I applied to Central Saint Martins, Royal Danish Design School and the portfolio in the video was for Borås Design school in Sweden

[@zoehongteaches]

Your mood boards are great, focus on getting your clothes to look more like them! Good luck on the next round!

[@hexmaniacciaran]

“If I don’t know about it, I don’t talk about it” now there’s some energy people could be doing with a lot more of

[@MaybeM00dy]

Amazing attitude

[@katscandance]

she somewhat reminds me of Edna mode.. I love

[@zoehongteaches]

I'm so flattered! Thanks!

[@Emmelinedevine]

I was thinking the same!

[@zoehongteaches]

This whole thread is giving me so much life right now

[@lee7510]

"Zoe Hong. And guest."

[@zoehongteaches]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha~~

[@michelledurbano]

😄😄 I was sooo nervous watching this ahhhh! But thank you once again for the much needed critique. I absolutely agree with you that the website needs to be a trimmed down a lot and I will get on that ASAP. Love your channel and your work🙌🙌🌻

[@liart6219]

Michelle Rosella D'Urbano , I find your work very interesting and beautiful!

[@josephinewalkeranderson9131]

Your work is so beautiful and inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@michelledurbano]

Samantha Cisneros thank you so much!🌻

[@michelledurbano]

Li Art thank you!!🌼

[@zoehongteaches]

Website updates are boring but necessary! Good luck!

[@iluffyou321]

As a graphic designer, both could improve their typography! And color choices to make their text readable. Sometimes i noticed on the second portfolio, gray text would be used and it was hard to read when placed on top of images. And you’re right, consistency is important! And both should use a font that works in terms of functionality but also branding. Beautiful work for both portfolios!

[@gabriellex3098]

Arturo M exactly what I thought! It was beautiful but sometimes not readable against the designs.

[@MaryArts]

I agree. For me it is difficult for a project to contain the consistency. It easily looks like a mess.

[@j_0anna]

some spelling in the first portfolio is incorrect as well (such as the use of "where" instead of "were", and "therefor" instead of "therefore")

[@livbjorholm7526]

Joanna Craddy thank you for the feedback, i can find where I spelled therefore wrong, but not the where/were spelling error. I would really like to know, as I am probably going to use parts of the portfolio when creating my new portfolio for next years applications, and I don’t want to repeat the mistake 😊

[@j_0anna]

Liv Bjorholm you can see it where you mention the commissioner's favourite designs at 4:26. good luck on your future portfolios!! by the way, i really adore your mood boards. they're absolutely gorgeous!

[@Bunny-ch2ul]

This might sound obnoxious, but: Consider your strengths when choosing a school, and tailor your portfolio to the kind of schools you think will be the best fit. There is no such thing as "the best school." There's only "the best school for you." Don't think a school is right for you just because your favorite designer is an alumnus. The kind of education you get varies *widely* between schools. Think carefully about what area of the industry you think you'd like to work in, and go to portfolio days if you're unsure. Don't automatically assume that you're geared towards high fashion. Some schools are very development focused, and they'll want to see lots of process photos. They'll want to see collages. They'll want to see quick research sketches. They'll typically also want a fine art portfolio. They want to see how you think more than what you can produce. If you like extremely avant garde fashion, this is probably your track. (A lot of big name schools in Europe fall into this category.) Some schools are fine arts focused, and they'll expect a fine art portfolio with a fashion design supplement. It's rare to get in with an excellent fashion design supplement, but a poor fine arts portfolio. Generally speaking, a good fine arts portfolio will take you farther than a fashion design specific portfolio when it comes to college applications. Most admissions officers look at portfolios submitted for multiple departments, so they might miss subtleties as to what makes your fashion segment so strong. Your work doesn't have to be bat shit crazy to apply, but if you lean towards basics, or follow current trends that you already see in stores, this track might be a bit cutting edge for you. (Pratt and RISD fall into this category.) Some schools are very production/industry focused. You'll want to demonstrate that you can already sew a bit, can sketch clothing, can do flats, and know the basics of Photoshop/Illustrator. Some schools will require a small fine arts portfolio, and some will just require a specific fashion design portfolio. The fashion design portfolio is going to be the most critical. If your work is pretty commercial, pretty basic, or you like to follow trends as they filter down to stores like Forever XXI, or Anthropologie, this type of environment is probably the place for you. (Schools like FIDM fall into this category.) I've studied in all three types of school, and believe me, the difference in culture and what you end up learning is night and day. Really think carefully about what's going to be the best fit for you.

