including pictures of completed projects in a portfolio

Roland,
Go take your own pix of those ‘more impressive’ projects and get ’em into that portfolio. Built works speak louder than great graphics. In deference to Chris’ point, whereas great graphics are important, evidence that they can be successfully translated into reality, or that you were able to keep the concept together after all the budget cuts, changes and value engineering, is far more valuable…especially as you get deeper into your career. It takes time (years) to get a significant body of built works.

Don’t sell graphics short, however. As you get better with experience, you need to showcase that, especially if your are, have been or want to be the ‘hand’ of the firm. If your chief skills are fantastic drawings, you should always be in demand. If you checked out the job sites I mentioned to you in another discussion, you should have noticed that Las Vegas firm looking for someone with a ‘hand’. Sounds like a great job! Tempted myself, I must say.

Another tip…check Google images for your projects and, at a minimum, grab an aerial image from Google Earth. I use many such pix in my portfolio. Remember, you spent alot of time on those plans…get ’em for real this way. If your projects are heavily publicized/marketed by the Client upon opening, they may have released press pix. I also grab these on-line when I can. They are meant to be used. Check the project’s website, if applicable, like a resort, shopping center, etc.

Grab that camera, pal!