how to make creative portfolio

Create the perfect design portfolio: 30 pro tips

Here's how to make a great physical or online design portfolio, to win you that dream job.

• Make a great physical design portfolio
• Make a great online design portfolio

Whether physical or online, your design portfolio is your career calling card, so does yours showcase your best work? Whether your design portfolio is physical or digital, read on to discover how to create the perfect portfolio today!

• Get Adobe Portfolio free with Creative Cloud

There's nothing more important to your career than presenting your best work in an attractive, professional and accessible portfolio. 

So for this article we've spoken to leading designers, illustrators and creatives and pulled together a selection of great professional tips and advice for dusting off a tired design portfolio and making it the very best it can be, to hook that dream design job.

We've divided the tips up into physical and online portfolios – let's start with the physical (skip to the next page for online design portfolio tips)...

• The best laptops for graphic design

Physical portfolios

Physical design portfolios are one-off paper creations, so they can be tailored to the job you are applying for. Other than time constraints, there's no reason why you can't create multiple design portfolios tailored to different jobs or different types of company.

01. Include a breadth of work

How many examples of work should a design portfolio include? That's a tricky question, but you should aim to fill at least 20 pages of a physical folio, and at least 30 examples for an online space.

Get the Creative Bloq Newsletter

Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.

You need to be able to show a healthy breadth of work together with a range of applications, so even if you select several examples from a single project you should make sure that you treat image individually.

02. Include appropriate examples

Only include design portfolio examples for a full-time position that are appropriate to the role. A creative director position, for instance, won't entail much artworking – if any at all – so work that demonstrates your tracking and kerning ability isn't relevant.

03. Provide context to your work

Illustrators and designers aren't just employed for their style but also for the clarity with which they interpret a creative brief. So if you include examples of your artwork without providing context, it's impossible to judge. 

Make sure you use annotations and notes to talk about how and why the work was created. Make it clear what the brief asked for in each design portfolio example you include, then demonstrate how you successfully accomplished it.

04. Include non-client work, too

Your design portfolio doesn't need to be limited to only including client work. Self-initiated projects are certainly acceptable in full-time applications, and recommended for freelance work - especially for illustrators.

Read our feature on making time for creative side projects for more insights from the professionals about the benefits of personal projects.

05. Give your portfolio a regular spring clean

Resist the temptation to bulk out your design portfolio with old or irrelevant examples of your work by having a thorough and ruthless clear out. And don't leave this until it's unavoidable. Design portfolios need constant attention - you never know when you might be called on to present to Saatchi's creative directors...

06. Include case studies

Don't think of your design portfolio simply as a collection of your art and design work. Recommendations and real-life case studies go a long way in showing how professionally capable you are. Ask a previous client or employer for a recommendation, and write up a short case study to accompany a project.

07. Take a step back

Take a step back and try to look at your design portfolio through another's eyes. Experienced employers, project managers and agents know how to match up a resume to a design portfolio and gauge your character strengths and weaknesses, warts and all. 

So think critically about what your design portfolio says about you. Is it too serious? Too flippant? Strike a balance that you believe shows off your qualities.

08. Demonstrate all-round experience

Are you only good at illustration or editorial layout? Of course you're not: you're also a solid communicator who understands budgets and deadlines, as well as the importance of meetings and updates. These are all professional skills. 

Make sure your design portfolio clearly showcases that you posses these, even if you just simply list them in your accompanying notes.

09. Sell yourself

Think about what other creative talents you might have as well. For instance, if you're a handy photographer or accomplished with coding, why not include examples of your shots or web designs? They're all more strings to your creative bow.

10. Index your design portfolio

What do you do when you find a particularly interesting website, magazine spread or book chapter? You bookmark it, dog ear it or jot down the page number somewhere. 

Those viewing your design portfolio – by whatever medium – will want to do the same, so make it easy by including page numbers and clear project titles for each portfolio example.

• The best laptops for photo editing

Next page: Online design portfolio tips from the pros

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Current page: Make a great physical design portfolio

Craig Stewart is a writer, SEO strategist and content marketer, and is a former editor of Creative Bloq. Craig has written about design, typography, tech and football for publications including Creative Bloq, T3, FourFourTwo and DSG, and he has written a book on motoring for Haynes. When he's not writing, you'll usually find Craig under his old car learning about DIY repairs the hard way.

Related articles

Create a free online portfolio.

Build an online portfolio with ease & showcase your best work using Adobe Express. No experience required.

Template IDs

(To pull in manually curated templates if needed)

Orientation

(Horizontal/Vertical)

( Full, Std, sixcols )

(number of templates to load each pagination. Min. 5)

Most Viewed

Rare & Original

Newest to Oldest

Oldest to Newest

(true, false, all) true or false will limit to premium only or free only.

Build an impressive portfolio with Adobe Express.

Whether you work in a creative industry or corporate field, having an online portfolio is an excellent personal resource. Think of your portfolio as a visual archive of your accomplishments to supplement your resume or CV. An online portfolio offers nearly endless digital real estate, so you can share as much of your work as you’d like without having to worry about running out of pages in a physical binder. Find out how best to model your portfolio using Adobe Express with our guide below.

Discover even more.

TikTok Video

Business Card

Video Slideshow

Photo Collage

How to use the online portfolio creator.

Tons of free online portfolio templates to choose from..

With the Adobe Express online portfolio maker on your side, you’ll have a professional display of your most impressive pieces ready to be sent out in minutes. Start with inspiration at your fingertips with tons of free online portfolio templates at your side. Drag and drop icons, graphics, text, and so much more to your portfolio to get the exact look and feel you’re going for. Tailor the finer details of your portfolio to best fit the requirements of the job or potential employer in mind, then attach it with the rest of the application materials you’ll be sending out.

Stand out with your personal brand.

Showcase yourself in a memorable way with personally branded assets that represent who you are as you showcase your best work. Use the Brand Kit to apply your logo, color themes, and fonts in one click across your portfolio and other application materials. Create and attach your own logo with initials if you’d like, too, with the free Adobe Express logo maker . When you're done, resize instantly so you can post to your blog, website, or LinkedIn.

How to structure your online portfolio.

Before getting started, take some time to think about the story your portfolio will tell. Draft a paragraph or two that provides insight into you as a person and your career goals or ambitions. Then compile your best photos, videos, graphics, and links to include on your site to give your audience a full understanding of your accomplishments and capabilities. Don’t forget to include contact info in easy-to-find places so that your readers know how to reach you once they get inspired by your work.

Different types of online portfolios.

Online portfolios are a necessity for careers such as photographers, visual artists, architects, or designers. With Adobe Express, you can also include videos. For writers, you can provide snippets of your writing samples and links to published work. If you work in business, use your portfolio to showcase your projects and detail some of your most significant workplace accomplishments. An online portfolio can work for anyone, so let your creativity flow as you craft the site that perfectly suits you.

Tell your professional story in print.

Adobe Express is here to help put your best self forward. To captivate potential employers and clients, your portfolio should reflect your unique and creative self at the very start. As you choose your best pieces, think about the way that you’ll order them in your online portfolio and if additional text is needed to help guide your viewers. If you’re going to an in-person networking event, interview, or even mailing out your portfolio, it’s your chance to deliver an impactful impression with a creative portfolio printed on high-quality paper.

Frequently asked questions.

How to Make a Portfolio

A step-by-step guide to making an online portfolio with squarespace..

In today’s digital landscape, it’s absolutely vital to have a professional online presence. Showcase what you have created by making a portfolio website with Squarespace. With a digital portfolio, you can share your visual work with potential clients, employers, and fans. Plus, it’s a great way to build your brand online.

01. Choose a template

02. start adding your content.

03. Add your “About” page

04. Grow your audience

Choose a template

Find a design that fits with your personal or professional brand aesthetic.

Start adding your content

Upload your original photos, artwork, writing, or designs.

Add your “About” page

Share your background with your website visitors.

Grow your audience

Spread the word about your online portfolio with the world.

Expert Customer Care

Need some help with your website? Reach out to our Customer Support Team via email or live chat. Customer Care Advisors are highly trained and work with Designers and Engineers in our New York City and Dublin offices. They have deep Squarespace knowledge and are ready to help whenever you need it.

More How-To’s

How to Make Your First Sale

How to Start a Blog

Websites Online Stores Marketing Tools Domains

Look like an expert right from the start. Our all-in-one platform is designed to help create a website that brings your ideas to life. Don’t have a Squarespace account? Start a free trial today. No credit card required.

• Photo Books
• Layflat Books
• Trade Books
• Notebooks & Journals
• Pricing Calculator
• Shipping Calculator
• PDF To Book
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Lightroom
• Adobe Photoshop
• BookWright Templates
• Blurb Bookstore
• Large Order Services
• API Printing
• All Categories
• Photography
• Biographies & Memoirs
• Children’s Books
• Business & Economics
• Literature & Fiction
• Help Center

CAN I SEE YOUR WORK?

It’s the first question you’ll hear when you go after a new job or client.

That’s why a portfolio is a must for anyone working in a creative field. Whether you’re a graphic designer, photographer, writer, or artist, your creative portfolio is a self-branding tool that lets you tell your professional story. And for creatives, it’s much more important than a resume.

Today’s portfolios come in many forms. Digital portfolios, or e-portfolios, have become trendy in our remote world for their accessibility, affordability, and shareability. But physical portfolios, like perfectly bound print portfolio books, remain timeless and effective tangibles that wow those in face-to-face meetings.

Beyond format, you need to figure a lot out to land on a creative portfolio that captures both your work and your unique brand. This handbook has everything you need to effectively sell your skills—chock full of research, tips, and case studies.

Table of Contents

1. Panel: Your creative contributors

2. Introduction: What is a creative portfolio?

3. Research: Why you need a portfolio as a creative

4. Perspective: What to consider before you begin

5. Execute: How to create your portfolio

6. Pitch: Using Blurb to get started

1. PANEL Creative contributors

Leading creatives contributed their advice and personal stories on creating an effective portfolio.

J. Nordberg Senior director of brand and creative

Susan Tanabe Senior copywriter

Jenny Ackerman Senior art director

Dakota Brinkert Designer and social digital creator

Dan Milnor Creative evangelist and photographer

John Zilly Creative director

Written by Aer Parris

2. INTRODUCTION What is a creative portfolio?

Anyone in any industry can create a portfolio to document and share their work. But when creativity is your profession, it’s essential to have an inspiring, organized, and imaginative portfolio demonstrating your originality.

By definition, a portfolio is a unique collection of work samples, methods, and other materials that provides an overview of your skills, capabilities, and qualifications as a creative. It's way more than a resume; your book offers tangible evidence of your proudest projects. So it should be highly curated and tailored for the job you're going after—while remaining true to your brand.

There are no hard and fast portfolio rules. But the underlying purpose remains consistent: to showcase your talents, experience, and accomplishments comprehensively. And do it creatively.

An essential tool for all types of creatives

In nearly every creative discipline—content writing, fashion design, photography, or architecture—prospective clients and employers want to see samples of your work before hiring you. And in today’s competitive landscape, providing this proof of work is a benchmark requirement.

A portfolio is an essential tool for creatives because it enables prospects to gauge your skills, previous work experience, and how well your abilities align with the creative direction behind their needs.

When a high-profile clothing brand needs to hire a freelance photographer for a shoot, they want to see candidates with a book full of remarkable examples of catalog and fashion photography. So, if you share a creative portfolio highlighting your experience, skills, and eye for photography in those genres, plus a unique personality, you’ll stand out in the pile of applicants.

3. RESEARCH Why you need a portfolio as a creative

"If the word ‘creative’ is used to describe the work you do or want to do, you need a portfolio," says Susan Tanabe, Blurb’s senior copywriter. "This goes for photographers, makeup artists, interior designers, visual artists, copywriters, and the like."

But why must creatives have one? We’ve compiled research findings and case studies that underscore your need for a well-curated portfolio.

83% of employers want you to show (rather than tell) your skills

We've all heard the writing adage you must show rather than tell. Unsurprisingly, it's true while job hunting in the creative industry, too. Samples that put your work on display say more about your abilities than words on a resume can.

In fact, a survey conducted by Hart Research Associates revealed that an astounding 83% of employers surveyed thought portfolios accurately represented a potential employee's capability and aptitude. So, five of six businesses use portfolios to make hiring decisions.

For many employers, relying on portfolios over resumes is especially true for recent graduates. After all, a 4.0 graphic design student may be good at completing class projects but not good at thinking outside the box—or a fine art student might be fantastic at lifelike portraits of celebrities at university but terrible at cartoon dogs for high-end pet brand paid work.

"Portfolios continue to be the ultimate purveyors of creative potential," according to research by Blakeman & Hoy . "For students, their portfolio tells the story of their passion for the craft of advertising (design or copywriting), highlights their conceptual and strategic abilities, and promotes their knowledge of design and copy use within diverse mediums."

Let your work speak for itself in a portfolio that shows exactly who you are as an artist or creative professional. A well-conceived portfolio speaks volumes to prospective employers and clients about your skillset, capabilities, and experience. And it can be the deciding factor when choosing between you and someone with similar qualifications on paper.

Case study: graphic design program portfolio

Shundiin Nakai, an Albuquerque-based creative and member of the Navajo Nation, created a print portfolio to showcase her work at the end of her graphic design program at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.

"This book started as an assignment in one of my last classes," Nakai says. "I wanted to give readers insight into who I am and the type of design work I want to do."

She didn’t stop there. Nakai pushed herself to create a brand identity that truly displayed herself as a designer. "The personal aspect of this project, who I am and the type of work I want to do, was the hardest for me," she shares. "The time spent on this book ultimately gave insight into how I find solace in creativity."

