More ideas

As I mentioned in class, I really like the linear quality of the journey map, particularly a subway map. The colors are basic and the layout is usually geometrically simple. As you lay out each page of your portfolio, the subway map would allow you to create something meaningful but uncomplicated. I’m imagining a simple bold line on the bottom of each page, with the current “stop” in bold and previous and future stops visible. An online portfolio would also really work with this style – each “stop” would be a link to a different page.

Other ideas that come to mind:

• A runner facing hurdles. This also fits in with basic writing center philosophy.

• Alphabet blocks. You could title the sections of your portfolio so that they would be in alphabetical order, then use images of children’s alphabet blocks as the unifying theme.

• Root structure. I mentioned this in class too, and it’s similar to Ali’s tree idea below. The roots symbolize the beginnings of writing. The beautiful tree or flower above ground is the result, but it’s the roots that keep it alive.

• Birds. The metaphor here is that in takeoff, birds do not appear graceful, but in flight, the opposite is true. You’ve also got the flock mentality, which makes it similar to Ali’s Elephant theme below.

When we started this exercise, I had trouble thinking of a theme. Now that I’ve taken some (but not very much) time, I’ve realized that almost anything works, as long as it’s unifying and symbolic. And you can usually find meaning in any object if you spend some time thinking about it.

As I type this, Magnum P.I. is on the television in the other room. It occurs to me that a detective theme, like Sherlock Holmes, (or Magnum, if you thought your professor would go for it) would work great. You’ve got magnifying glasses, fingerprints, clues, etc.

The ideas seem endless.