Fix Up Look Sharp: Top portfolio tips for designers

Our new Ignite rebrand and portfolio refresh got us thinking… showcasing your work to great effect takes effort. Here’s our top portfolio tips for designers looking to launch into the creative industry with a great portfolio.

• Portfolio: Make sure to get yourself a website on an easy to type URL. You can choose whether or not to use a templated system and there are many options available. Ideally your site needs to load fast, work well and look polished!
• Copy: Make you sure write a good bio and take a decent profile picture that are consistent across all of your social channels. This is also a good opportunity to introduce some of your personality into the mix. This style of writing should also filter through on how you go about explaining your process.
• Case studies & process: Try writing your case study out in a doc first. This this give you headspace to help you craft the narrative and structure: the brief / your process / your solution.
• Keep it concise: Make sure you keep to the point – ideally around 100 words per section. This will make it easier to read and digest.
• Imagery: Back up your case study with well illustrated and contextually appropriate imagery of your work and include sketches where appropriate.
• Mockups: Mockups can really help give context to anyone viewing your portfolio. Helping to bring your work to life. Whilst nice I would suggest not to overuse these and certainly don’t use to mask a poor concept. Mock-ups should be used to help enhance your already great ideas.
• Animation: A little movement goes a long way! Help your work stand out by integrating animation and bringing it to life.
• Spelling: Spelling mistakes come across as lazy and careless. Always double check your spelling!
• Personal work: Your portfolio doesn’t have to consist of all client work. A small selection of personal projects can help demonstrate your other interests and aesthetic.
• Curation: Curate the pieces you include in your portfolio. 6-8 projects is a good number.
• Evolve: Consider your portfolio a work in progress. Do the heavy lifting and get the work out there. You can continue to evolve and tweak after.
• Look to the future: Design for the role you want, not the one you necessarily have!
  Does the work make you proud?
  Do you want to do more of this type of work?

We’re always interested in fresh ideas, cool creative and nurturing upcoming design talent. Please follow Ignite and DM us your work or anything you might have seen that’s caught your eye.

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📸 Photo Credit