It is a gorgeous book that shows off Nakai’s talents as a graphic designer—allowing employers to understand what is unique about her process and what she brings to the table, even without paid experience. Explore her book, Solace , now.

Convey culture fit and communication style to 9 out of 10 employers

Recruiters and hiring managers are searching for applicants who can bring more than just a good resume (or good grades) to the table. According to a 2021 comparative study , employers want people that can fit into their company culture and display innovative skills, neither of which can be easily determined from a single-page resume.

The same study found that 9 in 10 employers who participated in a survey (180 businesses total) indicated that digital portfolios were "somewhat useful" or "very useful" during the hiring process. That's because portfolios provide not only a snapshot of your work experience and creativity, but also insight into your strategy, organization abilities, and communication skills.

Portfolios are more than just pictures of your project samples—they're your chance to build a narrative about your work and your own identity as a creator. They show how well you can sell yourself and share a vision.

Case study: professor’s portfolio on identity

Artist and graphic design professor Chen Gao creates a portfolio every few years. In her latest edition, My Design Narrative , she explores her identity as a Chinese immigrant and its impact on her work.

"The feelings [in this portfolio] are represented in a first-person narrative that depicts my background and experience," she shares. "It illustrates the person (myself) who lived outside their homeland for several years and shared feelings about being distanced and lost in the conjunct place."

In her classroom, she does the same work, teaching her students how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, but also how to provide and receive constructive feedback from peers. It’s this last piece, she believes, that allows them to explore and share their own identity in portfolio form.

"Giving critical responses to peers is also a process of thinking clearly about themselves," Gao explains. "They will gradually discover their interests and find ways to solve problems. Then creating portfolios even after graduating is no longer a big thing."

We talked to Gao about her portfolio, teaching, and print's importance in a digital world. You can read the interview here .

Get discovered in an increasingly competitive global industry

The creative industry is growing rapidly, and to keep up, you need a portfolio that will make you stand out. Whether it’s for landing a gig or securing a freelance job, having an impressive portfolio—that can be found online—can help you get discovered by the right people.

Let's look at the numbers. The sheer number of freelancers in the United States continues to climb, contributing $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022, according to Zippia . Freelancers comprise a dominant portion of the workforce for many industries, including 75% of the arts and design industry's total workforce. Additionally, 82% of all freelancers in the U.S. fall into the category of freelance writers.

Add to the freelance economy the gig economy and the competitive nature of the creative industry comes into focus. Experts project wages in the global gig economy will go from $134 billion in 2018 to $298 billion throughout 2023 , a considerable 122% increase. Similarly, they anticipate global gig workers will rise from 43 million in 2018 to 78 million in 2023, an 81% jump!

So why a portfolio? The answer is simple: a website or digital portfolio with the right keywords included is a reliable way to get found in a sea of creative options. As a freelancer or gig worker, you want to build your portfolio to rise to the top of searches. Just imagine how many jobs would roll your way if a prospective typed "Seattle portrait photographer" into Google and your name popped up.

Case study: lessons from a digital portfolio

Dakota Brinkert was hired by Blurb a year ago, thanks in large part to his fine-tuned digital portfolio. Brinkert built his website to collect granular user data that informed his design and interview strategies. He used Google Analytics to see which pages each potential employer visited, how long they were on each page, and their user journey. From there, he made changes to help guide hiring managers through his portfolio to make a bigger impact.

He also shaped his interviews based on this information. Brinkert even went so far as to create landing pages specifically for each hiring manager, attempting to answer every question they may have had in an easy, eye-catching way. Want to do the same? He suggests using human-centered design principles:

  • Understand what your audience needs and then serve it to them effortlessly.   • Track the user journey through your portfolio site and then make changes based on where visitors get tripped up or drop off.

"Creative work is problem-solving work, and (good) employers will want to know your approach and the thought process behind your solution," he goes on. "Provide case studies that show you’re capable of understanding a problem and that you’re strategic in your efforts to solve it. Walk your user through your creative execution and provide proof of its success in the real world. Oh, and don’t forget to show a bit of who you truly are."

"Designers, photographers, illustrators, artists, art directors, writers ... you must have a portfolio. No one cares about a resume."

Track your creative progress

We've talked about portfolios to pitch yourself to others, but they can also be just for yourself. "A career portfolio gives you a unique professional identity that evolves alongside you," writes April Rinne for Harvard Business Review . "It’s naturally aligned with lifelong learning and meant to help you expand your professional community and access to leadership opportunities."

Looking back at your career can help you make sense of your journey and build a professional narrative. As Rinne explains in her think piece, rather than expecting a linear step-by-step toward the apex of your creative career, you can embrace your varied roles and find connections between them.

Try constructing a creative portfolio that celebrates diversity—the same way you would your financial or investment portfolio. By tracking your creative progress in multiple formats and industries, you can take stock not only of where you are today, but also of the growth and learning opportunities you might want to explore in the future.

Case study: four decades of embroidery

Fiona Almeleh, a Devon-based embroidery artist, painter, and writer, created a comprehensive catalog of the hand-embroidered pieces she’s developed over her career. By looking back, she rediscovered what a life of artistry means to her.

"My work is always unplanned and organic in nature, inviting a conscious, creative involvement with the flow of life," she writes. "Committing to this process daily brings me great peace and joy."

Her portfolio features a preface explaining her journey into this embroidered, threaded, and sculptural work, followed by photographs of each of her pieces. True works of art standing alone, her art demands even more attention when gathered together.

Explore Almeleh’s body of work here.

4. PERSPECTIVE What to consider before you begin

Research shows that creatives require portfolios to find full-time roles or one-off gigs. But what do you need to know before you begin? Here we'll cover the never-ending debate between digital and print portfolios as well as industry-specific considerations.

Should you create a digital or print portfolio?

Ultimately, your portfolio should be reflective of your style—as well as what prospective clients or employers expect or ask for. And like most complex questions, there is a nuanced answer.

"It really depends upon your medium and industry," says J. Nordberg, Blurb's senior director of brand and creative. "But a good rule is to make the portfolio in the medium you work—or want to work."

For digital roles like UX designer, you'll absolutely need a web portfolio with mockups, motion graphics, and even code samples to demonstrate your skills. And if you are a creative professional working in photography, you may want to consider a print portfolio that provides tactile visuals and controls for improperly calibrated monitors.

That said, the overwhelming majority of the Blurb creative team agreed that creatives should create both digital and print portfolios to truly show their skill.

Digital portfolios .

The internet opened the work world; gone are the days of geographic limitations in job hunts. Digital portfolios like websites, social media feeds, and blogs are easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and help you get discovered via search. Plus, they offer greater flexibility in the format and media types you can share. After all, if you’re a videographer or TikTok creator, you won’t be able to show motion in print form.

"It’s far more efficient and cost-effective to use a digital portfolio when looking for employment," says Brinkert.

"I had to compete against hundreds of other applicants for each job I applied to on my last job hunt," he continues. "Would it make sense for me to pay for printing and shipping and expect the potential employer to take the time to wait for the package, check the mail, open it, look over it, and connect my work in print to my digital application? Not really."

At the same time, digital portfolios often require some technical skill to create and maintain—not to mention the upkeep cost.

Print portfolios .

"Digital is table stakes these days," says Jenny Ackerman, Blurb's senior art director. After all, you can't even apply to many jobs without a link to your website. "But if you want to make a lasting impression, there is something undeniably special about a printed piece you can hold and present in meetings," she adds.

Printed portfolios can be far more easily shared in person, making them a compelling option for interviews and meetings. They provide a more engaging experience, as readers can flip through pages to see examples of your work.

"If you meet in person with potential clients or for interviews, a print version is essential," states John Zilly, creative director at Vimazi . "It's also nice to have a printed leave-behind portfolio," which can keep you top-of-mind as clients see your work on their desk rather than buried in an email.

However, printed portfolio books can be less practical for certain types of creative work, like animations, music, or video. They're also not as easy to update and duplicate on the fly.

Both print and digital portfolios .

We think creatives should have both a print and digital portfolio, each having its purpose and helping to tell a unified story. "In virtually any creative discipline, you really should have both," says Tanabe.

"Your online book is a must," she explains. "It better look good, be responsive, and be free of typos or dead links. As for a tangible copy of your book, it’s helpful to have two things:"

   1. A large, gorgeous, printed book for those times you are face-to-face and want to impress.    2. Several smaller, more condensed versions to mail to prospective clients and employers.

But, as Nordberg mentioned at the top, picking your format depends on your industry and goals. Let's dive in to industry specifics so you can make an informed decision.

"I’ll know in 10 seconds if a portfolio has potential. If it passes, I’ll probably spend another five minutes taking a closer look to see how it aligns with my project’s vision or team’s needs."

Creative professions that require great portfolios

In some creative professions, a portfolio is a must-have, making standalone resumes virtually obsolete. Zilly clarifies: "Designers, photographers, illustrators, artists, art directors, advertising writers, non-advertising writers, architects, contractors, and builders. In these fields, you must have a portfolio, and no one really cares about a resume."

After all, for creatives in highly-competitive roles, a great portfolio is the cost of entry just to get noticed. And making a solid first impression means everything.

"I’ll know in 10 seconds if a portfolio has potential," says Ackerman. "If it passes the 10-second scan, I’ll probably spend another five minutes taking a closer look to see how it aligns with my project’s vision or team’s needs."

But what do the top industries look for in that 10-second scan? Let's get into the specifics.

Photographers

As a photographer, your portfolio is your chance to tell your story and your way to get more work. You'll want to showcase your unique professional angle and execution capabilities, including specific techniques, photo editing skills, and genres of interest. Blurb creative evangelist and photographer Dan Milnor gives his suggestions:

  • Put your best work first. Most viewers decide within the first few images. Start with a bang.   • Edit. You get very little time to make an impression. Make sure you show off not only your imagery but your ability to edit, sequence, and present work.   • Craft an elevator pitch. "I start portfolio reviews by asking why they are there and why they’re sharing this particular body of work." Milnor says. "And when they add a little humor, it never goes unnoticed."

Learn more about how to create a photography portfolio .

Graphic designers

Brand identity, ads, social graphics, or web design—to stand out in a saturated talent pool, a creative portfolio is essential in displaying your unique design skills, experience, and ability to communicate. Ackerman, Blurb's art director, shares her top advice:

  • Be consistent. If there’s a gap in quality from piece to piece, it either says you don’t care or don’t know the difference.   • Give context. Guide the viewer through what they are looking at. Don’t forget to provide details about each project, like the goals, challenges, and your role in bringing it to life.   • Show the work you want to get. Keep your book focused on the story you want to tell and represent the type of work you ultimately want to attract.

Ready to go deeper? Here's how to create a graphic design portfolio .

Interior designers

Interior design demands a professional portfolio, ideally, a tangible book to share and leave with prospective clients. You'll need to showcase your most impressive projects and the details of each job. This will help your viewer understand the final outcome and your process for getting there. Three things you can't go wrong with are:

  • Show your process. How you got to the finish line matters. Don’t forget to include before-and-after images, sketches, and mood boards.   • Include the details. Tell the story of who you worked with, the challenges, and most importantly, how you resolved them.   • Tailor your work. Make sure you show what your client is looking for. Each client is different, and thus you'll need to match your past work samples to who you're pitching.

Related reading: Here's how to make an interior design portfolio .

If you are an ideator, marketer, copywriter, blogger, storyteller, scriptwriter, or some other type of wordsmith, you must use your well-curated writing portfolio to prove you can tell stories, evoke emotion, and convey ideas. Here are tips from Burb copywriter Tanabe:

  • Show variety. Don't get stuck on one voice. Provide tone versatility with humor, thoughtfulness, and intelligence.   • Marry great copy with great art direction. You need both words and visuals to create an irresistible tale.   • Proofread. This is obvious, but many people forget it! Don't let typos get in the way of great writing.

Explore the nitty-gritty of how to create a writing portfolio .

5. Execute How to create your portfolio

It can be nerve-wracking or overwhelming to begin making your first portfolio—or even updating the one you haven't touched for a few years. The first thing to remember when building or editing your portfolio is that you already have one, even if you don’t realize it or haven’t earned paid experience in your craft.

If you don't have much client experience or tangible project examples, invent your own brand or mock projects for your favorite companies. Just be sure to label them as such.

So take a big sigh of relief. You’ve done the work; this is just about showing it.

We offer a tried-and-true process for building a portfolio that works, no matter your industry. Ground zero for all creatives is identifying who it’s for and what’s in it. That's where we'll start.

1. Identify your audience, intentions, and tone

One of the most critical questions to ask yourself is: Who are you creating your portfolio for?

Knowing your audience—whether it be clients for contract gigs, art directors seeking in-house talent, or college admissions officers looking for student applications—informs your portfolio's purpose, structure, and content.

For example, your graphic design samples will definitely change if you pitch yourself to clients as a freelance designer, apply for an agency job, or seek admission into a post-graduate program. That's because what your audience expects of you is different.

Identifying your audience and the purpose of your portfolio can also help shape its overarching design theme, format, and aesthetics. You'll want to align your portfolio's mood and style to best reflect your personality and demonstrate you can do the work the hiring manager or client wants from you. Empathize with what your audience wants and design your portfolio accordingly.

2. Seek inspiration from other portfolios

Understanding your visual and creative vocabulary is a key part of the portfolio-building process. That's why seeking inspiration from other portfolios, whether in the same field or even completely unrelated, is invaluable.

A great way to start is by checking out online galleries like Behance or Dribbble (or even the Blurb Bookstore) and taking notes or bookmarking the portfolios that stand out.

This exercise can provide you with a runway of ideas for different portfolio styles, structural layouts, and formats you like. Take elements that you admire from these examples—perhaps a minimalist design layout or clear and vibrant typography—and use them to inspire your concepts.

