Do I need a physical portfolio?

Going to school were here to learn, and grow, and build our portfolio. But that is where the big question comes up: Do I need a physical portfolio?

We are in a technology based generation and everything seems to be going digital. So the debate about if you need a physical portfolio is a tough one. I personally feel that you should always have some sort of a physical portfolio. People like to be able to hold stuff in their hands and not only be able to see it on screen. I think this is especially true if you are more in the print world of design. Web design, apps for example may not need to be physical because they are meant and built to be seen digitally. I think it is a case by case basis. If you can show something on screen and in print that is a huge bonus because you are showing how it looks in both formats.

I also think it depends on where you plan on working or what you plan on doing with design. If you want to be strictly web and screen design it may not be as important for you. But it might be a good idea to have some stuff physically printed out in case you go to an interview and the employer asks for something physical. You need to do your research and ask questions and get a good idea of what exactly employers in your area of interest want.

Graphic design is different from other professions in that you are judged based on your work. They don't necessarily look at your degree, or what grades you got, they just want to see what you have done. They also factor in your experience and where you have worked because the more experience you have typically that means you are a better designer.