[@starylize]

Morgan Glines thank you so much for this detailed comment!!!

[@kerrylui7932]

Thank you for your knowledge!

[@hollyzhang1418]

Thank youuuu

[@nanalewa4462]

This was everything I needed to kick me into gear

[@bluecookies4836]

Wow. I never gave two thoughts to a fine arts portfolio. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll really have to consider it seeing that I barely give fine arts any time

[@JennyWas13]

You make a good point about blocks of text. I work in a VASTLY different industry (accounting) , but when I finished my latest round of additional professional qualifications I ended up in the top 5% of the country in every submission. People always want to know how I do it and the answer is you should ALWAYS write your text in a way that YOU would like to read it. NOBODY wants to read a large block of text. Use headings, small paragraphs, spacing etc. make it easy for people to skim and still get the gist. if you look at what you’ve written and think you wouldn’t want to read that much block text in one sitting, then there is no one else on the planet who wants to either, no matter what industry you are in.

[@zoehongteaches]

Bullet points are your friends!

[@jonespaperemporium4930]

Kudos to Michelle and Liv for being willing to put their portfolios out there. Zoe, kudos to you for giving nice but honest, constructive critique. You are always worthwhile. Hope you enjoy being in my part of the world and it treats you well.

[@aMissAdventure]

How fortunate for a designer-in-the-making to receive such a constructive critique!

[@narutardednerd]

I'm not in fashion, but I watched this thinking it might be interesting. Not only did I love seeing the people's work, but I find a lot of the tips to be very helpful as I work on my own art portfolio.

[@JustXJess]

I have zero desire for pursing a fashion career but your personality is so warm and inviting and you are very kind. This student has so much potential!

[@Tenensanabandi]

Zoe, you had some really good designers reach out to you. Everything you said came from a good and objective place. I wish I'd have had teachers as objective as you (I didn't study design but today I paint and draw , it's a passion that emerged after my 5 years of uni+ business school).

[@jennyobiliseen4301]

I always find that students have so much passion and creativity, but lack the control and knowledge of the market. I think a good design should include both the seniority and the fresh meat. Ahahahhaha

[@saraseggari9423]

how would you gain knowledge of the market? sorry if i sound ignorant I'm just really intrigued and it isn't spoken about often.

[@MagicLink43]

Sara Seggari By asking and studying professionals in the field. Go to more galleries to meet more art directors and senior designers.

[@J_Kwan]

@@saraseggari9423 You can also read articles about your field of study, or blogs from insiders who already work in the industry. For something trend-driven, like fashion, following designers who are on the edge of innovation will teach you a lot before you ever attend your first class.

[@roxiepoe9586]

Your crisp professionalism is refreshing and helpful.

[@xcx000]

that moodboard truly is yummy

[@galleryg998]

12:12 Every artist knows that ‘it’s kind of amazing’ voice, when you find something artistic that you really like and you just want to say ‘LOOK AT THIS - IT PRETTY’

[@kyokitty16]

I really enjoy these videos even though i have no desire to go until fashion. But I've always enjoyed things about fashion. Your critiques are well spoken and very real but not harsh. Like a good friend telling you what you need to do vs a professor. I really enjoy it.

[@gglaurengg]

I really love this series. I graduated last year and just landed my first assistant designer job. I know my portfolio needs help, and maybe once I fix everything I know is wrong I'll submit it! These videos are so helpful even though they're not MY portfolio. It's great to see what other people are doing outside of my school/city.

[@zoehongteaches]

Congrats on your first assistant designer job! So exciting!

[@FarlyCreates]

This is the first video of yours that I have ever seen and I can't wait to binge your playlists! Love how you talk to the camera as if we were sitting right there with you! You have an abundance of information and I can't wait to learn! Best to you!

[@teamhermit6654]

Zoe, I actually LOVE your channel! In my second year of Fashion Design and every project this year has been researched on your channel. Great, great, amazing work. Thank you for your contribution mama!!