Consider specific components to include in your portfolio as well, like a personalized introduction, use of project briefs, unfinished project sketches, and before-and-after case studies.

"Only include the sorts of projects that you want to work on. Making a portfolio is your opportunity to be ambitious."

3. Distill your work into your best examples

One of the greatest challenges in building your creative portfolio is diligently selecting your best work examples to include and weeding out what doesn't make the cut. It can be difficult to eliminate a piece that you really like. But if it doesn't fit the theme, then chop it.

Think back to your target audience and your portfolio's purpose. "You want someone to stop on every page and say 'wow!'" says Zilly. "Remove anything that people may just page past."

Milnor agrees. "If I see a portfolio has fifty or more images, I know the photographer hasn’t done their job," he shares. "But if I see ten to twenty-five images, I know they are on the right track and have put some real thought into what made the cut."

Remember that not everything needs to be a successful client job—you can include personal projects, too. Just think about work that captures your skills and demonstrates the type of work you’d like to earn more of in the future.

"Some people say to only include the sorts of projects that you want to work on," says Zilly. "So making a portfolio is also your opportunity to be ambitious."

4. Determine your portfolio's format types

Again, the great debate between print and digital resurfaces. It’s time to decide which format makes the most sense to you, your craft, and your audience.

To recap: There are pros and cons to digital and print portfolios. Sure, digital formats are easier to create, edit, and share. But they might not be as engaging during an in-person interview. Print portfolio books tend to be more tactile and engaging—plus, they make a bigger impression since fewer people make them. But they can be time-consuming and costly to edit and print.

Before committing to just one particular format, like a digital portfolio website, don't discount the value of diversifying your deliverables. Weigh all possibilities in having a print version that you can hand out to your prospects or a digital version that you can easily share via an email or online application.

To help guide your decision, you can learn more in our blog: Portfolio Book or Digital Portfolio Website?

Just remember that no matter what your format, be creative. Your portfolio is your chance to tell your story and to try out an experimental use of materials. Print doesn't have to mean perfectly bound—it could be a DIY zine, pop-up book, or poster. Digital doesn't equal website—try a video presentation, Instagram grid, or video game. What reflects you best?

5. Organize and lay out your work cohesively

Without a well-thought-out structure, your portfolio could easily come across as disorganized and jumbled. Not a good look. Instead, spend time getting organized.

When structuring your portfolio layout, consider how you want to present yourself and the stories you want to tell about each piece and project. Don't forget your all-important target audience, too. What are they expecting?

First, segment your work. Design a navigation menu or table of contents and sort through the different buckets of samples you want to include. Figure out if you're grouping your work by medium or format, genre, industry, or tone—your options are limitless. This will give your portfolio a nice organizational hierarchy and an easy way for viewers to find what they want quickly.

Now that you have your samples in segments, arrange your work within each. Be sure to put your best work first. Many clients and hiring managers spend just three minutes on a portfolio . And if you have experience working for well-known brands, consider including these work examples at the forefront of your portfolio. Name recognition goes far!

Next, establish a visual hierarchy for your portfolio elements: titles, headers, subheaders, body copy, and images or video. To keep your visuals consistent, you can rely on premade templates if you're not a designer. Then add layouts for sections that make sense for the type of work you’re displaying (like featured work, case studies, client list), as well as elements like your bio, resume, and contact information.

Lastly, consider how viewers will interact with your portfolio. Before finalizing your design, think through the user experience. How will they move through your work? Are you creating an interactive portfolio that people can click through and explore? Or is it a more linear experience—one page flipping to the next? Help guide your audience to keep them engaged and intrigued.

"Keep your portfolio current. You never know when an amazing opportunity will present itself, and you won’t want to miss out!"

6. Add your branding and context

If you've perused the work of other creatives for inspiration, you've probably noticed how each portfolio is drastically different based on industry, style, aesthetic, and discipline. An ad creative's book is probably way more casual than an architect’s. They even differ within industries—a graphic designer who creates for punk-rock bands will likely have a much rawer feel than one specializing in luxe jewelry.

The key point is to ensure your portfolio—including layout, typography, background, and format—reflects who you are as a creative. Spend time figuring out your professional brand and reflecting it throughout your portfolio. Your font, color scheme, and tone of voice in your intro and statements should all match who you are selling yourself as, even if your samples are all over the place.

Milnor qualifies the above statement: "Over-branding or over-packaging often ends up overshadowing the work or is done as a substitute for subpar imagery." So express your brand while keeping the focus on your samples, above all.

You'll also want to provide context into your work and who you are. The golden rule with any portfolio is "show, don't tell," but there's still merit in describing your creative process. Every creative employs a unique methodology when bringing ideas to life.

Articulating your creative approach adds color and credibility to your projects. This background gives readers a sense of how you handle challenges and client demands and whether you can manage the scope of their project.

7. Keep your portfolio relevant and up-to-date

As you grow as a creative professional, new projects are an asset to your portfolio. View your book as a dynamic, fluid collection subject to change as you evolve.

It can feel silly to update your portfolio when you’re happy with your current company or flush with client work, but it’s smart to do just that. "Keep your portfolio current. You never know when an amazing opportunity will present itself, and you won’t want to miss out!" exclaims Ackerman. "A strong portfolio can make all the difference."

In addition to keeping your portfolio up-to-date with your most relevant and impactful work samples, you may want multiple portfolios or different versions for specific audiences. If you're a well-versed architect with multifaceted experience, having portfolios dedicated to commercial and residential projects for different potential clients may be a great approach. Clients can see their needs reflected more clearly without examples that aren’t relevant to them.

Milnor even suggests customizing books for a dream client or perfect job. Creating a single edition portfolio is possible with print-on-demand and landing pages.

Finally, consider creating another format if you already have a website or print portfolio. You may find a digital portfolio useful for quick updates and new additions, while a printed portfolio book is ideal as the hallmark of your trade when meeting high-profile prospects.

6. Pitch of our own

Using Blurb to get Started

If having a high-end hardcopy book is part of your strategy, Blurb’s here for you. Here’s why we’re a great choice.

Print-on-demand

Professional formats, free bookmaking tools, integrations.

Print a Portfolio

BEGINNER · 10 MIN

Build your online portfolio in minutes

Create a beautiful and professional online portfolio of your projects without any knowledge of coding or web design. (Watch, 3 min) And then read the tutorial.

Typekit is now  Adobe Fonts .

Introduction

As a Creative Cloud member, you can use Adobe Portfolio to create a visual resume in less than 10 minutes.

In this tutorial, we show you how to pick a predesigned layout that fits your content, and then customize it with images, video, text, colors, and fonts of your choosing. As part of Creative Cloud, you can sync Adobe Portfolio with your Behance account; and seamlessly import content from your Creative Cloud Files and Photoshop Lightroom photo collections.

Go to https://www.myportfolio.com/ to start creating your portfolio.

Choose a layout

Visit the Layouts page. In selecting a portfolio layout, consider the type of content you want to showcase.

For example, to show off your photography, pick a layout that emphasizes imagery, like Matthias or Lina.

Let’s say you’re an advertising major. Your main goal is to display campaign projects — such as written examples of conceptualization and copywriting, and the final ads, which are a mix of text, images, and videos. In this case, selecting the Thomas layout works best because it handles copy blocks with images well, imparting the look and feel of each campaign featured.

Once you know which layout works best for you, click Use this layout to choose a layout to start with— you can always customize the design or change the layout later.

Add projects easily

In edit mode, click the plus (+) icon in the toolbar and choose Project.

Use the remote to add media. Upload files from your computer, embed video, or import content from your Creative Cloud Files or Lightroom photo collections. 

To modify media added to a project, hover your mouse over an element and click the pencil icon next to it to edit, reorder, or delete it.

When you’re done, click Continue at the bottom of the page. The Portfolio editor will help you create a Cover Image for this project, prompt you to add metadata to help others find your work, and give you the option to sync this project to your Behance account.

Tip: If you have a Behance account, your content will sync automatically between Behance and Adobe Portfolio. Anytime you add a project to Behance, it will appear in Adobe Portfolio. Likewise, you can set up Adobe Portfolio projects to  automatically show up in your Behance account.

Personalize your layout

Custom pick the fonts, colors, and spacing of content to make it unique. On the Projects page, click Edit Project Content, and then on the remote, click Edit Global Styles and experiment with different parameters for each part of your portfolio.

As a Creative Cloud member, you have access to Adobe Typekit from within Adobe Portfolio, which allows you to choose from hundreds of professional, high-quality fonts. From the font menu, click Manage Web Fonts to browse for a font you like. Click the thumbnail, click Add Font, and click Done to make the font available in the font menu.

Fonts that you add through Typekit will be available for you to use throughout your Adobe Portfolio now.

Create a contact page

From your toolbar use the same plus (+) icon and choose Page to add the essential “Contact” or “About” page.

From the editor, click Add Text and enter a brief description of yourself. Highlight the text to edit the style or add a hyperlink. Make sure to provide a direct line of contact on the page, such as your e-mail address or phone number. Click Update Page to save your new page.

When you add a page, it will automatically appear in your Portfolio's navigation in the upper right corner.

Connect social media

Hover over the navigation of your Portfolio and click the pencil icon. Select Customize. To select the Social Profiles to feature, click to enable the social media accounts you wish to add, and enter your social media URLs.

Customize the look and feel of your social media icons by clicking the Social Icon Style tab. You can select the icon style, color, opacity, size, and alignment.

Preview and publish

Click Preview at the bottom of the page to see how your final site will look before you publish it. Click the device icons to see how your layout will look across platforms, on tablet or smartphone, in portrait or landscape orientation.

Click on each page and project to preview your site. When you’re done previewing, click Back to Edit.

Click the Publish button and you’re done!

For more information about creating an Adobe Portfolio, visit the FAQ . If you have purchased your custom domain name, you can learn how to use it for your Adobe Portfolio.

Get help faster and easier

Quick links

Share this page

Language Navigation

The Behance Blog

How to make a stand out design portfolio.

There are few things more important to a designer than their design portfolio. A strong portfolio highlights the quality and breadth of your work and can be your biggest asset when it comes to winning potential employers and clients. 

What is the most compelling way to curate your images? How do you best present your designs? And what are the important mistakes to avoid?

Since Behance launched in 2006, we’ve seen a lot of portfolios: we have 30 million members who post over 30,000 new projects every day and draw a collective 180 million page views each month. Here are some of our best practices of building a standout portfolio to help you attract more opportunities.

Future Jobs by Lucia Pham

Curate your best and most relevant work .

Quantity doesn’t necessarily mean quality. Take the time to look at all of your work and carefully choose at least five complete projects that can demonstrate the breadth of your work. Remember that the quality of your portfolio is only as good as your weakest project.

If you have an interest in being hired within a specific design field, that’s where you need to focus your portfolio. Think about the kind of projects you want to be hired for, and include work that is relevant to those opportunities. 

Microsoft Windows 365 Cloud PC by Tendril, Yeseong Kim, Zelig Sound, Zachary Corzine, Aaron Covrett, superdesigners studio, Samuel Bohn, Tom Crate, Eric Bernal, Christoph Strohfeld, Rita Louro, Nando Costa, Chris Bahry, Alvaro Navarro, Rich Nosworthy, and Microsoft Design

Here’s an example from a top 3D creative on Behance: 3D motion designer Fabian Aerts showcases his work with detailed shots from multiple angles, highlighting his lighting and textural skills using tools like Maxon Cinema 4D, Xparticles, and Octane Render. He also showcases his motion abilities by incorporating GIFs and video as part of his project, making the presentation more dynamic and compelling. 

Fabian Aerts on Behance

Curate a balance of client projects and personal pieces to best highlight your unique point of view and skill set. Real work shows that you have experience dealing with clients, adjusting to certain parameters and production limitations, undergoing revisions, and justifying design choices. Self-initiated projects are great to explore and practice, and can be a great way to showcase your interests beyond your commercial endeavors. 

Tomás Saraceno branding and identity design Ludvig Bruneau Rossow

Brazil-based illustrator Kenzo Hamazaki shares a mix of client work and personal projects in his Behance portfolio. In each project, Kenzo includes a wide range of beautiful high-res images and showcases the final application of his illustrations in products like magazines and apparel. 

Kenzo Hamazaki on Behance

It’s not just the work – it’s how you present it.

An average execution that is beautifully presented can take that project to a higher level, whereas an amazing project poorly presented will lose a lot of its impact and value. Use high-quality, high resolution images that present your work in the best light. A lot of the best projects you see on Behance have probably taken as much time and effort as the actual design of the piece. 

Mind rowing by Agustin Cristofano

When it comes to the actual design of a portfolio, your work should be the focal point. Formatting should be simple and straightforward so that visitors can easily navigate to see your work and contact you. Make sure your contact information is up to date and if you’re currently looking for opportunities, fill out the Hire Me section in your Behance your profile so potential clients can reach out to you directly.

UUUUU. INFLUENCER KIT by HEAZ

Showcase your unique creative process .

Add a written description to give context to your work. Make sure to include a concise summary that covers the scope of your work, your client, and your process. Prospective clients should be able to get a sense of what you created at a glance, and the images will do the rest. 

OPPO Watch by SeenVision studio, Yibing Wan, Shunzhou Cheng, ZeRo Q, SaMa Youth, Haoxiang Wu, and Echoic Audio

Alternatively, you can include a full case study. A case study is a more in-depth explanation of your work and process, starting with the initial ask by the client, exploring ideations and iterations, and ultimately, the final solution. By reading your case study, future clients and employers will get a deeper understanding of your problem solving skills and get a sense of what it will be like to work with you.

