What should a design portfolio look like

There are two easy ways you can do this: first, reach out to local businesses you frequent or reach out to any connections you have at growing startups. Offer your skills pro bono and ask if they need any design support for X number of months.

Second, you could use a marketplace, like CatchaFire. You can browse volunteer-based projects based on skills like graphic design or web design and causes like environment, homelessness, or education. Whichever way you pick, remember not to create extra work for the business. These businesses will look to you to be a self-starter and take ownership of the project what a great way to flex your design leadership skills! Instead of waiting years for your perfect, dream project, why not create it now?

Treat this dream project like any professional design project and practice going through the steps of the design thinking process. This idea also applies to designers in any phase of their career. A portfolio is as much about showcasing your design approach, process, and results as it is about the design itself.

However, the secret is to get a little creative. As you work on portfolio pieces, make sure to jot down your thought process and decision-making approach.

For example, perhaps you reference customer research you found online that informed your design. Immediately, you notice how stunning this portfolio website is from the interactions and bold typography. As you scroll down, the work is displayed beautifully and simply on large solid backgrounds, allowing the design work to shine through.

Be sure to take time to over around this site and scroll down to experience all the interactions firsthand. Another good note to take from this web design portfolio example is how each of the projects links to the final live website. If you have designed websites that are live on the Internet right now, always include direct links.

Showing the final website will always be more impactful than solely sharing carefully designed mockups. Another super interactive web design portfolio example, be sure to scroll through to see how the typography and photos layer on top of each other to create a unique experience for the user.

Notice how when you refresh the page, a new project is featured at the top. This is a good idea to help a potential client see more of your work each time they visit your site, simply because a new project is featured at the top upon a new visit or refresh.

You may be noticing a theme here: Interactivity paired with bold typography. So the easiest way to stand out is simply to include more animation. What I love about this portfolio is that while the homepage includes some crazy animations and interactions, when you click on a project you still get to the meat of the project with the more functional side of the website.

Interactivity should add to the website experience, not distract or take away from someone learning more about you, your design work, and how they can work with you. Check out my YouTube channel for more from me on design and read these articles next to learn more. UX Planet is a one-stop resource for everything related to….

UX Planet is a one-stop resource for everything related to user experience. Sign in. UX Planet. Tips for creating your design portfolio. Monica Galvan Follow. Why you need a portfolio You might already be sold on the idea and know you need to have a portfolio if you want to pursue web design as a career.

You own your portfolio website Some people may use social media or other third-party sites like Instagram, Dribbble, or Behance to share their work.

It builds trust and shows professionalism Think about all the big businesses in the world, they all have their own websites. What should you include in your design portfolio? Portfolio website examples Need more tips and inspiration for designing your design portfolio site? Danbee Shin. Want to learn more about design? Consider your format — Put some research into the website you plan to use to host your portfolio. Artrocity for Wolf Town. Tell a story — Think of your portfolio as telling a story.

This sample by thisisremedy for Floral Chemistry showcases clean, innovative design If you choose to include longer narratives, like an About or Bio, keep them on-topic and avoid rambling thoughts.

If you do more than one type of design, be sure to show your range. Your best designs will change. Update your portfolio as often as necessary to highlight your best work.

Via Maryia Dziadziulia. Wanna build your portfolio and attract clients from all over the world? Sign up as a designer on 99designs and get started right away! Let's go. You're in! You proved us right again. Our newsletter is only for the coolest kids. Get ready for amazing stuff in your inbox.

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