For graphic design beginners, showing off your best work is an important step in your career.
This guide will walk you through the process of putting together a portfolio that catches attention and demonstrates your skills.
We’ll cover everything from choosing your strongest pieces to organizing them in a way that tells your story as a designer.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear plan to build a portfolio that represents your unique style and capabilities.
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What is a graphic design portfolio?
A graphic design portfolio is a collection of your best design work that shows what you can do as a designer.
It can be digital (like a website) or physical (like a printed book), and includes examples of logos, illustrations, website designs, or any other design projects you’ve created.
Your portfolio should give people a clear picture of your skills, style, and the type of work you want to do more of.
Why do I need a graphic design portfolio?
You need a graphic design portfolio to show potential clients or employers what you’re capable of creating.
It’s basically your visual resume, giving people proof that you can handle the kind of work they need.
A portfolio also helps you stand out from other designers and gives you a professional way to share your work when someone asks to see what you do.
What should I include in my first graphic design portfolio?
Your first portfolio should include your strongest and most recent design work, even if they were school projects or personal pieces.
Include a variety of projects that show different skills – like maybe a logo design, a poster, and a social media campaign – but make sure they’re all high quality.
It’s also good to include a brief description with each project explaining what the goal was and how you solved the design challenge.
How many pieces of work should I include?
For your first portfolio, aim to include 8-12 pieces of your best work.
This number gives people enough examples to understand your capabilities without overwhelming them with too many projects to look through.
It’s better to show fewer excellent pieces than many average ones, so be selective about what you include.
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How to create your first graphic design portfolio
1. Define your goal and audience
Start by deciding what type of work you want to get and who you want to show your portfolio to.
This will help you choose which projects to include and how to present them in a way that appeals to your ideal clients or employers.
2. Select your best work
Choose projects that show your strongest skills and the type of work you want to do more of – only include work you’re proud of and that represents your current skill level.
It’s better to have 8-10 excellent projects than 20 mediocre ones, so take time to review your work honestly and pick pieces that demonstrate your best abilities and unique perspective.
3. Organize and describe projects
Put your projects in an order that makes sense, with your strongest work at the beginning and end of your portfolio.
Add a short explanation for each project that tells what the project was about and what you did to make it successful.
4. Choose a portfolio format
Pick whether you want your portfolio to be a website, PDF, or printed book based on how you’ll use it most often.
A website is usually the most practical choice since you can easily share it and update it whenever you want.
5. Design your portfolio
Keep the design of your portfolio simple and clean so your work stays the focus.
Your portfolio website should use plenty of white space and a clear layout that makes your projects easy to find and view.
Make sure it’s easy to navigate and looks good on all devices, from phones to desktop computers – remember that a portfolio site that’s difficult to use will frustrate visitors.
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6. Add contact information
Make it easy for people to reach you by including your email, phone number, and any social media profiles you use professionally.
Put this information where it’s easy to find, like at the top or bottom of every page.
7. Review, share, and update
Ask a friend or mentor to look at your portfolio and give you feedback before you start sharing it.
Send it to a few people you trust and make changes based on what they say works and what could be better.
Graphic design portfolio FAQs
Can I include personal or school projects in my portfolio?
Yes, you can and should include personal and school projects in your first portfolio.
These projects are just as valuable as client work when they show your skills and creativity.
Just make sure to present them professionally and include information about the project goals and your process, just like you would with client work.
Should I create a physical or digital portfolio?
A digital portfolio is the best choice for most designers today since it’s easy to update and share online.
You can create a simple website using portfolio platforms like Behance, Squarespace, or WordPress, which all have templates made for designers.
If you’re going to in-person interviews, you can also keep a small printed portfolio of your best work as a backup.
How do I showcase my skills if I don’t have client work?
Create personal projects that show the kind of work you want to be hired for.
You can redesign existing brands, create fictional companies, or make posters for events – just be clear that these are concept pieces.
You can also volunteer your design skills for local non-profits or community events to get real project experience.
Should I include my resume in my portfolio?
Yes, include your resume in your portfolio, but keep it simple and visually consistent with your portfolio design.
Your resume should be easy to find and download, and it should focus on your design experience and relevant skills.
Many designers also include a short bio or “About Me” section to give potential clients or employers a better sense of who they are.