[@nafihsaemralino3508]

Wow, I've learned a lot. You've already given artist hints who's desiring to be a fashion designer or any one who's going to submit a portfolio. Thank you! ❤️ More power!

[@joblank74]

I just discovered you and I live for this! I’m actually a web designer who almost became a fashion designer. I really love your recommendations about the website. Especially the font comment. Being consistent with fonts both in style and format is more important then people think. Especially if you are trying to build a brand.

[@khr97yuni]

Not even a fashion student but the tips are relevant for my art major regardless! Thank you, and subscribed😉👌

[@bethan013]

Damn, both portfolios were so good! Both designers should be proud!

[@jessestrella4550]

Zoe, you're amazing. Cannot explain how helpful you can be. Thank you ❤

[@lockheart619]

Props to the two of them, they have so much potential in the fashion industry!

[@katekursive1370]

Incredibly helpful video! Thank you, Liv, for being brave and sending in your work. It really helped me.

[@jexikavindictive]

I absolutely love these critiques. They are great for any designer.

[@isaiahfabian1528]

Zoe, your honesty is very refreshing, I love these videos :)

[@elviraskitchen]

o my gosh I love her originality and boldness huge new fan here

[@lee7510]

I love this video. I teach Photography and its great to see how someone in the creative industries uses a portfolio to build an idea of a person's abilities

[@heretherewhere7375]

Michelle updated her website taking notes from this video it's amazing

[@Thedivoaffiliate]

I really love how you critique and how professional you are! Would probably ask you to critisize mine in 2019! LOVE from morocco.

[@arteisiacalvin6286]

I was so enthralled the entire time and absorbing all the critiques.

[@zoehongteaches]

Hey hey party people, I’m posting from Washington DC this week! Please post some props for Liv and Michelle and their bomb work and thumbs up this video if you learned something new today!

[@harterton]

Zoe Hong brilliant stuff. Thanks a whole bunch. I learnt a lot :)

[@cometome255]

It's awesome to see she listened to you. The site looks much better.

[@Ash-xx5zd]

Love how you juxtaposed a new fresh talent with someone a bit more experienced. ...I disagree on the website format. I've helped others with their websites, and I find the slide thumbnail (not a micro preview of the slide) is the best format. ....quickly uploads, allows viewer control and still permits artist ideal viewing preference. First critique video I saw from you and I live how you thoroughly break it down, but also embolden them to pursue their ambitions. ...zero negativity from you.

[@km7890km]

This is my first time watching one of your videos. I love how you critique. I appreciate how your honesty and teaching.

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@naemiamanuel472]

Omg Zoeee i missed you!!! i haven't been watching you videos because i have been busy! But now i will be binge watching all of the videos i haven't watched!

[@viloves2]

Michelle's website is impressively amazing right now, congratulations!

[@maitreyipitale3834]

Currently binge watching your channel....it's so informative 🌼

[@bestkoi7555]

I really like that when you critiqued something it was something that had a solution.

[@queenalexstrasza2891]

Just found your channel, honestly this video was very educational even though i'm only interested in fashion as in "wearing it". Keep up with such amazing content. Subscribed! Also your personality is lovely :))

[@zoehongteaches]

[@rocarolinaelric94]

I love your channel!! I think your critiques are great and very useful

[@grandisDom]

This video is very helpful. I’m putting together a portfolio to apply to school and you’ve definitely been a great help!

[@karislee7864]

Zoe! thank you so much for this video!! LOVE your candor you are the real one! It was so good to get someone else's perspective on what an interviewer/employer might look for in a portfolio. Please more videos on portfolio critiques!

[@nunaanpilot]

Your channel is very interesting.Now I am in the-sis final year. This make me a lot of positive energy to do my work. Your critiquing is very light and can make it useful for someone like me.