Miklós Kiss a.k.a Kissmiklos includes a complete summary of his task, approach, and process in his branding and typography projects. His portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from art installations, branding projects, typefaces, but each of them with this signature point of view, and all of his projects include professional photography that brings his designs to life. 

Kissmiklos on Behance

If your project requires a lot of hands-on skill, like drawing a complex illustration that you may turn into vector and into a brand icon for example, or if you are developing a laborious project that implies multiple stages of production or several participants involved in it, showing the making of it will add value to the project and highlight your unique skill set.  

Cosmic Love by JuanchoStyler

Keep it fresh.

The best portfolios are never static. As you create new and better work, make sure you make additions to showcase your latest projects, but with the same focus on careful curation. 

Swedish illustrator Mattias Adolfsson regularly updates his Behance portfolio with selections of his illustrations and sketchbooks. Each project showcases Mattias’ approach to illustrating and adding color to diverse subject matter, and establishes his strong visual style. 

Mattias Adolfsson on Behance 

Congratulations, you've now successfully curated your portfolio! The best way to ensure you give your work the credit and attention it deserves in your portfolio is to build in time at the end your creative projects for planning and prepping your pieces. It's essential that you update it regularly with your best recent work and, above all, view it as part of the creation process.

Autoral | O Outro Eu by Juliana Colinas

Looking for new creative career opportunities .

Companies from around the world are looking for creative talent on Behance. Find your next career move, freelance gig, or internship on our Joblist . 

Love the projects we featured in this article? See them all in this moodboard . 

Recent Posts

Artist Spotlight: Tiago Leitao

The Art of Compromise: Tips for Working with Clients

Do’s and Don'ts of Getting Hired: Advice from Art Directors for Freelancers

Sign up and get 33% off on Linearity Pro yearly plan!

• Products Design assets 30% faster Animate graphics in a single click
• Business Marketing Teams ic-brush icon Creative Teams Tech ic-effects-tab icon Startups ic-world icon Creative Agencies Education Linearity for Business ic-brush icon Content Creation Asset Management ic-effects-tab icon Branded Templates ic-world icon Business Resources

5 Adobe Express alternatives for marketing designers

Meet Alex: The 16-year-old animator crafting an entire movie with Linearity Move

Your next career move: motion graphics vs. animation

• Shape Builder
• Illustration
• PDF Editing
• iPad Graphic Design
• Business Cards

Copyright © 2024 Linearity GmbH. All rights reserved

• Social Media
• Marketing assets
• Announcements
• Linearity Curve
• Linearity Move
• Marketing Teams
• Creative Teams
• Creative Agencies
• Linearity for Business
• Content Creation
• Asset Management
• Branded Templates
• Business Resources

How to create a graphic design portfolio + 16 best examples

• Design tips
• Marketing design
• Design history
• Design opinions
• Inspiration

Articles and Insights

Inside linearity, get inspired, ben barnhart.

• 22 June 2021
• 23 min read

In this article

As a creator who has to prove their capability through evidence, a business card or sales pitch won't cut it. You've got to show who you are and what you can do.

The portfolio can totally be a source of anxiety at times, especially when you're starting out, but there's really no need for that!

We can look to fellow designers' portfolios to get inspired by fresh ideas and what's possible for our own careers.

Have you ever spent time browsing famous designers' portfolios? You might have done so while studying graphic design, or maybe you browse now and then when you need a little inspiration.

There are worlds upon worlds of projects, styles, layouts, and niches to explore on the internet. We've listed a few of our favorites below, plus some tips on how to create your portfolio that will really help if you're just starting out, and even if you're a veteran who might just need a breath of fresh 'folio.

Jumpstart your ideas with Linearity Curve

Take your designs to the next level.

Why graphic designers need portfolio websites

Graphic designers need a portfolio to showcase their work in order to gain potential clients or jobs. Your portfolio is an opportunity to share your design experience and give potential leads an idea of what your design style is like.

Designers are highly in demand, and the industry is super competitive, so your online portfolio is a great opportunity to differentiate yourself and show potential clients why they should pick you.

Whether you're a professional or simply a digital artist keen to share your work, an online design portfolio gives you the motivation to express who you are and inspire others.

How to create a graphic design portfolio

With the help of website building software or professional web development, you can create something unique out of your online design portfolio. It's another opportunity to showcase your skills as a creative.

While there's a lot of freedom in what you can do, it's good to follow some best practices for creating a design portfolio. Check out the insights and tips below.

Personal website vs a hosting platform

There are a few options when it comes to building your online portfolio. The most professional way to go is to get a custom domain and host your personal website on a hosting platform. The best hosting platforms for a personal design website are:

• Square Space

There are some great websites dedicated to supporting artists and designers in getting their work out there, connecting with clients, and building community.

While the platforms listed below are pretty customizable, this route is more limiting than building your own website.

Targeted platforms for hosting your design portfolio:

• PortfolioBox
• Coroflot Portfolios

A personal website can really aid your business strategy. It provides the opportunity to broaden into teaching elements like online courses, and marketing elements like a newsletter. You can include personal content creation in the form of a blog on your personal website as well. Your website essentially becomes an online studio representing your business.

Filling up your portfolio

Designers who are just starting out know how difficult it is to get the ball rolling with portfolio designs. It's the chicken before the egg situation: you need a portfolio to get work, but to build a portfolio you need work.

This is the time when you need to take initiative - reach out to small businesses, friends, and family members and see if you can do some work for free or create your own stuff just to share your skills.

You could create an entirely imaginary brand just to use as an example. In fact, this is fantastic practice for improving your craft and experimenting. Having the space to experiment will prepare you to deliver your best work when you are hired. You could even rebrand or create a mock project for a brand that already exists.

If you don't feel like coming up with ideas yourself, there are plenty of design challenges you can find online to get the juices flowing.

Types of graphic design portfolios

The umbrella of graphic design includes many types of design. Some designers choose to focus on one niche, while others work on a variety.

This is really up to you as a designer, where your career takes you, and where you decide to direct it.

Types of graphic design portfolios include:

• Logo design
• Typography/ Lettering
• Editorial Design
• User Experience
• Interface Design
• Packaging Design
• Environmental Design
• Branding and Visual Identity
• Product design

Some designers even opt to have two websites: one for their personal art and one for their professional work.

Practical tips for your online portfolio

For a really stellar, effective design portfolio website, there are a few fundamentals you should include and basic guidelines you can follow to make sure it stands out and communicates everything necessary to keep the gigs rolling in.

We've listed some design portfolio tips below for you.

Make it user-friendly

Let's start with the basics here. You don't want your portfolio to be some kind of Avante Garde labyrinth of obscure artwork. You can create a separate site for that.

Choose a layout that showcases your work with ease and simplicity. When putting it together, you can employ basic UX best practices and put yourself in the perspective of the potential client visiting your profile.

Express your identity

This is an opportunity to express your originality as a designer. Clients are always looking for something unique to bring to their brand or project in this competitive space, so it will serve in your favor if you can show that you have something truly authentic or a signature style to contribute.

Easily accessible contact and social details

Another back to basics tip here, that might seem obvious- but make sure your contact details are easy to find and that you include links to your relevant social media platforms. Linked in, Instagram, and any other places you might share your work will be a good idea. Make sure that the links work, and that you show your social spaces love by keeping them up to date.

Include a bio

Your bio is a good place to share a bit more about what you do and who you are. Potential clients or employers will be more drawn to you in they can feel a connection with who you are. Your bio or about page should include:

• A bit about your work and what motivates you
• A bit about who you are personally and what inspires you
• Why you are unique
• A profile picture

Keep it short and impactful!

Put some love into the wording

While a graphic design portfolio is visually driven, some clever copy here and there will guide the experience of your portfolio website and help bring the visuals to life.

Create case studies

Including case studies that explain your work are an important part of the graphic designer portfolio.

A case study needs to:

• Showcase a project you've completed in full
• Define the "problem" of the brief
• Share the thinking behind your solution
• Describe the design process that led to the end result

Consider your ideal client or job

It will be hugely beneficial to the trajectory of your career to get clear with yourself on the kind of work you'd love to create, the types of people and companies you'd like to work with and the range of clients you'd like to have.

Share your side hustle

Your portfolio is a place for your artistic expression. Yes, it's about getting work and being professional, but most creatives like to create their own personal projects as well. Showcasing your personal art projects will only give anyone who's viewing your portfolio deeper insight into who you are - and hey, you might end up getting more work based on this!

Show variety

It's a good idea to show some variety in your projects and skills. Choose the best from as diverse a range of projects if you can.

Show your best work

While you want to showcase a variety of work, don't put projects you're not proud of up simply for the sake of variety. Of course, you're not going to feel like every project is perfect and you'll have to have some lesser favorites up in the beginning but be sure to keep updating your site to make sure it's full of only your best work.

Be confident

The point of your portfolio is to show that you can deliver on a job. Show that you trust yourself through the wording you choose and be confident in the pieces you choose to show.

Take the layout seriously

The layout is pretty much everything. If you have the skills, you can get creative with it, but you want to do your work justice by having it presented simply and cohesively. A layout with a white background or muted colors works best. You can browse lots of layout options in the examples we provide below.

Don't forget the favicon

In case you don't know, the favicon is the little icon on the left-hand side of a browser tab. It's usually represented by the logo of the website. When you don't customize this, it will show up as a placeholder of whatever web builder you're using like WordPress and looks unprofessional.

The favicon is another opportunity to get creative and showcase your skills as a designer with something that represents you. Remember to keep it simple.

Include your awards

If you're an award-winning graphic designer, shout about it (with humility). List the awards you've won on your site and provide details about the projects.

Include your resume

This isn't absolutely necessary, it's really up to you but it's an idea. You might want to provide the option to download a PDF version of your resume. You could include it as a page on the website, too. You'll see some examples below.

Include a call to action

Make sure you're opening up a conversation with any potential or fans clients browsing your site and provide a call to action such as to get in touch with you or sign up to your mailing list.

Consider mobile viewing

When designing your online portfolio, take into consideration that people might be browsing on a mobile device, and that the user flow of your site works for mobile.

Consider a blog

Including your own blog in your portfolio is an opportunity to share your thoughts, expertise and personality. You can position yourself as a thought leader in your field through blog content, improve your discoverability online and give others the chance to feel personally connected with you.

Share testimonials

Client testimonials are a very effective way to share your credibility and build trust. It's definitely a good idea to ask clients if they wouldn't mind writing a short testimonial and sharing it on your portfolio website.

Bring Your Ideas to Life with Vector Illustrations

Explore the endless possibilities of vector art. Our comprehensive guides and tools are perfect for creating vibrant, stunning illustrations.

Graphic design websites for inspiration

When creating your graphic designer portfolio, like with any project, it helps to start off by getting some inspiration, and taking a little time to really study what's out there.

Once you start putting it together, you might need some extra assets to make it stand out as well. We've listed a few of our favorite websites for design inspiration below.

Color Hunt is an open collection of various color palettes , created by popular designer Gal Shir .

It started as a personal small project to share trendy color combinations between a group of friends.

The platform has scaled over time and is now used daily as a handy resource by thousands of designers all over the world. This is a great place to start when you're coming up with ideas for the look and feel of your portfolio website.

Lapa Ninja is a gallery featuring the best landing page designs from around the web for anything from e-commerce to events to restaurants. You can search landing pages by category, including an entire portfolio category where you can browse other awesome portfolios for inspiration.

Waveguide is a massive design knowledge bank with curated design content and thousands of artificially enriched examples of high-quality product design and brand purposes. It is completely free and covers a wide range from landing pages to app interfaces!

SiteInspire

Put simply, SiteInspire is a showcase of the finest web and interactive design . Every day their catalog of eye-catching designs is updated from the several hundred submissions they receive daily. For instance, this is a great place to go when trying to figure out how to get started on a project.

Inspiring graphic design portfolio examples

Part of growing as an artist, and the creative process itself involves looking to others in the community for inspiration and expanding our ideas about what’s possible.

From there, we differentiate ourselves through style and offering according to what's unique and authentic to us.

Check out the portfolios we've listed below for some inspiration!

1. Wade Jeffree

Wade Jeffree is an art director and designer with a very distinct, quirky style reminiscent of sprawling landscapes from childhood imagination. He describes it as “music to your eyes.”

Jeffree collaborates with Leta Sobierajski, and the two have worked on some amazing projects together from street installations to wallpapers for Google, and VR experiences.

This portfolio is a vibrant burst of color and patterns, balanced out by a simple one-page scroll-down layout.

Front and center when you first land on the page is a very simple bio that simply states who Wade is and who he collaborates with. He provides clear links to social channels immediately.

Each project presented contains a small caption underneath that takes you to a deeper description of the project once clicked on. The user flow works well.

The site also showcases a few projects in a style different from his quirky “music to your eyes" theme, demonstrating variety in his abilities.

2. Robby Leonardi

Robby Leonardi uses interactive design to make his portfolio website an exciting, gamified experience. This is a great example of interactive design bringing a project to life!

Robby is a freelance designer focused on illustration, design, and animation. He combines design and illustration to specialize in “illustrative design.”

When you land on the website, there are three options to view three separate resumes: an interactive resume, an illustration portfolio, and a design portfolio. Segmenting a portfolio like this makes for simple browsing.

The interactive resume is inspired by the classic Super Mario game, and is a personal project of Robby's in and of itself.

As you scroll down, the character (Super Mario-ified Robby supposedly) passes through each level, communicating a section of information about his skills and personal details.

Once you arrive at the end, you're given the option to send Robby a message via email.

This portfolio is a fantastic example of:

• Taking initiative by creating a personal project
• Maintaining brand consistency through theme and demonstrating a distinct style
• Creating an engaging user experience
• Showcasing personality

3. Kate Moross

Kate Moross is an illustrator, art director, designer and keynote speaker. Their portfolio exemplifies a distinct style coming together in a captivating color theme that you just can't take your eyes off. They draw you into their rainbow-painted world with a collage as soon as you land on the site.

