This post is a translation of "The design manual. The modern designer's guide to everything ", included in the September issue of the British magazine Computer Arts.
There are 10 tips that can serve both designers and illustrators to enhance their portfolio. I found it interesting so I decided to translate it for you.

10 tips to improve your portfolio.

Put the best, say no to stuffing.
Resist the temptation to put in your portfolio works old and irrelevant. to have only the best and most shocking. Do not forget this is a must. Portfolios need constant attention, you never know when a good agency or a good customer can look at your website.

The number of the beast
How many examples must include a portfolio?
It is a difficult question, but you must have at least 20 jobs for a physical portfolio and at least 30 for your portfolio online.
You must demonstrate a breadth and variety in your work, so if you select multiple projects, try to be unique and impress everyone individually.

What is your job?
Include in your portfolio only what fits the job profile you are looking for.
If you want to be creative director, for example, will not have many final artwork (maybe none).

Everything is written.
Write notes to talk about your experience and your work.
Illustrators and designers are hired not only for their style but also for the clarity with which interpret a job.
It must be made clear why each example of the portfolio.

The expert.
Are you just good at illustration or editorial design?
Of course not, you're also a good creative who understands the importance of deadlines and meetings and corrections.
Make sure your portfolio is well reflected stay, if only with notes.

The case studies.
Do not think about your porftolio simply as a collection of your works of art and design.
You can show a case study of some work (briefly) and thus show how capable you are professionally.

Numbers, guides and favorites.
What do you see an interesting web Cundo, read a good article on a blog or other work you see that you like? The trademarks / save as favorites.
Those who see your portfolio can do the same, so be sure to include page numbers and clear titles for each job in your portfolio.

Know thyself.
Experienced entrepreneurs, project managers and agents know how to match a CV of a portfolio and measure their strengths and weaknesses of character, warts and all.
So your portfolio is critical. Is it too hard? Too frivolous?
Create a balance in your qualities which show your skills.

Adapt your work.
This is a moot point, some discouraged illustrators agents adapt to the tone of the project portfolio or job you want to get, so adjustment is recommended in quotes, be better to show a wider range of styles and projects.
Even if you consider that part of your job is irrelevant think if you want to compare your styles. If doubts about that, do not include it.

Self-sufficient.
The projects that are strictly in your area call all the time and effort into them and it's something that just is recommended, especially for freelance work. But think about other skills you may have. For example, if you also like photography or code, why not include examples of your photos or your web designs?.
Displays all your creative abilities.

I hope this post helps someone.
I apologize for the translation, I have translated texts my way because I did not understand some words or contexts. I promise to learn more English and in future times better translate texts.