"Some junior designers believe that presentation isn’t as important as process on their portfolio. However, when competing with hundreds of other candidates that can do the same things as you, it is. Try to stand out."

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"Junior designers are a precious investment for any company. When hiring junior designers, I tend to look for quality, presentation, and potential. I strongly advise you to focus on the latter."

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"During the hiring process, I (Sr. designer) will try to understand the value you’d be able provide to the company in years, not months or days. It's your potential to grow that matters. So I look for qualities that are hard to teach; I look for your foundations. If you have mastered the fundamentals and can have a great sense of aesthetic, I know that you will deliver great looking products. If some skills are is off, we can work on that."

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"Once, I had to look through 400 portfolios for 1 junior design position. As a piece of advice you should make sure that if I hide your name from your portfolio, your work and style can be recognized among the rest. Focus on presenting yourself as brand."

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"I know designers having portfolio 1 project getting hired. Of course that single project was extensive and well documented but that goes to show that quality is over quantity."

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"If you have a pot filled with stones and a single diamond, no matter how many stones you have, people will be looking for the diamond. So showcase that diamond, even if you only have 1."

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"Last advice and most likely the most important one. Do not think too much. Just practice. If you hesitate, practice. If you have free time, practice. If you have a month of no commitment, create 1 piece a day, and you'll have 30 at the end of month. 2 pieces a day? That's 60."

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"The core of design is to connect function with aesthetic. Don't underestimate aesthetic. Work on the fundamentals. Those are going to stay with you no matter the ideas or products you’re going to build."

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"Should I (Jr. Designer) work on marketing myself online? I (Sr. Designer) would focus on intense practice first. You can go around knocking on doors but if you are not ready, the risk is doors won't open, and you may lock yourself out. In my experience, when I got good enough, my work spoke for itself. It became a magnet for new possibilities."
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This text was an excerpt from a conversation with Mirko. Make sure to follow him on Twitter! My outcome of this conversation was to create and churn through a checklist of portfolio improvements, and practice my craft. If you are walking a similar path, let's connect!