As you scroll down, Kate's projects are laid out in a simple gallery view. Once you click on a cover image, you’re taken to the project page where there is ample visual evidence of their work as well as a short description.

The project descriptions aren’t exactly in-depth case studies but the visual layout is good and worth drawing inspiration from.

The + symbol in the top right corner of the website reveals a menu that breaks down the projects into themed segments, which is a good idea to help guide potential clients towards work within the particular category they might be searching for.

Kate also has a link to their personal shop , which is an awesome revenue stream for designers to have. You might want to think of what you could sell in your own online shop as part of your business strategy as a freelance designer!

4. Gavin Strange

Gavin Strange is a director and designer with a rich and diverse spread of work. He is a creative all-rounder with many side projects to be inspired by, from his book to music projects and more!

Gavin’s portfolio is a fantastic example of someone who works for an agency and uses their portfolio as a place to store and share their creative work from both day job and "moonlighting."

This is a place of personal creativity, which has its very own name - “Jam Factory,” which is totally something you can do with your portfolio, as long as all the personal relevant contact details are there and it remains professional.

The landing page of Jam Factory gives a succinct description of who Gavin is, making use of some clever copy and guiding the browser through a story of who he is, where he’s been, what he’s done.

Top tip from this portfolio: Remember to use your words in conjunction with visuals to bring your portfolio to life.

5. Anthony Burrill

The profile on his portfolio website reads, “Graphic artist Anthony Burrill combines a knack for simplicity that packs a punch with analog craft skills and powerful, positive messages.”

The layout and flow of his website capture the essence of Anthony's work. When you scroll through, each project is presented in a simple gallery view on a white background. The minimalist style of the website helps keep the focus on the work itself.

Once the image is clicked on, a comprehensive written and visual description is provided.

How will you combine the theme, layout and messaging in your portfolio to reflect your design style?

Ready to create brand assets that pack a punch?

Visit our Academy for free marketing design courses.

6. Maria Marie

Marioly’s romantic, fairytale-esque website exemplifies both how storytelling and a cohesive theme can be woven into a captivating personal brand, as well as the many business opportunities available through design work.

When you land on the page, you’re presented with a few images that capture the essence of Marioly’s style, which is then encapsulated in a line of copy the reads “finding beauty in the unexpected.”

Following this is a bio that’s just as enchanting as the rest of the site. Her use of wording mirrors the sense of romance in the visual identity of the site.

If you explore some more, you’ll find that Marioly offers online courses and creative mentoring. She sells Lightroom presets and even has a blog on her site too. These are all awesome ideas you might want to integrate into your portfolio for creative expression and business opportunities!

7. Brooke Perryman

Print and digital designer Brooke Perryman creates a variety of work from logos, book design, packaging, and more.

When you land on her portfolio page, the work is nicely segmented into each category, immediately reflecting her variety of skills and making browsing easy. She has a section for her personal projects, as well as testimonials.

This helps new clients decide that working with you will be a good decision.

Brook also provides the option to download her resume, as a PDF from the website- another great idea!

There is a consistent theme throughout the website, an easy-to-navigate menu and a well-written story style bio that gives a lot of insight into who she is and what she can do.

This is a good portfolio example for anyone with a lot of variety in their work and needing ideas on how to provide all the information on yourself on just one website.

8. MR Bingo

MR Bingo is, according to his website, an “artist, speaker and twat.”

His bio reveals that he was a commercial illustrator for 15 years working with clients such as The New Yorker, The Guardian, TIME, CH4, The Mighty Boosh & The New York Times, however, “An archive of the thousands of illustrations from this period doesn’t exist online because he got bored once in a motorhome and deleted his entire portfolio website.”

This is a good example of a bio that clearly states what you can expect from the artist.

It's a pretty edgy portfolio that positions MR Bingo as an artist who has moved on from the days of his client illustration work, but you'll find that he does in fact link to another site showcasing some client work

This portfolio is a good example of expressing personality and how to distinguish you, the artist, from you the professional designer.

9. Julie Bonnemoy

This portfolio is hosted on Behance . Going the Behance route definitely isn’t a bad choice. Plenty of designers rely on this platform as their online portfolio space.

As we mentioned earlier, Behance has plenty of tools to help you create a unique and informative graphic design portfolio.

Julie Bonnemoy’s Behance portfolio is a great example of using storytelling to guide and enhance the experience. When you land on her page, an enticing line of copy reads “Hello stranger, it’s ok, you can scroll down.”

Once you scroll, she introduces herself, followed by each piece of work. She ends off at the bottom with a gentle but clear call to action.

There is a menu at the top right giving further information on her projects (showing beautifully laid out case studies), and an “about me” section with contact details.

The site is brought to life by motion effects throughout- a really nice touch!

10. Anna Dunn

Another awesome Behance portfolio! This is an example of how the platform can successfully be used in its most simplistic form, allowing the work to speak for itself.

11. Tiffany Larson

This is a good example of a simple portfolio from a younger designer hosted on Crevado .

Tiffany provides a nice bio right on the landing page and showcases her variety of work well. From UX/ UI design to marketing, personal art, and logo, this is a good portfolio to get some guidance from if you're just starting yours up and if you're curious about what you can do with Crevado.

12. Tobias Van Schneider

Tobias Van Schneider is a designer "working at the intersection of digital product design and graphic design."

Van Schneider has worked with some seriously big brands, so his portfolio is a good place for any graphic designer to get inspiration. He's a co-founder, a creative director, and a partner. He even did a stint as art director for Spotify.

The projects in this portfolio are presented in an easy one-page scroll-down layout. The visuals for each project are uploaded as a slider banner that can be scrolled through sideways, with project write-ups underneath each.

Ready to learn something new?

Check out our list of great design courses online.

What's really cool about Van Schneider's website is the option to sign up for his newsletter. Van Schneider's newsletter has an audience of 30 000+ and is totally worth signing up to for industry-related insights.

You'll see that there are a bunch of testimonials about the newsletter. You might want to consider including testimonials and reviews about your work in your online portfolio, too. User-generated content that boosts your credibility is ultra-valuable!

It's not a bad idea to think about an email marketing strategy and having a little newsletter sign up on your portfolio site.

13. Pawel Nolbert

Pawel Nolbert is "a visual artist and image-maker. He explores color, expression & visual languages."

Nolbert's portfolio is a good place to get inspiration if you're a graphic designer who wishes to stay true to who you are as a visual artist and make your mark on brands with a signature style.

Nolbert's vibrant designs speak loudly against the clean design of the website.

14. Peter K Studio

Peter is a branding and identity designer, illustrator, and awesome logo creator. His portfolio website is very simple. The landing page displays a collection of logos, which helps the viewer identify his niche and style quickly.

His bio section includes a picture, which is an idea you might want to implement in your portfolio too, as it helps the browser connect with you as a person.

15. Timothy Goodman

This online portfolio is an awesome place for any designer to find inspiration! Goodman is an illustrator, muralist, environmental designer, through-and-through artist with an awesome personal brand that communicates positive messaging.

When landing on the site, you're greeted with a lively, interactive illustration.

If you explore further, you'll find all kinds of awesome ideas for how to present your projects and possibly turn your design work into a personal brand. Have a browse around and check out his shop!

16. Anton & Irene

This portfolio is pretty awesome. Go play around with the interactive photograph on the landing page and see for yourself!

This is a combined portfolio site for "agency directors turned hand-on designers" Anton Repponen and Irene Pereyra.

Many designers collaborate by creating duos and collectives, so having a site together with your partners will increase your reach and chances of getting work.

There are wonderful examples of case studies on this website, so if you're looking for some comprehensive case study guidance, check it out.

Businesses + brands with websites to inspire you

To get an even more comprehensive understanding of design portfolio websites, it's worth having a browse through some agency and design studio websites, too.

They always do a great job of combining clever copy, exemplary web design and flawless branding.

These are our three favorite design firm websites:

1. Pentagram - Clean, classy, comprehensive.

2. The Chase- five-star landing page.

3. nclud- Seductive design

Professional case study examples

Whether it's for visual design, brand identity, 3D interaction, UX, environmental design, or any other kind of design, including comprehensive case studies about your projects is often the most dreaded and boring part, but totally important.

You'll notice that some designers get away with minimal case study information in their portfolios, but the more detail you can give regarding your design process and how you solve problems, the better.

Check out the case studies below for some guidance:

• The Making of Octicons
• Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

Online communities for graphic design

Whether you're a design student or have been in the game for decades, every creative needs a place to connect and engage with a like-minded community.

Check out these graphic design communities if you're looking for an online space to connect and share your work:

Graphic Design Forum (GDF)

GDF is one of the oldest and biggest graphic design forums around with over 20k members. The community is very active, significantly large and consists of a variety of general categories that can help you with whatever it is that’s bothering you.

Designer Hangout

Designer Hangout is a dedicated, invite-only network of UX designers and researchers who discuss trends, give advice, share stories, uncover insights, and even connect in-person. If you’re into UX, you need to join.

Web Designer Forum

This is a popular community graphic design website where you can find answers to your questions and discussions quickly. The community is long running with membership in the thousands and constant new posts regarding trends and updates. In addition, the forum is split into useful sub-sections, so you can discuss design, get development help for any web programming language, or find what you need.

What's next?

Building and maintaining your designer portfolio is an exciting, ongoing endeavor. The more love and attention you give it, the more work you'll get and more likely you are to get work that's aligned with what you truly want- which is why we're in this game to start with, right?

Keep it up to date, stay inspired and use it to branch out on your revenue streams. And don't forget to check out Linearity Curve (formerly Vectornator) if you're a graphic designer who might be interested in checking out some new Vector Graphic software- it's free and simple to use!

Share this!

• Copied to clipboard

Ben is a Content Lead for Linearity living in Berlin. His hobbies include board games, cooking, reading, and writing.

What to read next

How to vectorize an image in illustrator, how to make animated social media posts, how to animate a logo with a zoom effect, get started with linearity today..

Linearity runs on iPadOS 14 & iOS 14 and later, or macOS Big Sur and later (with native M1 support).

Get Started with Linearity

All the tools you need for truly great design.

• App Store screenshots
• Scalable templates
• Animate graphic designs
• Animate illustrations
• Background Removal
• Design mode + Animate mode
• Adobe Illustrator
• Affinity Designer
• Vectornator is now Linearity Curve
• Get started with Curve
• Bring motion in house
• Privacy Policy
• ic-bilibili icon

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Job Application Documents

How to Make a Portfolio

Last Updated: July 28, 2022 Approved

Portfolio Essentials

Design & organization, portfolio types, expert q&a, things you'll need.

This article was co-authored by Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. . Brandy DeOrnellas is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in life and career aspirations and transitions. She also serves company founders and small business owners. She is a former attorney with more than three years of experience as a coach. Brandy holds a JD from Harvard Law School. She also holds a BA in Social Welfare and a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her formal education, she has multiple coaching certifications, including a Professional Coaching Certification from The University of California, Davis, and a Relationship Coach Certification from Prepare/Enrich. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 88% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 394,847 times.

Portfolios show your creative or professional talents in a way that is far more extensive and elaborate than a résumé offers. The elements of your portfolio largely depend on what field you’re going into, but there are a few basics that apply to all types.

• Create your table of contents after you finish your portfolio but include the list at the front of your other material.
• You do not need to list page numbers if you do not include them in your portfolio, but if you do decide to number the pages in your portfolio, list those numbers in your table of contents.

• Include your contact information, including e-mail address, phone number, and mailing address at the top of the page.
• List your basic career or academic goal.
• List your academic credentials, including any degrees or certificates.
• Describe your work experience.

• For short-term goals, describe where you see yourself within one to two years.
• For long-term goals, explain what you want to be doing five to ten years from now.

• List any jobs that required you to use the skill mentioned. Explain, briefly, which on-the-job tasks developed or made use of that skill.
• List any personality traits that exemplify that skill and provide specific examples.
• Also list anything you learned, officially or unofficially, that indicates the use or existence of the skill in question.

• For graphic arts and related fields, you will need to include visual photographs of your work.
• For writing and related fields, you will need to include text samples.
• You can include print samples, DVDs, videos, and other multimedia examples when appropriate.

• You can include recommendations from customers, clients, employers, co-workers, professors, or reviewers.
• Employer evaluations can also be included, especially if they are notably favorable.

• If you received certificates for any such awards, include photocopies in your portfolio as proof.
• If you do not have certificates for your awards, simply list the name of the award, when you won it, and why you won it or what the award was issued for.

• Make special note of any conferences or conventions you presented at.
• Also list any that you merely attended.

• List any degrees, licenses, and certifications.
• Also provide an official transcript, if possible, or a list of relevant courses.

• National journals and large newspapers are the most impressive sources, but you should still include articles written by local news sources, academic institutes, and Internet sources.

• Include information about any awards, badges, or ranks you earned during your time in the military.

• Choose wisely and ask permission from each source before listing him or her as a reference.
• Include full names, job positions, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, and phone numbers. Also briefly state how that reference is connected to you.
• Limit your references to a single page and list between three to five people.

• Vary your sample types as appropriate. If you are submitting a writing portfolio, you only need to include writing samples. Those samples can include a range of genres, though, from journalism articles to blog posts or short stories.

• Use 35-mm film or high-quality digital prints.
• Show your work in the best lighting and from multiple angles.
• If including an article published in a magazine, newspaper, or journal, photocopy the volume's front cover and table of contents as well as your article.

• For print copies of your portfolio, you should slide the DVD samples into a CD pocket and attach the pocket to your portfolio binder.

