The secrets to building a powerful design portfolio

We’re diving in deep today as I discuss one of the most common things I get asked about in my 1:1 creative coaching, which is how my clients can build out their design portfolio & make it appealing to the kind of companies they want to work with.

As I’m sure you likely know by now, there’s no instant trick or hack to make your portfolio suddenly grow. Remember the first time you used a pencil, watercolours, a paintbrush or even design software? You may have shown great potential, but I am sure you weren’t ‘perfect’ the first time around. Remember your practice will take time.

But there are so many silver linings & ways to help the process along.

The more you are willing to adapt & push your boundaries, the more things will become less daunting over time. Continuing to try out new subject matter is a fantastic way to expand your comfort zone & strengthen your design muscles. I truly believe that the most successful designers (whose careers have longevity) are the ones who are willing to adapt, change, mix it up, broaden their horizons, naturally evolve & face new challenges head on.

Having said that, staying true to your design roots is also important. Just because you are creating something different or a little out of your comfort zone it doesn’t mean you have to shy away from your signature style. This is ultimately what makes the designs ‘YOU’.

Here are the many things I’ve learned from 20+ years of working on my portfolio:

Tips for building your portfolio:

Explore different subject matter, even those that push you out of your comfort zone
Build collections around current & future trends
Create work for important occasions & events that come back every year e.g. New Year, Halloween, Christmas
Work on seasonal designs e.g. spring, summer, autumn (fall), winter
Build up a bank of work for the most popular subject matter e.g. florals, geometrics
Find client brief submissions or enter design competitions
Set yourself briefs & create art for yourself, just for the fun of it
Create the kind of work you want to attract e.g. if you want to design for interiors show your work on mock-ups for interiors
Take part in social media creative challenges

Tips for presenting your portfolio:

Having an online version, digital downloadable version & hard copy version of your portfolio is helpful for if a company asks for any of them
Start with up to 5 collections that each contain 6-12 prints, ideally showing a variety of themes, but show your signature style. I usually recommend aiming for at least 30 prints to get started with (these can include main prints & coordinates)
Finish each collection to the best of your ability & present them creatively & professionally
Complete each collection with professional mock-ups
Your portfolio works best when tailored specifically for the client you are reaching out to e.g. if they are an interiors brand there’s no use showing them your greeting card designs. This would include changing the cover letter or email to fit the client each time

I hope you find these tips helpfull. Happy designing!