[@rrdcreates]

ZOE...I had to capitalize that because you don’t even understand the amount of inspiration you’ve given me. I graduated with my BA in 2011, live in the Midwest so there aren’t many opportunities and the ones that are here have 2 year non competes which just clip the wings of designers. I first got into fashion after years of historical costume studies and the things that excited me were the red carpet looks, the Diors and the Gallianos of the world. I went back to school for graphic design and marketing and found more success there, but I’m finally getting back to fashion on my own terms. Your videos are like stepping right back into fashion school with a new energy - one without the goal of a dead end job in a bridal store alterations department (people seriously think that’s what we go to school for - 13/hr with no benefits 🙄). Anyway, I’m so excited to have found you and just in the few moments of you critiquing the mood board I was so at peace with giving myself the permission to try to really do this again. Much love 💕

[@soulsunshine108]

Sitting here in Lusaka watching some videos and I am amazed to find the professional designer in the video is Zambian. I saw the sign for Kitwe and wondered, could that be the same Kitwe?? Glad to see an artist from here doing great work and getting the attention she deserves.

[@caljernes]

The critique is really on point and the way you explain everything really reminds me of my Fashion design teacher (Hi Ms. Kay li haha). AND I feel the tension inside me while I was watching and listening to the points youre making because I'm currently doing my portfolio for my finals and seeing you being intricate and nitpicky to the whole portfolios makes me so nervous! BUT also getting new ideas on what dos and don'ts that I should be doing. I'm going to try and achieve your expectations for portfolios! and also I'm gonna try to send my Portfolio too for you to see if I did good or bad hahaha.

[@alexmunoz5883]

I'm a fashion design student in Mexico(I'm in my first year, but I think it's important to work as a professional already) and this helps me a lot. Gracias!

[@gaelhillyardcreative]

Exactly what KZbin should be about. Fabulous video, Zoe, and a great choice of portfolios to review

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@markie4195]

Lovely video! So much information and helpful tips in such sort time! Thank you!

[@miniblunt]

Thank u Liv and Michelle and you Zoe 💕 this is good stuff

[@fardareismai4495]

I like your objective style based on your own expertise. You know what you're talking about and it shows in you critique. You give constructive criticism that these people can work with and use to improve, that is very helpful. Thank you for sharing your views with us!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thank you and you're welcome!

[@Landphoo]

Thank you for kindness all of you Zoe, Liv, Michelle for sharing the great work here. I’ve learned much today. Koobkun ka.

[@damiancano5717]

Michelle is so Talented 😍😍😍

[@arianneriley4824]

Thank you both for submitting your work to be critiqued!

[@melanieblackwell1901]

I definitely taking all of the advice given! I’m looking forward to enrolling in FIT or SAIC for fashion. I’m slightly nervous but this gave me hope about my ideas.

[@edgarescamilla2679]

Wow!!!! How bold and beautiful amount of work!!!!!!

[@zoexkang]

You should make this a series!! Wow I love it

[@zoehongteaches]

It is a series. Check my Critiquing Viewers' Work playlist.

[@zoexkang]

OMG that's awesome! thank you!! About to go binge watch all of them and become very informed :)

[@hannahunknown5303]

Hello! I want to be a Fashion Designer but I have a long way to go. I am only now learning how to sow and currently working on my first pattern project. I saw you looking through fashion sketches and subscribed. Now I am watching all your videos to better myself in hope to achieve my goal. I think that both are nice but yes, for Liv, I do think you need to use more types of fabric, though what you did was lovely. Congrats on getting into AMFI! I am happy for you. Michelle, I really did love your website(totally didn't just check it out)! I see that you took Zoe's advice to heart. I really love you work and art but, I don't have Instagram and Facebook so, I cannot follow you. Really hope you achieve a lot in life! P.S. I am 13 years old hehehe.

[@CLAUCLAU]

LOVE your channel! ❤️

[@pulaskifalls9241]

Love this so much. Great advice

[@j.williams4507]

wow that was a great critique i learned SO MUCH, Thanks Zoe

[@terranaut2]

I think your points were spot on, Zoe! One thing I think you forgot to mention is that the technical flats didn't have backs. Sometimes people grey out that area, but it still needs to be drawn into the technicals. :)

[@eannicole205]

Thank you Michelle and Liv.

[@ariserventy3097]

I have no idea what you’re talking about but I was so engaged and interested the whole video. Really amazing work

[@zoehongteaches]

Hahahahaha glad I could entertain!