• Keep things professional. Avoid “cute” or “cool” clip art and other unnecessary add-ons. These will only distract others viewing your portfolio.
• A good design does not need to be flashy. On the contrary, it should be fairly simple and straightforward. Include headings on each page and maintain the same text font, sizing, and coloring throughout. The keys to a good design are accessibility and consistency.

• For print copies, organize your portfolio in a three-ring binder and place labeled dividers in between each different section.
• For digital slideshow copies, include a title on each slide to indicate which section the information belongs to.
• For websites and blogs, separate each section by giving it its own separate webpage.

• You can ask academic advisers, trusted employers, or acquaintances in the same field.
• Alternatively, you can also try to locate career centers and workshops in your community for help. Check with your local library, town hall, or local churches for free or cheap career services.

• Digital copies in the form of websites and blogs are especially helpful. You can send prospective employers, clients, or customers a link to your online portfolio along with your initial cover letter.
• Additionally, having your portfolio in a fixed location online will allow potential employers and clients to find you even without you seeking them out first.

• Build a graphic design portfolio. When creating a portfolio with graphic design in mind, only include samples of graphic design work.
• Construct a photography portfolio . Search through your collection of photographs to build a portfolio of photographs illustrating meaningful content and ideal aesthetics.
• Gear your portfolio toward art school. If you decide to put together an art portfolio for the purpose of getting into art school, you will need to put together a range of work that demonstrates the skills the art school will want to see.

• Build a male model portfolio by studying poses used by other male models.
• Do a baby model portfolio by taking professional photos in a variety of poses and outfits. Continually update the portfolio as your baby ages.

• Build a stock portfolio or make a mutual funds portfolio by diversifying and investing wisely.
• Construct a property portfolio. Research various properties to determine which can produce positive cash flow.
• Create a gold-based wealth portfolio by learning about the best ways to invest in gold and precious metals.

• Three-ring binder
• Camera (optional)

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-secrets-to-building-a-portfolio-thatll-make-everyone-want-to-hire-you
• ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
• ↑ https://skillcrush.com/2016/08/22/17-portfolio-tips/
• ↑ https://medium.com/@andrewcouldwell/tips-for-creating-a-great-portfolio-website-f07e063e8371
• ↑ http://freelancefolder.com/how-to-make-your-portfolio-better-than-the-competitions-portfolio/
• ↑ https://www.cca.edu/newsroom/top-10-tips-creating-best-art-portfolio/

About This Article

To make a portfolio, create a website or blog to display all of your work on. Then, you can easily send the link to prospective employers or clients. Make sure your digital portfolio is easy to navigate by creating a separate web page for each section, like a page with information about yourself, a page with all your work, and a page with your contact information. Also, keep your digital portfolio simple by using the same text font, sizing, and coloring throughout, and avoid using flashy graphics or text that will distract from your work. To learn how to choose pieces for your portfolio, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Candi Coppage

Apr 29, 2017

Did this article help you?

Kaley Partain

May 11, 2016

Jan 15, 2019

Eman Cipator

May 12, 2017

Master Danish

Nov 6, 2021

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Create a portfolio that makes you stand out

Setting up your own portfolio website is a fantastic way to express who you are as a creative, and to share your talents with the world. Let’s take a look at how to create a free portfolio and everything that you should include in it.

Browse a collection of unique portfolio website templates

Why a portfolio is important for your career

A portfolio helps you get your work noticed.

Whether you’re a graphic designer, product designer, web developer, writer, illustrator, or are working within some other area of creativity, you need a way to get your work out there. A portfolio website gives your work visibility, putting it in front of the people you want to see it.

Unlike the static black and white of a traditional resume, an online portfolio brings your work to life. In full color, it makes engaging with your creative output an active and immediate experience.

Potential clients and employers get to see right away your accomplishments and what makes you unique. A personal portfolio shows them who you are as a creative professional, the thinking behind your work, and if you’re the right person for a particular job or project.

A portfolio communicates who you are

Most of us wouldn't show up to a job interview with an unordered stack of printouts of our work for a potential employer to have to sift through. Instead, we would have it bound and put together in a professional-looking booklet.

An online portfolio functions in a similar way. In a user-friendly design, it collects the projects that represent the best of what you do. It shows that you’re responsible and that you take your job seriously.

A personal portfolio also gives you credibility. Anyone, like a potential employer or prospective client, may type your name into a search engine and find you in a short amount of time. Having zero presence on the internet doesn’t look good, no matter how accomplished you are.

No matter if you’re a web designer, graphic designer, front-end developer, or some other occupation, you are more than a bulleted list of achievements. A portfolio site provides depth and detail. In your own words, it tells the story of projects you’re proud of and offers a glimpse into the thinking and personality of the person behind them.

An online portfolio provides a direct and centralized space to find you. You don’t have to send out gigantic email attachments. Clicking on a link is all it takes to land on examples of your work and to learn more about you.

What you should include in a portfolio website

When building your own portfolio, don’t feel like you need to include anything and everything you’ve ever created. Curate your best work and showcase the types of projects you’d like to do more of. As you create your portfolio, be sure to:

• Have a strategy behind the projects you feature in your website design .
• Know what skills you want to communicate.
• Recognize the type of clients you’d like to reach.
• Demonstrate your personal style and aesthetic.

Put together an online portfolio that captures the essence of your identity as a creative professional, tailored to the audience of potential employers and clients you want to reach. Think of your homepage as a cohesive body of work. Each project image, every block of writing, and all of the other elements come together in harmony to represent what you do.

Every project you've ever worked on was its own unique journey. From the initial spark of an idea to the final sign-off, there were individual challenges, problems that needed to be solved, and feedback that you had to respond to. Include big and brilliant examples of your work and go further than just providing a few tidy lines of text about each project. Tell their stories. Write case studies. Include examples of prototyping or mockups you created. Describe the steps that they took and how your role ultimately helped your clients to reach their goals.

Most creative projects involve collaboration. People want to know what it’s going to be like working with you and how your skills and talents can help them. By telling these stories, they get a glimpse into your creative process and know what to expect if they hire you.

Unleash your creativity on the web

Build completely custom, production-ready websites — or ultra-high-fidelity prototypes — without writing a line of code.

How to create a free portfolio website

1. start from scratch or begin with a template.

You’ve selected the projects you want to include, written content, and figured out all of the features you want to be a part of your web design. Webflow helps you put the pieces together in creating your own online portfolio with no-code , from the most minimalist to the more elaborate and eye-catching designs. Take the first step with either a blank canvas or one of Webfow’s many templates .

With an intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, you can customize and personalize your online portfolio to reflect who you are. Instead of getting stuck with a layout that you can’t change, you get the freedom to add in your own color scheme, pick out the right typography, and arrange the design elements in any way that you want. Even if you don’t have any design skills, you can craft a functional and visually appealing web design. If you already have design experience, you’ll find a host of tools to make your job easier.

From the simple to the most complex of web design elements, Webflow gives you the controls to add them to a layout. Create a flexbox or CSS, integrate dynamic effects like parallax scrolling , and build sophisticated animations through Webflow’s visual interface all without entering a single line of code.

Yes, your work should be the main focal point, and a design should provide the framework for experiencing it. But crafting a compelling user experience and flexing your creativity goes far in distinguishing yourself from everyone else. Especially if you’re a web developer, mobile app designer, or create other digital products, the way that your online portfolio looks and functions is a direct reflection of your own abilities. Put as much effort into your own design portfolio as you put into what you create for your clients.

2. Grow your personal brand

Branding isn’t only for big companies. Whether you’re a retail giant or a freelancer, branding shows your value and how you’re different from the competition. Branding takes your personality, knowledge, and talents and distills them into something that's easy to define.

Your online portfolio website is an extension of your own personal brand . It’s your chance to speak of who you are as a creative and what you have to offer that’s different from others working in your field. Let the truth of your own expertise and skills guide your personal brand. Authenticity is key.

The tone that you use to talk about you and your work, the photos you include of yourself, the illustrations that accompany your portfolio, and the work itself are all a part of your personal brand. Recognizing what this is requires self-awareness. Be real with yourself about who you are and what you create.

Without an element of personal branding, it’s hard to have a portfolio that stands out from the multitudes of others out there. Leave people with something that they’ll remember and want to come back to.

Having a strong personal brand lets you connect with clients looking for someone like you. Let’s say you’re a quirky designer who specializes in hand-drawn illustrations. Someone will know right away if you’re the right person for a job with just a quick look through your website. Personal branding lets you express your personality and your own aesthetic to appeal to those clients you’re best suited to work with. Or, if you're a good writer you can attract visitors to your website by blogging and utilizing Webflow's great SEO features .

3. Showcase the work you're proud of

Putting together a portfolio is more than just throwing together a bunch of unrelated projects you don’t care about. It’s your opportunity to show people the work that matters most to you. Focus on what you love to do so you can do more of it.

We’ve all worked on projects that weren’t quite right for us or don’t fit in with the larger body of work we’ve created. It’s okay to leave those out. Make sure that what you’re showing people has consistency and reflects who you are as a creative right now.

4. Publish your portfolio easily

Webflow makes it possible to go live with just a click of the Publish button. From either the designer or editor, publishing your website can happen in an instant. Publish to your own custom domain name or to Webflow’s — either way, it’s a simple process.

5. Keep your portfolio updated

Once you have a portfolio up and running, don’t just forget about it.

Your creative output changes over time. What was once your best work might not compare to what you’re doing now. Each project builds on what came before it.

Most creatives never stop deepening their knowledge and expanding their skills. Let your portfolio evolve as you do.

Keeping your portfolio current shouldn’t require a deep dive into a design in order to make changes. When you build your online portfolio with Webflow, you get the power of Webflow’s content management system (CMS). Featured projects can be built as a part of a CMS collection. The result is a templated block of content that only needs new text and images to change it up. Updating your portfolio, editing its content, and editing the design are all easy through Webflow.

This makes it easy to update the design and content of your portfolio as web design trends evolve. Behance , Dribbble , Webflow Showcase are all great places to check out to keep up with what's popular in design.

Define your specialization and market your portfolio

Marketing yourself means knowing your niche. Define your area of specialization so that you can appeal to those clients you’d like to work with.

Maybe you’re a writer specializing in the health industry or a web developer who works comfortably in tech and the startup world. Stand out from the crowd of generalists by having a focus. Let all that you feature on your personal portfolio reflect your niche.

Of course, you may have a few different types of clients you’ve worked with, and it’s perfectly fine to include those in your body of work. Whatever the project, make sure it fits with your goals and shows off what you’re capable of.

Have a presence on social media like LinkedIn and Facebook and share your portfolio with your followers. Take out paid ads. Email contacts at your favorite companies a link to your portfolio. Link to it in job applications. Promote your portfolio to those who fall into your area of specialization.

A portfolio is a valuable tool in promoting your creative services. Have a focus and get it in front of the most eyes that you can.

Learn how to build a portfolio in Webflow in 21 days .

The word on Webflow

Sergie magdalin.

As someone who looks at designer applicants daily, checking out a portfolio is one of the first things I do. I can get a sense of that person’s experience very quickly based on the project mocks they provide and how they present their information.

The designer just needs some way of showing previous works without me asking for it. There are so many designers out there, if I can’t find their portfolio publicly I can’t reach out to them for work.

Jason Marder

[Your portfolio] is the only place on the internet where you have full control over the medium AND the message.

Aileen Shin

I wanted to communicate the process of my work through visual storytelling. Each project I've worked on has its own stories and learnings, and I wanted to capture that essence. Webflow provides all the tools I need to be as creative as I want, fast.

Resources to learn more

12 unique examples of photography portfolio websites

You have many options to choose from when putting together your own online photography portfolio website. These 12 websites should spark some inspiration.

21 unique places to find web design inspiration

These 20 sources of web design inspiration are sure to ignite the creative fire you need to build better website designs.

26 unique design portfolio examples built in Webflow

Prepare to be blown away with our favourite unique design portfolio examples built in Webflow.

Get started for free

Try Webflow for as long as you like with our free Starter plan. Purchase a paid Site plan to publish, host, and unlock additional features.

The 23 Best Graphic Design Portfolios We've Ever Seen, & How to Start Your Own

Published: September 28, 2023

A great graphic design portfolio can’t move mountains, but it can change your life with a new job or opportunity. AI and other factors are impacting graphic design hiring, making your portfolio more important than ever before.

While some designers still carry a physical book of printed design examples, most portfolios are graphic designer websites. These sites show audiences much more than design skills like logo design or typography.

Whether you're a full-time graphic designer or dabbling in design as a freelancer, it's critical you create a sleek graphic design portfolio to showcase your work to potential clients.

Fortunately, we've created a list of over 20 impressive graphic design portfolios , followed by instructions on how you can create your own . Keep reading to get all the tips you need to curate the perfect space to showcase your work.

150+ Free Content Creation Templates

Access ebook, blog post, CTA, case study, and more content templates.

• Ebook Templates
• CTA Templates
• Blog Post Templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

What is a graphic design portfolio, and why does a graphic designer need one?

A graphic design portfolio is one of the most important elements a client or employer needs to see when choosing a graphic designer. A portfolio should include a selection of a graphic designer’s best work, as well as professional samples from client projects.

If you're a graphic designer a portfolio is essential for proving your design skills. It's also a chance to:

• Share your design process
• Talk about design or industry specialties
• Showcase your unique style

A graphic design portfolio, like a resume, will also include contact information. It may also feature case studies from past employers.

Most portfolios today are graphic designer websites. This means that they’re not only a way to connect with clients. They also help graphic designers build communities and share their work with potential fans around the world.

