Layout 8 - Cover Pages
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Coming Soon
In today's video, we're diving headfirst into the world of portfolio covers. And guess what? We're not stopping at just one – we've got not one, not two, but three stunning designs lined up for you in Adobe InDesign! So grab your creative hats, folks, because it's time to turn those portfolio covers from drab to fab!
General Document Setup
Standard Letter 8.5”x11” portrait sheets
3 pages, with “facing pages” NOT checked
Start # = 1
Columns 1, column gutter 0.1667in
Margins = 0.75 in. all sides
FYI: Futura is a great free replacement to Sofia in all tutorials.
Layout 1: Clean and Modern Portfolio Cover
Create 10 rows of guides to define your layout. Use “Layout > Create Guides” Place a centered, large "Portfolio" title using the text tool (T).
Here I am using Sofia Pro Regular 36pt font with 100 tracking units for the title.
Add a smaller description below, specifying the purpose of the portfolio.
I am using Sofia Pro Regular 12pt font with 100 tracking units for the subheading.
Place a relevant image using the Rectangular Frame Tool (F) that covers at least two rows, preferably line drawings for a modern look.
Finally, add your name beneath the image, aligning it neatly with the margin.
I am using Sofia Pro Regular 18pt font with 100 tracking units for the name.
Layout 2: Elegant Portfolio Cover with Vertical Line
Establish a vertical line down the center of the page using the line tool (\), spanning from margin to margin.
Create a text box and type "Portfolio" at the top, here I am using Sofia Pro Semi Bold 36pt font with 100 tracking units.
Add a small gap between the line and the "Portfolio" text. Below, create another text box for additional details or description.
Sofia pro Semi Bold 12pt font with 100 tracking units for this one.
Place your name to the right, justifying it to align with the right margin and aligning with one of the guides.
Sofia Pro Light 36pt font with 100 tracking units.
Insert a thin line between your name and the description, maintaining consistency with the margin.
At the bottom, include information about the specific works or projects in your portfolio.
Sofia Pro Light 12pt font with 100 tracking units.
For visual clarity, consider adding boxes or shapes with the rectangle tool (M) to highlight different sections.
Layout 3: Bold and Eye-catching Portfolio Cover
Create five rows of guides to structure your layout. “Layout > Create Guides”
Add a striking, large image with the Rectangular Frame Tool (F) that spans the entire bottom margin of the page.
Place your name at the top, using a bold font (around size 36) that contrasts well with the image background.
Here I use Sofia Pro Bold 36pt font for the title and Sofia Pro Regular 14pt font for the “select works” text.
Add a caption to the side of the image, describing the portfolio's purpose (e.g., "Architecture and Urban Design").
Sofia Pro Regular 14pt font.
To enhance the text's appearance, drag another text box (T) with big text, here I use Sofia Pro Bold at 60pt font.
Change the color of the text to paper and change the blending mode for this text box to “Hard Light”.
If you don’t have the Effects tab, you can access it through “Window” at the top and switch on “effects”.
Apply an inner shadow effect from the Effects panel. There is a small “fx” icon at the bottom right of the tab, next to the garbage bin icon. Then, adjust settings until it looks like an indentation.
For a finishing touch, you can insert colored boxes or shapes that complement the overall composition and add visual interest.
And there you have it, folks – three incredible portfolio covers that are sure to make your work shine. We hope you enjoyed this design journey with us. Remember, design is all about letting your creativity run wild, and InDesign is your trusty sidekick in bringing those visions to life. So, go ahead, explore, experiment, and let your imagination soar. Until next time, keep designing, keep creating, and keep being awesome!