[@FunSoSoToTo]

I'M SO GRATEFUL for this video! Thank you so so so much ❤ ❤

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@brianaa7573]

You're the best....I plan on submitting my portfolio next year after I get it together lol

[@zoehongteaches]

Get it together! haha~

[@praycations17]

Beautiful work from both ladies 🤗🤗 love it thank you

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@andresd4v1d]

I loved your reviews. It also helps me for my architectural layouts! Very helpful thanks Zoe.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@YukiArisawa]

Wow these videos really help a lot

[@rorypeddicord2583]

I’m not that into fashion... but I love watching these videos.

[@nooralhaddad381]

Love your videos 💕 I’m learning a lot Keep it up 👍🏽

[@chrisfoley.design]

OMG THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE CHANNEL

[@zoehongteaches]

thanks!

[@nata180774]

Than you so much for the portfolios xxx and review xx

[@tsvetomiraivanova7370]

great video.I would love to see more of her and especially how to prepare your fabric and how to cut your pattern on different fabrics..silk is so difficult :(

[@nitnelav1]

That was an insightful and informative critique. It gave me a lot of ideas on how to craft a great portfolio and good tips o n presentation format. Thank you. I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@zoehongteaches]

you're welcome!

[@madisunwhite8713]

Clicked on this video thinking it was a graphic design portfolio but I was not disappointed. Love the vid. 😆👍

[@nehadua749]

This was pretty cool. Thank you for making this video

[@aurialexx]

Love your channel! So interesting to watch and informative! Subscribed right away! Xoox

[@kencervantes21]

I get a lot of helpful advice from your videos, thank you so much. I hope I would be able to do good at my digital illustrations

[@OnlyStansKpop]

Both portfolios were beautiful and impressive

[@FashionDesignSuccess]

Great Critiques! And suggestions!

[@user-su4gq9uw9x]

I know this is kinda old (youtube recommended me this glad they did) but rn I am in high school and planning on getting a degree in fashion when I get out. So for now I'll just do little projects here and there so I can have a good portfolio for when it is time. Thank you Zoe! This isn't critique for my stuff but I found this very helpful for my future works. Thanks again! ❤

[@kimc207]

9:14 Yes. Intention is crucial. I was asked to "make something ugly" in graduate school (an MFA program), and I think it was because there was a little bit too much belief in happy accidents.

[@mrudul2305]

wow kya bbat hai👌👍 tht was gr8 m not a student.. or m dnt knw much about the designing also still i love to watch ur vdos they are simply educational n i lv the way u teach, explain n get connect to each one.. more power to u👍 😊god bless u👌

[@nickellfrancis8522]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts 💭😁🙂🧡🧡🧡

[@anni-florenceberger7231]

Thank you do much very good job and wishing you and all around you a Happy new year. Bonne Année from Geneva Switzerland

[@MaybeM00dy]

Wow those mood boards rlly inspired me

[@bethan013]

This might be a weird or dumb question (I might have watched too much Project Runway) but it’s something I’ve always wondered when watching people critique clothes. Do you critique based on the skill in design and construction required to make the garment or do you critique as if you were shopping and saw that garment on the rack? ie does your personal opinion on the garment (I would wear this or not) influence your professional critique?

[@zoehongteaches]

I leave my personal style out of it as much as possible. Skill, technique, originality, proportions, balance, color use, how well you dressed your target customer/muse are much more important.

[@bethan013]

Zoe Hong thanks Zoe 😊 that makes sense. You couldn’t hate some ones work just because they used orange fabric and you hate orange because it clashes with your hair 😅

[@briannecalledmekanye5728]

This was so therapeutic.

[@Ammavie]

Zoe, you are good and your critics add up a lot to us. Just wanted to say that

[@ifx25]

THANK YOU VERYYYYYY MUCH FOR EVRY THING YOU DO FOR US 💋💋

[@TrishhMakes]

I thought this was a graphic design portfolio critique. I only realized it wasnt when you started talking about fabrics, and I was like "what???" nothing told me otherwise, not the title or intro. Anyways, have a good week!

[@Vandalynn]

I think of your portfolio like a resume. Short, sweet and to the point. Like you said they are looking through so many portfolios and they don't have time to read like that.

[@pomypomy7088]

I really LOVE it❤❤❤

[@littleowl1458]

Thank you so much for sharing! This was very helpful.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!