I got into Fashion School, but my Artboard Portfolio was Missing this. Don’t Make this Mistake.

Do, you know that feeling when you’ve poured your heart and soul into something, only to realize later that you missed a crucial detail? Well, I certainly was surprised and a little disappointed when I realized I didn’t include a critical item in my portfolio!

The one thing I forgot in my fashion school artboard portfolio is the secret sauce that makes your designs irresistible and into a cohesive collection. That’s the hint…do you know what it is that I forgot?

If you’ve been following my video series in The Fashion Design Book, you’re already familiar with the four key elements in a fashion portfolio artboard. But guess what, I missed one! And I didn’t even realize it until years later. I’m sharing my story so that you don’t make the same mistake I did.

So, what’s this mysterious element? It’s none other than ** inspiration **. Yes, the magic ingredient that sells your designs to marketing, sales teams, retail store buyers, and, with a bit of luck, even the end customer. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to communicate your inspiration effectively, and that’s a huge reason why I created The Fashion Design Book.

Why is inspiration so critical? Think of it as the storytelling behind your designs. You might be thinking, I don’t see why storytelling is important in fashion.

In our previous videos, we touched on the significance of inspiration and how, when done right, it can practically “sell” your collection to buyers.

Let’s dive into some examples to drive the point home. Portfolio A, without the inspiration factor, might showcase impeccable designs, but they l ack that connectivity that ties everything together. 

On the flip side, Portfolio B, with inspiration infused in every design, tells a compelling story. It’s not just about garments; it’s about the journey, the muse, the emotion behind each piece.

Don’t just be a designer; be a storyteller. Let your artboard portfolio be a visual narrative that speaks volumes without uttering a word. Use it as a tool to captivate marketing gurus, enthrall sales teams, and win over retail store buyers. And who knows, if your inspiration is communicated effectively through these channels, the end customer might even see and understand the inspiration too.

Now, go ahead and flip through your portfolio. Does it tell a story? Does it whisper the tale behind each design? If not, it’s time to sprinkle some inspiration in there and make sure your designs speak to the inspiration.

Enjoy the creative aspect of telling the story. Why did you create the design? What inspired you to make it that way? If you’re not sure how to get inspiration, flip back to page 11 in The Fashion Design Book, scan the QR code, and watch that video to get some ideas on how to get inspiration.