Hello Designers!

Are you updating your portfolio this summer? 🏖️

If not, this is a good time to start.

I’ve revised mine five times over the past few years. After all those iterations, I’ve finally built a system - layout, fonts, and composition that works.

2025 Summer School

I’ve answered the most common portfolio questions below so you don’t have to figure it out from scratch.

1. What layout and size should I use?

Two layout types work well, depending on your output format:

Best for on-screen viewing. Easy to export as single pages from InDesign and works well in digital submissions.
More compact and suitable for printing. It also allows for clearer reading and is exported as Spreads in InDesign.

Choose based on your submission context - digital or print.

2. How many pages should my portfolio have?

This depends on your target:

15–20 pages: Ideal for internship or Master’s applications. Include 3–4 well-developed projects.
25–30 pages: Suitable for job applications. Include 4–5 projects with individual cover pages.
30–35 pages: For advanced job applications or mixed-format work (research, visuals, technical). Up to 5 projects with individual cover pages.

Avoid overloading. Focus on relevance and readability.

3. What fonts and sizes are best?

Stick to professional design standards:

Use a maximum of two fonts, preferably from the same family, to maintain visual coherence.
Recommended sizes:
Headings: 18–26 pt
Subheadings: 14–20 pt
Body text: 9–12 pt
Annotations: 6–8 pt

Avoid decorative fonts. Prioritize legibility and hierarchy.

4. What projects should I include?

Your portfolio should reflect both your skill range and depth. For instance, if you want to add 5 projects,

1 can be your big project (thesis)
2 projects focused on conceptual and spatial design
1 project demonstrating technical or construction knowledge
1 project showing proficiency with tools - parametric design, simulations, or graphic systems

This structure balances creativity with execution - something firms and universities both value.

Happy creating!

Thank you,

Architecture Candy Team

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