How do you prove the value of your graphic design portfolio?
Learn from the community’s knowledge. Experts are adding insights into this AI-powered collaborative article, and you could too.
This is a new type of article that we started with the help of AI, and experts are taking it forward by sharing their thoughts directly into each section.
If you’d like to contribute, request an invite by liking or reacting to this article. Learn more
— The LinkedIn Team
As a graphic designer, you know how important your portfolio is to showcase your skills, creativity, and personality. But how do you prove the value of your graphic design portfolio to potential clients, employers, or collaborators? How do you demonstrate that your work is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also effective, relevant, and impactful? In this article, we will share some tips and best practices to help you prove the value of your graphic design portfolio and stand out from the crowd.
Define your goals
Before you start creating or updating your portfolio, you need to define your goals and objectives. What kind of projects do you want to work on? What kind of clients do you want to attract? What kind of message do you want to convey? Your goals will help you decide what kind of work to include, how to organize it, and how to present it. Your portfolio should reflect your unique style, vision, and values, as well as your ability to meet the needs and expectations of your target audience.
-
A compelling portfolio goes beyond showcasing projects; it becomes a canvas for the designer's personality to shine through. By infusing your portfolio with your unique thought process, tone of voice, and approaches, you create an inviting atmosphere that not only presents your work but also establishes a genuine connection with those exploring it.
7
-
It also helps to be creative and the original looks on your portfolio. There is always something new about it. When you define your goals it can be changed with the new trend settings. It also helps you if you can catch the best idea of your own goals. Please don't forget to check the new influence of trends.
3
Choose quality over quantity
One of the most common mistakes that graphic designers make is to include too many or too few samples in their portfolio. Too many samples can overwhelm or bore your viewers, while too few samples can make them doubt your experience or versatility. The ideal number of samples depends on your goals, but a general rule of thumb is to include between 10 and 20 pieces that showcase your best and most relevant work. Choose samples that demonstrate your range of skills, techniques, and styles, as well as your ability to work on different types of projects, such as logos, websites, brochures, posters, etc.
-
Especially at the beginning, you might be compelled to show a great quantity of work to show your abilities (and to compensate for lack of real-life experience). Don't. You learn so much with each new project you take on. While you can be proud of all you've done 3+ years ago, it's usually not a good sign if your most recent work is of the same quality as it was all those years ago.
9
-
Even 5 different projects is enough to show, if there are a few different images for each project, written up as a case study. Clients want to know how you think. Fewer well-explained projects is better than many unexplained projects. Resist the urge to include projects you're proud of, but that you never want to do again. (It's hard, I know!) But clients inevitably will ask for that type of work if they see it. Only show work you want more of.
4
Provide context and results
Another way to prove the value of your graphic design portfolio is to provide context and results for each sample. Context means explaining the background, purpose, and objectives of the project, as well as your role and responsibilities. Results mean showing the impact, outcomes, and feedback of the project, such as metrics, testimonials, awards, or recognition. Providing context and results will help your viewers understand the problem you solved, the solution you created, and the value you delivered. It will also show your professionalism, communication skills, and business acumen.
-
This is where the rubber meets the road. If you're trying to prove the value of your work, showing results in revenue is best. All potential customers have a budget in mind. If you can demonstrate ROI on past projects prospects will feel confident that you can help them with their business. If you can't demonstrate ROI, showing how you answered the brief and also how you surpassed client expectations is key. Prospects need to not only see pretty designs, but also get a taste of how you will work with them, and what others have experienced when working with you. For every project you do, ask your client for a testimonial that you can share in your portfolio.
6
-
You should ensure that the information added to explain the works in your portfolio is brief and simple, because most users have low attention span. You may also add the links of your works available on the Internet to the portfolio such as websites and online apps. This likewise goes to tangle designs, places and firms with their authorized addresses can be included. Proofreading of your portfolio is vital. Ensure you pay more attention to detail.
1
Use a consistent and attractive layout
The layout of your portfolio is as important as the content. You want to use a consistent and attractive layout that enhances your work and showcases your personality. A good layout should be easy to navigate, clear, and engaging. It should also match your brand identity and style. You can use a template or a platform to create your portfolio, or you can design your own from scratch. Either way, make sure to use high-quality images, fonts, colors, and spacing that suit your work and goals.
-
If you're involved in multiple niches, consider incorporating a filter option to categorize your portfolio examples according to their specific domains, such as website design, 3D modeling, motion graphics, and more.
6
-
Generally, people read from left to right and from top to bottom. This should give you a hint on the flow of your content most especially for digital use cases — your portfolio lives on the web or as a Portable Document Format (PDF). Most people skim before they read and this should give you another hint regarding your text (or copy) layout; avoid having so much clustered text as it may appear lengthy, instead break them into paragraphs so that they look brief.
Update and customize your portfolio
Finally, to prove the value of your graphic design portfolio, you need to update and customize it regularly. Updating your portfolio means adding new and relevant samples, removing outdated or irrelevant ones, and improving your layout and presentation. Customizing your portfolio means tailoring it to the specific needs and preferences of each client, employer, or collaborator. Updating and customizing your portfolio will show that you are proactive, adaptable, and attentive to details. It will also help you showcase your most recent and relevant work and achievements.
-
Jeremy Seeden, PCM
Graphic Designer | Marketing & Brand Manager | Creative | Photographer | Believer
The biggest piece of advice I can offer when it comes to updating and customizing your portfolio is to always be prepared. You may be satisfied with your current role, but you never know what opportunities you're missing by not regularly updating your portfolio. It could open an opportunity for a freelance gig or even an opportunity for a better role/position. Updating and customizing your portfolio is an easy way to keep your opportunities and options open.
4
-
Although not necessarily true all the time. there is a this general consensus that your only as good as your last work. This is more true for singers and actors maybe. But as a designer you want to pay attention to this. There will be a point where you're not just accepting jobs for money. and you kinda want to have your next job in line while your finishing up you last. The work thats in your portfolio will determine the kind of work you continue to get. Just like in the beginning of a career. You want to be building towards working on larger projects for larger companies. Your portfolio is your story your timeline and it should reflect your growth.
2
Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
-
Proving the value of a graphic design portfolio hinges on showcasing more than aesthetics. It's about narrating the design journey – explaining the strategic thinking that drove each project, the problem-solving that unfolded, and the positive outcomes achieved. Metrics like increased brand engagement, conversion rates, or client testimonials offer tangible proof of impact. Additionally, highlighting the versatility of design skills across diverse projects underlines adaptability. Lastly, evolution over time signifies continuous learning. In essence, a compelling portfolio isn't just a gallery; it's a dynamic story of strategic creativity that delivers results and evolves with the ever-changing design landscape.
4
-
Elevate Portfolio Impact: Unveil Graphic Design Expertise Your portfolio isn't just visuals – it's your expertise in action. Maximize its value by showcasing impactful case studies, before-and-after transformations, quantifiable results, and authentic client testimonials. Highlight versatility with diverse projects, offer process insights, and maintain brand consistency. Tailor to industry specifics, demonstrate thoughtful design choices, and share educational content. Your portfolio is a testament to your expertise and real-world design impact. 🎨💼 #GraphicDesignPortfolio #ExpertiseShowcase
1