Computer Arts Projects issue 122

This issue’s topic, perfect portfolios, covers promoting yourself and getting your work recognised. Since a large aspect of this is now done online, we’ve got expert tips on search engine optimisation and online marketing, and a guide to animating your portfolio with Flash effects. Plus we speak to hugely popular freelance designer Benny Gold about his online presence on blogs, and we’ve got advice from designers about setting up a collective so you can work with other creatives around the world. We haven’t forgotten about traditional paper portfolios though – we’ve also got advice from five industry experts on the best way of presenting your work in an interview or client meeting.

Getting yourself noticed is always a challenge in a crowded industry, so project three looks at ways to attract attention and stand out – in our round-up of promotional items, you can get new ideas for everything from stickers and books to chocolates, while three designers create a sticker sheet in our designer challenge. Angus Hyland, partner at Pentagram, is our other interview this issue, where he discusses the firm’s impressive archive portfolio of projects.

This is my last issue for a few months as I’ll be on maternity leave. I’m leaving the magazine in the capable hands of acting editor Nick, who you’ll meet next issue – which is devoted to the hottest trends in illustration. If you have any comments on this theme you can contact him at nick.carson@futurenet.com.

Kate Evans Editor

Project one: Expert advice

Portfolio surgery
Julia Sagar asks five specialists what makes the perfect portfolio

Self-initiated projects
Follow Sam Gilbey’s guide on how to diversify your portfolio

Liven up your portfolio
Paul Wyatt reveals how to make an animated, interactive portfolio

Project two: Online promotion

Benny Gold interview
Dean Evans discusses promoting your own brand with Benny Gold

Land your dream job
Garrick Webster finds out to generate some buzz about your work

20 essential SEO tips
Everything you need to know to make your website stand out on the internet

Project three: Promote yourself

Designer challenge
We challenge three creatives to design a promotional set of stickers

Perfect promo items
Discover how to make your promotional items stand out from the crowd

Project four: Join the family

Pentagram interview
Angus Hyland takes Nick Carson through the Pentagram portfolio

Strength in numbers
Xynthetic founder Gavin Strange explains the benefits of joining a collective