Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to creating a portfolio, it’s easy to get caught up in showcasing as much work as possible. However, this approach can be detrimental to your chances of standing out in a crowded job market. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. As Jessica Walsh, founder of &Walsh, notes, "I prefer quality over quantity with portfolios. I would much rather see a few strong pieces than a few good pieces amongst numerous mediocre pieces. Generally, I’d start and end with your best projects to capture someone’s interest and end on a good note."
What to Include
So, what should you include in your portfolio? The answer is not necessarily a diverse range of work or a niche focus, but rather a clear and concise presentation of your best projects. As Renata Amaral Morris, founder of EAT Studio, suggests, "Less is more. A portfolio with five to eight great projects will make a stronger impression than one that includes a mix of great and average work, which can bring down the overall perception of quality."
Let the Work Breathe
Once you’ve decided which pieces to include in your portfolio, it’s time to present them in the best possible way. This means using creative space and letting the work breathe. As Abi Sargant, a midweight designer at Taxi Studio, recommends, "Don’t cram five to six images on a page. Instead, blow up key imagery to make a bold impact. Remember, portfolios are often reviewed on screens – whether it’s a phone or a laptop – so celebrate your work and present it in the best way possible. Show confidence in your visuals."
Focus on Storytelling
While the work in your portfolio should be aesthetically pleasing, it’s not enough to simply present nice-looking designs. As Craig Black, a visual artist, notes, "Storytelling is absolutely essential. It’s what transforms a portfolio from simply a showcase of work into a memorable, engaging narrative. For me, a portfolio isn’t just about presenting the final pieces; it’s about sharing the journey that brought them to life."
Explain Your Process
Central to the narrative of your portfolio should be not just what you did, but why you did it. As Frédéric Marchand, president of Locomotive, explains, "A strong portfolio goes beyond showcasing work – it reveals the thinking behind it. What problem did you solve? Why did it matter? Whether through case studies, design iterations, or technical breakthroughs, sharing the journey adds depth to your expertise."
Consider Video Content
Video content isn’t essential, but it can be a powerful tool to showcase your personality, process, and creative style. As Frédéric suggests, "A well-crafted video reel is a powerful way to showcase your personality, process, and creative style in seconds. Use it as a highlight feature on your homepage or as an additional layer within project pages."
Make it Personal
When compiling your portfolio, it’s tempting to present a version of yourself you think others want to see, rather than your true self. However, this can backfire, as most design leaders don’t want to see perfection (they know that’s not possible). Instead, they want to see authentic candidates with the potential to grow creatively over time. As Renata notes, "We appreciate having some personal information about the artist, such as a photo, location, interests, or industries they specialize in. This helps us match designers to projects."
How to Share Your Portfolio
When sharing your portfolio, it’s essential to keep the email concise, friendly, and personal. As Renata suggests, "Send the portfolio ahead of the interview in a simple, clean, kind, and fun email that lets the work shine. The portfolio should be the star – if the work is great, it will speak for itself, and we’ll be excited to add the designer to our talent database."
FAQs
Q: How many projects should I include in my portfolio?
A: Focus on quality over quantity. Aim for 5-8 great projects that showcase your skills and expertise.
Q: Should I include a diverse range of work or a niche focus?
A: It doesn’t matter as long as the portfolio highlights your best work.
Q: How should I present my work in the portfolio?
A: Use creative space and let the work breathe. Avoid cramming too many images on a page and focus on showcasing key imagery.
Q: What’s the most important thing to include in my portfolio?
A: Your story. Share the journey behind your work and the thinking that went into it.
Q: How should I share my portfolio?
A: Keep the email concise, friendly, and personal. Let the work shine and present it in the best way possible.
