■ ST YLE
“The most important thing is that your portfolio should have
its own style. It needs an original idea and an original
concept to grab the attention of art directors and clients.”
Kostyuk’s online portfolio at http://www.visio-art.de is a prime
example of this, elevating his artwork in a stylish and
original way.
■ RESEARCH
“I think it really helps to look at the online portfolios of
successful designers and illustrators and analyse them,”
says Kostyuk. Of course, the artist is referring to the design
of your site as well as the work you show. Look at how top
artists categorise their work – it could be by client, date or
something more original like theme or colour.
■ QUALITY
Kostyuk is quite clear when it comes to what you should
present in your portfolio. “Always show your best work,”
he emphasises. “The amount of projects in your portfolio
isn’t the important thing – it’s about the quality of work.” It
only takes one image in a style that a client likes to get
you that big job!PORTFOLIO TIPS
ALEKSEI KOSTYUK’S PORTFOLIO ADVICEEYE ON DESIGN PORTFOLIO INTERVIEW
WHAT HAS PHOTOSHOP DONE FOR YOU AS
AN ARTIST?
It has given me a way to express myself and to
inspire other artists and people. I have often
asked myself the question of what I’d have done
if Photoshop wasn’t in my life, and so far I have
no answer.WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE TOOLS?
I love my Wacom tablet, I could not be without
it – it’s an essential part of any Photoshop
artist’s setup. Otherwise, I love using my
digital camera for taking stock images.WHAT DO YOU THINK SEPARATES YOUR
WORK FROM OTHER ARTISTS’?
I think every artist has his own signature – and
that’s the way it should be. I’m not concerned
about being different or standout. I just try to bemyself and that’s enough for me.DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS OR ADVICE FOR
ARTISTS TRYING TO FORGE A CAREER?
First, make sure you invest a lot of time in
understanding the basics and more advanced
features of Photoshop. Make it like second
nature. So you can do anything. And of course,
it helps at the beginning to be guided and
inspired by your favourite – and famous –
artists. Later, you need to start implementing
your own ideas and thoughts. Your style will
come on its own.WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO
YOURSELF IF YOU COULD TRAVEL BACK IN
TIME TO THE START OF YOUR CAREER?
I would definitely do it all exactly the same. Only
everything would be a little more relaxed.iMobile: This image was created for the
Fotolia ‘TEN Collection’ Contest. Kostyuk won the ‘Mobile’ category