Style & making susumu / shin
Build a small creative portfolio around the work you want to do next
Choose relevant examples, explain your contribution and make the first few pieces easy to understand.
Wear this characterThe short answer
A small portfolio should help a particular viewer understand what you can contribute. Decide who will see it and what kind of work you want to discuss. Then choose examples that support that purpose rather than including every project you have ever completed.
A closer look
Selection is part of the work
For each piece, add a short explanation: the task, your role and one decision that mattered. If it was collaborative, credit the other contributors and distinguish your work clearly. Do not show confidential material without the appropriate permission.
Put a strong, relevant example near the beginning and another at the end. Check the sequence on the device or format the viewer will use. Large images, tiny labels or files that need unusual software can hide good work behind unnecessary effort.
See it in words
- 進む
- susumuTo move forward
- 進める
- susumeruTo move something forward
- 前進
- zenshinForward movement
A meaning to make your own
A thought to give
A 進 garment can be a gift for someone preparing to share their work, if the design suits them. Keep the message about their effort and choices rather than predicting an offer, commission or career outcome.
Make a gift cardOne more question
How many examples do I need?
Use enough to show the relevant range without repeating the same point. The right number depends on the request and medium. Follow any stated submission requirements, then favour clear explanations over extra pages added only to look substantial.
A character to carry with you 進
進 means advance. A portfolio can mark the step between making something and helping another person understand it. It should show real work and decisions, not promise results that have not happened.
Wear this character
