Looking Back at My High School Graphic Design Portfolio

Looking Back at My High School Graphic Design Portfolio

Every designer has a starting point, and for me, it was in high school that it really became a focus for me. It was a time of creativity, trial and error, and hands-on learning. Back then, I didn’t have the polished skills or tools I use today, but I had a passion for design and a drive to experiment. Looking back, I can see how those early projects shaped my style and set the foundation for my future in design.

Learning the Basics: A Hands-On Approach

In high school, graphic design wasn’t just about clicking buttons in a software program—it was a craft that involved sketching, cutting, arranging, and experimenting. Our projects were often done by hand, forcing us to think outside the box.

I remember spending hours with rulers, X-Acto knives, and glue sticks, carefully assembling layouts on poster boards. We experimented with different mediums—pencil sketches, ink, paint, and darkroom development—to bring our ideas to life. Each project was an opportunity to learn, refine, and push creative boundaries.

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Highlighting My Favorite Projects

Looking through my old portfolio, I found a mix of projects that challenged me and shaped my design perspective. Here are a few that stood out:

1. **Wooden Cutting Board Designs**

One of the most unexpected but rewarding projects I worked on in high school was designing wooden cutting boards. This project combined design with craftsmanship, as we had to create functional pieces that were also visually appealing.

We started by sketching different shapes and layouts. Some designs featured smooth, minimalist edges, while others had intricate patterns made out of different types of wood. We learned about wood types, grain direction, and how different finishes could enhance the look and durability of the boards.

For many of us, it was our first experience designing something that people would actually use in their daily lives. The hands-on aspect—sanding, staining, and sealing—gave us a deeper appreciation for material-based design, something that still influences my work today.

2. **Photography and Darkroom Development**

Before the convenience of digital photography, we learned the art of film photography and darkroom development. This was one of the most fascinating parts of my high school creative journey, as it required patience, precision, and a true understanding of light and composition.

We started with 35mm cameras, learning how to manually adjust shutter speed, aperture, and focus to capture the perfect shot. Each roll of film was carefully developed in the darkroom, where we experienced the magic of images coming to life in trays of chemical baths. The entire process—loading film, developing negatives, and exposing prints under an enlarger—felt like an art form in itself.

This project taught me the importance of contrast, shadows, and framing, skills that carried over into my graphic design work. Unlike digital photography, every shot mattered because film was limited, forcing us to be intentional with our compositions. Looking back, working in the darkroom gave me a deep appreciation for the craft of photography and the storytelling power of images.

3. **Typography and Lettering Exercises**

Before we had access to thousands of digital fonts, we had to understand letterforms by drawing them ourselves. One assignment required us to recreate a typeface by hand, paying close attention to serifs, spacing, and alignment. Another project involved creating custom lettering for a personal logo. These exercises gave me a strong foundation in typography and helped me develop an appreciation for well-crafted letterforms.

4. **Album Cover Design**

A particularly fun project was designing an album cover for a favorite band or a fictional artist. We had to consider mood, typography, imagery, and overall branding. Some students used photography, while others (like me) relied on hand-drawn elements and collage techniques.

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How These Projects Shaped My Design Style

Each of these projects, whether big or small, played a role in shaping my approach to design. They also reinforced the importance of problem-solving—when something didn’t work, I had to find a creative way to fix it.

Even though I now work with digital tools, I still carry the lessons I learned from those hands-on experiences. There’s something about physically cutting, arranging, and adjusting elements that builds a deeper understanding of design principles.

Advice for Aspiring Designers

If you're a high school student interested in graphic design, my advice is simple: experiment, make mistakes, and build a portfolio that reflects your growth. Try different styles and mediums, challenge yourself with new projects, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.

Even if you’re working with limited tools, the core principles of design remain the same. Focus on composition, color, and typography. Your early work might not be perfect (mine certainly wasn’t!), but each project is a stepping stone toward becoming a better designer.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing—every project, no matter how small, helped shape my creative journey. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll look back at your own high school portfolio and realize it was the start of something amazing.

Do you still have your first design portfolio? What was your favorite project? Share your story in the comments!