So what does a graphic design portfolio website need to include to stand out? Your portfolio is much more than proving you know how to use Photoshop. Many graphic designers will include logos, typography, print design, or web design in their portfolios.

And, some of the best graphic design portfolios today may also include:

• Motion graphics
• Original illustrations
• Product design
• Ad campaigns
• Storyboards
• Brand identity

As you'll see below, the most powerful graphic designer portfolios balance personal vision with standout client samples.

Graphic Design Portfolio Website Examples

• Jessica Walsh
• Morag Myerscough
• Heather Shaw
• Mohamed Samir
• Gail Anderson
• Gleb Kuznetsov
• Stefan Sagmeister
• Lotte Niemenen
• Luke Choice (Velvet Spectrum)
• Sophia Yeshi
• Eduardo Nunes
• Stefanie Brüeckler
• Ryan Dean Sprague (Pavlov)
• Alex Trochut
• Leandro Assis
• Peter Tarka
• Tobias van Schneider
• Aries Moross
• Nisha K. Sethi

Let’s look at some graphic design portfolio website examples to inspire and motivate your portfolio development. You could be a traditional graphic designer or experimenting with new media. There’s something here for everyone.

1. Jessica Walsh

The design industry is competitive. It takes eye-catching imagery and typographic finesse to create a portfolio that draws top clients like Apple, Benefit, and Levis.

This portfolio comes from a designer who's been named one of Ad Age’s "Top 10 Visual Creatives," among many other accolades. Currently a design professor, creative director, and head of creative agency &Walsh , this designer's portfolio on Behance makes great design the focus.

Why we love this graphic designer's website : Walsh's approach to type is bright, graphic, and complex. Her style also favors lush colorful photography and illustrations. This could get overwhelming, but this graphic designer is an expert with negative space, using careful visual composition to draw the eye and make a statement.

2. Morag Myerscough

Bright graphics, animations, and clean design make this an exceptional graphic design portfolio. This approach is great for designers who lean into the art of design. It also works for designers who take on more experimental or site-specific projects.

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio: Myerscough’s aesthetic is unique and this image-focused site quickly communicates her style.

Short sections of copy connect her visual brand to her background, professional experience, and personal philosophy. The combination makes the site feel like it shows the whole designer, not just a visualization of the work she does for clients.

3. Heather Shaw

This graphic design portfolio website includes samples of book and website designs, branding, and more. It’s good for designers who work in many different media but want to present a cohesive portfolio.

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio: Heather Shaw’s portfolio is super clear and easy to navigate. It shows a wide range of skills and approaches to solving client problems, but it’s also visually consistent.

The designer also uses text effectively to explain each project and to encourage further engagement with the work.

4. Mike Mills

Mike Mills is a talented designer, artist, and filmmaker, known for his punk aesthetic and original style. His portfolio is a reflection of his diverse interests and skills. The website offers a quick lesson in clean design, with easy-to-understand headers, professional photography, and crisp layout.

Why this is a great example of a graphic design portfolio website : When you’re a design beginner , creating your first graphic design portfolio, you quickly learn the importance of editing.

For example, a logo for your first-year graphic design class might have been your best work then. It shows that you know how to use Illustrator or other design software alternatives . But five years later, you have to ask — does that logo belong in a professional portfolio?

As your body of graphic design work grows, you'll find yourself making tough decisions about what to include, and just as important, what to leave out of your portfolio.

This portfolio example stands out because Mills has found a way to include samples of design that span from the 90s to today. This could easily feel disjointed or overwhelming. Instead, it's a beautiful and cohesive portfolio with exceptional attention to detail.

5. Mohamed Samir

Samir’s work includes branding, typography, posters, and print design. So, this graphic design portfolio zeros in on a tight collection of award-winning designs.

This graphic design portfolio is on Behance . This makes it a good fit for graphic designers who want an online presence without designing their own website.

Why we love this graphic designer's website: Besides the high quality of the design work, this portfolio shows a diverse range of approaches to typography and style. At the same time, it shows a consistent vision and passion for visual communication.

The printed design work is also well-photographed. While the designer could have added a digital file instead, the photographs give you a better sense of the final polished design.

6. Gail Anderson

Image quality matters. And if your portfolio pieces include a lot of detail, you may get stumped with your online portfolio design. This graphic design portfolio website has a simple left-hand navigation. So, with each click, you have a chance to see detailed posters, book covers, and more at a scale that shows how they look for print while also being easy to scroll on a mobile phone.

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio : Anderson's work is smart and timeless. Each piece shows her dedication to the depth and value of design thinking, technical skill, and passion for design.

7. Gleb Kuznetsov

Kuznetsov’s portfolio combines product design, user experience, and graphic design to create something entirely new. This Dribble-hosted portfolio has over 50 images, which could be overwhelming. But they're split into seven easy-to-understand projects.

This makes it a great graphic design portfolio example for designers who want to show long-term or complex projects.

Why this is a great example of a graphic design portfolio website: From the images to his brief "About" statement, this designer makes his unique vision and personality part of the work and its presentation.

8. Stefan Sagmeister

Sagmeister is a legend in the design world, and his website reflects the curiosity and power of the designer. The home page features a grid of images with text that appears as you scroll over each image. With a click, you're presented with images and/or videos that show the details of each project.

The site is a mix of collaborations, art projects, and more traditional design, like the corporate identity for the Jewish museum.

Why this is one of the best graphic design portfolio websites we’ve ever seen : This portfolio site doesn't just show the quality and technical ability of the designer. It also gives any client working with Sagmeister a sense of what the design process might be like.

Quick note : The "answers" section of the site is full of useful advice no matter where you are in your designer journey.

9. Lotte Niemenen

Great designers often let the work do the talking. That's certainly true here, with a streamlined graphic design portfolio that calls attention to client deliverables. When text is present, it adds to the value of the work, like sharing what parts of the design process their team completed. This is a great portfolio format for designers doing graphic design work like:

• Logo design

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio: This group of work is simple and to the point. It also shows off a wide range of skills and tactics with a consistent vision. Be sure to take a closer look at the website navigation — it’s clean and exciting while adding to the functionality of the site.

10. Luke Choice (Velvet Spectrum)

3D animation is an exciting design form that's growing in popularity. But if you're a client who's not in the market for an animated billboard , it may be difficult to figure out how you might use this creative form for your business.

This site is a great example of a portfolio that educates with simple text, graphics, and video. It gives both a quick look and a deep dive into how this designer approaches his art form.

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio : If you're doing something interesting and new, it may be a selling point. But truly new ideas can also challenge or frustrate people who don't feel "in the know." This means that your portfolio can't just sell your designs. It also needs to teach viewers about the new format you're using and why you think it's important.

11. Sophia Yeshi

A clear header and tile design emphasize work samples from this powerful graphic designer.

While the tiles emphasize the designer’s unique style, you can click on each tile to get the full details about each project. This is a great approach for designers who want to share the deeper story behind each project while still making the site easy to navigate.

Why we love this graphic designer's website: A distinct style is important in graphic design. That said, it can be tough to show how many ways you can apply that distinct style in a business context. Major brands, including Google, Nike, and Comcast, use Yeshi’s unique illustrative voice to speak for their brands.

This website portfolio makes that point clear, while still making graphic design the focus.

12. Eduardo Nunes

Designers often have a muse — someone or something that inspires and motivates them when the designing gets tough. Sometimes that inspiration can serve as a starting point for your portfolio design, as it did for this design portfolio example.

The landing page starts with a quote from Ansel Adams, "There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept." Then, using clean motion graphics and fresh design, Nunes points to a central theme, a philosophy that guides his design approach. This leads every site visitor on a journey through his portfolio.

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio : This portfolio shows intense work, focus, practice, and care. It's an excellent model for anyone who wants to show the world what they're creating and why.

13. Stefanie Brüeckler

This portfolio includes packaging design, illustration, and web design as well as graphic design and branding work. It’s one of our favorite graphic designer websites because it’s clean and easy to navigate.

It also shows a lot of different examples of work at a glance. This makes it a great example for designers who aren’t sure how to organize all the work they want to include in their portfolio.

Why we love this graphic designer website example: Brückler’s graphic design portfolio focuses on the tiniest of details to create an excellent user experience. From the simple page-loading animation to the thoughtful use of motion graphics, this designer hones in on the stunning details.

14. Chip Kidd

Book cover designer Chip Kidd’s graphic design portfolio website uses lightbox-style pop-ups. Popups make it easier to focus on each book cover. This is a smart way to narrow in on the visuals with a graphic design site while still making it easy to see all the work in one place.

Kidd uses a range of different styles for book covers, and it’s edited in a way that makes this range look natural and exciting instead of chaotic.

Why this is a great example of a graphic design portfolio website: The dark background makes this graphic designer’s style pop. And the simple side navigation gives users a quick path to learn more about the designer and his work.

15. Ryan Dean Sprague (Pavlov)

This Texas designer's style is heavily influenced by music. So, this portfolio features illustration and design work that's bright, evocative, and fun. This portfolio website shines because it keeps the UX and site structure super simple. This puts the focus on a tight curation of exciting design samples.

Why this is a great example of a graphic design portfolio website : If you have a distinct illustration or design style, the tough sell for your portfolio may not be how good your work is. Instead, you may need to focus on showing the client how you can do your best work for their needs.

This graphic design portfolio is a vivid display of individuality that also shows clients how this designer can help them sell their product or brand.

16. MDZ Design

Concise and exciting images on this graphic designer website example give site visitors a peek at execution and strategy.

MDZ Design also offers product design and strategy to clients. This makes their graphic design portfolio a useful example for strategy-focused designers.

Why we love this graphic designer website example: The range of services this portfolio shows could be overwhelming or confusing. Instead, it’s a chance to see their approach to problem-solving. They also make it easy to see how their process leads to results for their clients.

17. Alex Trochut

This graphic design portfolio is also a home for Trochut’s product design, animations, music, and NFTs. It’s a great example for multimedia artists who want to present their work on a single website. It also works for creators with a big collection of work to show.

Why we love this graphic designer website example: The four-column layout of this site shows image thumbnails of varying sizes. Each column moves at a different pace as you scroll down the page.

This motion feels dynamic and exciting and reinforces this designer’s original takes on color, type, and layouts.

18. Leandro Assis

Sometimes a graphic design portfolio isn't just about a style — it's about a vibe. This exceptional portfolio comes from designer Leandro Assis.

From brand identity to hand lettering to package design, this portfolio displays a wide range of design skills and original style.

Why this is a great example of a graphic design portfolio website : It's not like this portfolio isn't enticing to the eyes. It's fun, bright, and a little wild. But what makes this portfolio excellent isn't just the quality of the work, it's the experience.

Fun icons, engaging UX, and lots of white space make this bold and playful site a pleasure to peruse.

19. Peter Tarka

If you're a self-taught graphic designer, you might have less guidance on where to start with your portfolio website. Look no further for inspiration than the interactive design portfolio for Peter Tarka.

Best known for captivating 3D motion graphics like the ones featured in the video below, Tarka started with a love of architecture and vector graphics that's grown to a career working with top brands like Spotify, Google, and LG.

Why we love this designer's website : The fewer clicks it takes to show people what you're doing the better. This site isn't just low-click, it's no-click.

A simple scroll shows you the work, client, and completion date for 15 exceptional portfolio pieces. If you want to see more, a quick click at the top-right brings you to more work samples, links to other portfolio sites, and contact information.

20. Tobias van Schneider

This graphic design portfolio website uses a range of type sizes and contrasts to emphasize the ideas it communicates. This is a great approach for entrepreneurial designers. It's also smart for anyone who collaborates in their design work.

Why we love this graphic designer's website: A sticky header and big blocks of color and text make this graphic designer website interesting to explore. This site also uses scale well. It combines big images with both big and small text to emphasize each client project.

21. Aries Moross

There are many ways to play up a unique style, and this graphic design website highlights this designer’s recent work as well as a full project archive. This is a great example for designers who also do illustration.

Why we chose this graphic design portfolio: Moross uses space effectively on this site. It’s easy to get an immediate sense of the designer’s distinct style. The simple navigation helps users refine their search to target a specific type of work, like hand-drawn fonts or editorial design.

LingK's portfolio features their latest project while also showing other industry niches. The structure of the website helps prospective clients quickly decide if they want to work with this designer.

Why this is a great example of a graphic design portfolio website: It can be tough to convey how campaign materials for a complex event, like a wedding or conference, work together. This designer effectively shows the breadth and depth of work for each project and makes it easy to see the value of each deliverable.

23. Nisha K. Sethi

Sethi’s portfolio is simple and straightforward. It puts the spotlight on each design project. The "About" section also tells a clear story that encourages further questions and conversation.

It can be tempting to tell an audience everything on your website. But a great portfolio should offer enough samples to entice clients to reach out and learn more, but not so much that it overwhelms. This website is a great example of offering just enough.

Why we love this graphic designer website example: This graphic design example combines hand-lettering, printmaking, and other media with digital design. While this designer works in a range of media, their portfolio shows a strong voice that is effective across many channels.

Looking for more design portfolio inspo? These designers and design studios may not be a model for your personal portfolio website, but they’re great design resources:

• Paula Scher
• Michael Bierut
• Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv
• Wolff Olins
• Milton Glaser
• David Carson

If you've finished your portfolio pieces and want to get more website design ideas, check out this free lookbook with over 70 examples of incredible websites.

How to Make a Graphic Design Portfolio

• Curate your best work, and show a wide breadth of skill.
• Choose the right platform to showcase your work.
• Include a professional case study, or client recommendations.
• Integrate your personality.
• Describe the creative process.
• Show non-client work, or side projects.

1. Curate your best work, and show a wide breadth of skill.

Lindsay Burke , a HubSpot Product Designer, emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity when it comes to curating a graphic design portfolio. She says, "I recommend selecting your strongest projects and making these the primary focus of your portfolio website."

