What are the best portfolio tips for Automotive Design Competitions?

1 Know the brief

The first and most important tip is to read and understand the brief of the competition you are entering. The brief is the set of guidelines, requirements, and expectations that the organizers and judges have for the submissions. It will tell you what kind of vehicle, theme, problem, or innovation they are looking for, as well as the format, deadline, and criteria for evaluation. You should follow the brief closely and make sure your portfolio answers the question or challenge that is posed. You should also research the background, goals, and values of the competition and the sponsors, and align your design with their vision and mission.

2 Show your process

The second tip is to show your process and thinking behind your design. The judges want to see how you approach a problem, how you generate ideas, how you develop and refine your concepts, and how you communicate your solutions. You should include sketches, drawings, renderings, models, and prototypes that illustrate your design process from start to finish. You should also explain your rationale, inspiration, and references for your design choices, and how they relate to the brief and the user needs. You should also show your technical skills and knowledge of the automotive industry, such as materials, engineering, ergonomics, aerodynamics, and aesthetics.

3 Be original and innovative

The third tip is to be original and innovative with your design. The judges want to see something new, fresh, and exciting that stands out from the rest of the entries. They want to see your personal style, vision, and creativity, as well as your ability to challenge the status quo and propose innovative solutions. You should avoid copying or imitating existing designs or trends, and instead create something unique and distinctive that reflects your own voice and personality. You should also demonstrate your awareness of the current and future trends, issues, and opportunities in the automotive industry, and how your design addresses them.

4 Be clear and concise

The fourth tip is to be clear and concise with your portfolio. The judges have to review hundreds or thousands of entries, so they don't have much time to spend on each one. You should make sure your portfolio is easy to read, understand, and navigate, and that it showcases your best work and skills. You should use a simple and consistent layout, format, and style for your portfolio, and avoid cluttering it with unnecessary or irrelevant information. You should also use clear and concise language, captions, and labels to explain your design, and avoid jargon, slang, or errors. You should also check the size and quality of your portfolio, and make sure it meets the specifications of the competition.

5 Get feedback and revise

The fifth tip is to get feedback and revise your portfolio before submitting it. Feedback is essential to improve your design and portfolio, and to identify and fix any issues or gaps that you might have overlooked. You should seek feedback from different sources, such as your peers, mentors, teachers, or professionals, and ask them to critique your portfolio based on the brief and the criteria of the competition. You should listen to their comments and suggestions, and use them to revise and polish your portfolio. You should also review your portfolio yourself, and make sure it is clear, concise, original, and innovative.

6 Be confident and passionate

The sixth and final tip is to be confident and passionate about your design and portfolio. Confidence and passion are key to impress the judges and to convey your enthusiasm and commitment for your design. You should be proud of your work and skills, and show them in a positive and professional manner. You should also be prepared to present and defend your design and portfolio, in case you are selected as a finalist or a winner. You should practice your presentation skills, and rehearse your pitch, story, and arguments. You should also be ready to answer any questions or challenges that the judges might have, and to explain how your design meets the brief and the user needs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?