Ideally, your portfolio will feature your sharpest, most impressive 10-20 designs — undoubtedly, someone pursuing your portfolio won't have the time to look at more, and if your first couple projects are impressive enough, they shouldn't need to.

But it's equally critical you show potential clients your versatility. If you've dabbled in logo design as well as video animation, it's good to include both kinds of projects in your portfolio.

2. Choose the right platform to showcase your work.

Investing in a quality website with a custom domain URL will pay off in the long run by demonstrating your professionalism to potential clients.

Having your own website helps you organize your portfolio to suit all your business needs — for instance, perhaps you'll include 'Projects', 'About Me', and 'Contact Me' sections, so visitors can peruse your content and then contact you without ever leaving the site.

Take a look at this list of the best website builders if you need help choosing a platform for your portfolio.

3. Include a professional case study or client recommendations.

Lindsay Burke told me it's incredibly valuable to write out a case study to complement any website visuals — "Through a written case study, your site visitors can get a sense of your project's background, the problem you were aiming to solve through design, and the process you took to arrive at a final deliverable. A lot of time, effort, and iteration goes into design solutions, and a written case study will help communicate your unique process."

To cultivate a strong case study, consider including the background of the project, the problem, the process, your deliverable, and any next steps.

In the process section of your case study, Burke suggests including research, experience mapping, persona development, wire-framing, sketching, usability testing, and iteration.

Plus it will impress future clients if you can include recommendations from prior employers, which allows you to display a level of professionalism.

4. Integrate your personality.

As you can see in the examples above, each portfolio is drastically different depending on the artist's unique style. Someone checking out Tobias van Schneider's portfolio will expect something vastly different from someone looking at Ling K's site. Make sure your portfolio — including layout, background, and website title — reflects who you are as a designer.

5. Describe the creative process.

Each designer has a unique process when working with clients — and the sooner a potential client can learn about your process, the better. It's important you include context, so visitors can get a sense of how you handle challenges, and how your designs solve real-world problems.

Plus, including a description of your creative process can help a potential client figure out whether you're capable of handling the scope of their project.

For instance, they might be unsure of your ability to handle graphic designs for mobile until they read how you single-handedly brainstormed and created the designs for another client's mobile site. In this case, context is critical.

6. Show non-client work, or side projects.

Amanda Chong , a former HubSpot Designer, says, "Side projects are a great way to demonstrate your will to take initiative and your ability to balance multiple things at once. They're also a great way to show some of the more experimental, creative ideas that you might not be able to show through your day-to-day work."

If you're just starting out, it's acceptable to include side projects or non-client work so potential customers can get a sense of your ability and style.

Consider incorporating school work, a logo you designed for your aunt's company, or an internal design you created for your current company — ideally, your designs will negate any concerns potential clients have over your lack of career experience.

Graphic Design Portfolio Ideas

• Help a local business or start-up with its design and brand.
• Create content for your own personal brand.
• Redesign an existing website.
• Create graphic design materials for a made-up company.
• Design a logo for a brand you love.
• Create a stock theme for WordPress.
• Take part in a design challenge.

1. Help a local business or start-up with its design and brand.

One of the easiest ways to begin building your client base is by contacting nonprofits or local businesses in your area. Think about creating mock-ups or sketches in advance, These can help you give businesses a sense of your skill and vision.

Perhaps you think a local restaurant needs a new menu logo, or want to help a gift shop with their online marketing materials.

Projects like these will help you better understand local marketing challenges, and give you time to develop your skills in those areas. You never know what a pro-bono project could lead to next.

2. Create content for your own personal brand.

As you build personal brand content, take the time to make sure your marketing materials are cohesive and sleek.

Design a unique logo for your brand. Next, start building your website, and add that same design across various materials, including your business card and resume. This is also a great time to start a branded social media account, and to create posts that show off your design skills and interests.

Clients are more likely to work with you if they can see the type of high-quality work you're able to create for yourself.

3. Redesign an existing website.

Don’t wait for your dream client to give you a call. Instead, create a complete website redesign for a well-known brand to prove your skills to future clients.

This is a well-known strategy already used by plenty of designers — just take a look at some of the impressive Behance mock-ups for brands like RyanAir .

Additionally, Amanda Chong told me, "If you're creating mockups for established brands to use as part of your portfolio, it's important to pair this with a case study or description of the process that helped you arrive at your proposed design. Talk about what you think wasn't working with the existing design, some of the constraints that you think the designers were working with, and why you made the decisions that you did."

Chong added, "Mockups are great at showing your visual design skills, but don't necessarily demonstrate your ability to work in a real-world context, so you'll want to take the time to explain how you would have approached it in a true business setting."

4. Create graphic design materials for a made-up company.

If your designs are impressive enough, potential clients won't care that you created them for a fictitious company. In fact, you could impress them with your innovation and creativity.

Consider showing your skills by putting together a creative brief for a fake company, complete with wireframes and sketches. Other projects you can create for imaginary companies include:

• Style guides
• Social media ads
• Apparel graphics
• Wrapping paper
• Brochures and email newsletters
• Simple GIFs
• Animated infographics
• Trade show booths
• Branded wall art
• Pitch decks
• Book covers

In due time, real companies will take notice.

5. Design a logo for a brand you love.

Stick to the type of content you enjoy designing. If you're particularly adept at making logos, and are often inspired by the logos used by real brands, consider designing an alternative logo for a brand you like.

Then take a look at these inspiring reimagined NFL logos . While these NFL teams probably won’t make a shift, they're great examples of the designers' skills and creativity.

6. Create a stock theme for WordPress.

WordPress, a popular content management system, allows users to develop stock themes for WP. Best of all, if your theme is approved, you can sell it as a premium theme for extra cash.

Begin by studying WordPress's most popular themes, and considering how you can create an impressive alternative. Take a look at WordPress's Theme Review Requirements and this overview of how to create a child theme to learn more.

7. Take part in a design challenge.

To get inspired, practice your skills, or interact with other designers in a community and build your portfolio at the same time, think about participating in a design challenge.

Design challenges can also help you uncover skills you didn't know you had by forcing you to step outside your design comfort zone.

There are various daily, weekly, or monthly challenges that will send you prompts on things to design — for instance, try checking out the Daily UI Design Challenge or The Daily Logo Challenge .

Graphic Design Portfolio Tips

• Show your versatility.
• Display your best work.
• Include case studies.
• Make it clean and easy to navigate.
• Prominently display contact information.
• Display your unique personality.

You’ve done the work, and now you’re pulling together your graphic design portfolio. Try these tips to make your graphic design portfolio stand out.

1. Show your versatility.

A portfolio should show a range of different works, so you want to highlight what you can do. Some clients prefer a more streamlined look, while others are looking for more experimentation.

If you have clients from different industries, include some work from each industry. Then, edit your portfolio based on the kind of client you’re showing your portfolio to.

For example, if you’re meeting with a client in real estate, show work samples from similar industries.

You’ll also want to show anyone who sees your portfolio what you can do. So, if you create design logos, books, and motion graphics, include a little bit of everything in your portfolio.

2. Display your best work.

That said, try to limit your portfolio to your best work. Don’t include a piece in your portfolio just to show that you can do it. The way that you edit your portfolio shows that you understand your strengths and know how to play them up. So, edit your portfolio to include only your best work.

If you’re great with one skill set but not as good with another, edit your portfolio to spotlight that skill. If possible, create portfolio pieces that show many skill sets at the same time.

For example, if you love hand lettering, a poster could emphasize your graphic design skills alongside this unique ability.

3. Include case studies.

Every client is unique, and each will teach you something new. As you continue to work with different clients, build up a collection of these stories.

Try not to throw anything away without documenting it. That page of thumbnails might not be much to look at on its own, but this kind of work in progress is a great way to show prospective clients how you solve problems.

When you present case studies in your portfolio, start with the initial problem your client approached you with. Next, show what the conversation and ideation process looked like over time. As you pull your case study together, don't forget to include the final solution you delivered.

4. Make it clean and easy to navigate.

Design is about more than visual skills, it’s about communicating. So the format of your portfolio, whether it’s printed or online, should be clear and simple to scan.

This point is especially important for graphic designer websites. It can be tempting to build a website that shows off the latest trends or to add Easter eggs that people need to hunt for. There’s a fine line between art and design, and those approaches can be super inspiring.

But building a complex site can also mean that clients in a hurry could miss some of your best work.

For example, a graphic designer once sent his portfolio to a creative director friend of mine. They liked the designer’s drawing but didn’t see much of the graphic design or web work that he talked about in his resume. With a little digging, they found a URL in one of the sketchbook drawings, and that URL led to his website.

This hide-and-seek process was cool, but it wasn’t clear or easy to navigate. This scenario could have been a missed opportunity for that designer.

5. Prominently display contact information.

If someone wants to talk to you, there are many places they can find you online. But you want to make it easy for them, and for you. You don’t want to miss out on an important meeting because a client reached out to you with an email you don’t check anymore.

Most graphic designer websites have a contact page that has your contact information. Once you add this to your site, be sure to check that the links and forms are working.

6. Display your unique personality.

There are thousands of successful graphic designers out there, and you might be competing against some of them for your next client. So, the best tip for a great portfolio is to be yourself.

Whether you have a feel for typography or are talented with color, show off the way that you see the world in your graphic design portfolio. Think about every detail, and then execute to the best of your ability.

Whether it’s the first version of your portfolio or the 200th, make it feel like something only you could create.

The best graphic design portfolios aren’t ever finished.

You’ve learned about the value of a graphic design portfolio and checked out some of the best portfolio examples. You read about how to create your portfolio, then you scanned some smart ideas to build on the graphic design work you’ve already completed.

So what’s next?

Even the best graphic design portfolios need constant updates. Keep in mind that while your first graphic design portfolio may be complete, portfolio building won’t ever really end.

What do you want to tackle for your next project? Social media to promote your new portfolio? A new resume or professional bio to attract clients? The possibilities are endless.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in March 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Don't forget to share this post!

Related articles.

14 Essential Design Tips for Beginners: Transform Your Skills and Create Stunning Graphics

13 Graphic Design Trends to Use in 2021 — and Two to Avoid

10 Projects to Improve Your Design Skills

6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Freelance Graphic Designer

The 7 Elements of Graphic Design, and How to Apply Them This Year

28 Graphic Design Terms Every Marketer Should Know [Infographic]

Free templates for blog posts, images, ebooks, CTAs, and more.

Marketing software that helps you drive revenue, save time and resources, and measure and optimize your investments — all on one easy-to-use platform

Showcase your work with an online portfolio

From intuitive design features to built-in marketing tools, discover the complete solution for building a portfolio that stands out online.

Marko Luardo    |   

Graphic Designer, New-York    |    mrkldo.com

Build your online portfolio with full creative freedom

Display, promote and sell your work all from your portfolio builder, so you can focus on the work that matters most.

Portfolio templates designed to spotlight your best work

Choose from 900+ customizable templates to start building your free portfolio website—and present your work the way it’s meant to be seen.

Your portfolio, your way

Create a unique online portfolio in minutes with our AI website builder  

Edit every element with endless customization options and website design features  

Feature photos and videos in high resolution and resize them with the Image Resizer  

Save time with project page presets and switch between layouts in seconds  

Add, organize and manage all your portfolio projects from one dashboard  

Build your personal brand by creating a custom logo with Wix Logo Maker

One solution to power your projects

Get a custom domain.

Establish your brand with a unique domain to help people find you online.

Reliable web hosting

Your site’s got secure web hosting covered, so you can build your portfolio with peace of mind.

Update all channels at once

Instantly sync projects from Dribbble, DeviantArt, Instagram and Google Photos.

Add contact forms

Get leads and grow your network by adding customizable contact forms to your site.

Manage on the go

Update and manage your portfolio website from anywhere with the Wix Owner app .

Track your growth

Use built-in analytics tools to learn about your visitors and make informed decisions.

Get more eyes on your work

Drive traffic to your site.

Follow your personal SEO plan to optimize your site for search—so you can get found when people look for your expertise.

Grow your email list

Keep in touch with your network and announce newly released work with eye-catching email campaigns .

Share your ideas in blog posts

Create your own blog and publish posts that speak to your skills—and give visitors a reason to stay on your site.

Engage your audience on social

Promote your work with customizable social media graphics , and make engaging videos with the Wix Video Maker .

Open new income streams

Sell your artwork

Sell digital and printed art on your site. Get your work printed on products like bags and canvases, and shipped to customers.

Offer services

Add your services, take bookings directly from your portfolio website, and offer pre-recorded courses for online purchase.

Host events, webinars and workshops

Grow your network by running events online or in person. Sell tickets, send invites and manage your guest list from one place.

Open an online store

Sell products from your own online store —or add the print on demand app to dropship merch made with your designs.

Manage your network and clients

Collect contacts and generate leads

Automatically build a Contact List of visitors who interact with your site, and keep track of leads with labels and filters.

Build loyalty with a members area

Encourage visitors to become members so they can access exclusive content on your site—and boost engagement.

Communicate from one place

Reply to emails, chats, social messages and form submissions from one Inbox—and access past conversations anytime.

Receive and manage payments

Get paid for your work online, send custom quotes and generate invoices , and track all your transactions in one place.

Get expert tips from the Wix Blog

Best portfolio websites to fuel your inspiration

Best art portfolio examples in 2024

How to make a portfolio in 10 steps

Design the online portfolio you want with Wix

Set yourself up for online success with Wix’s portfolio creator. 

Get started today with a specialized portfolio maker that matches your goals and explore portfolio website examples to build the portfolio that's right for you.

What makes a good online portfolio?

A good online portfolio effectively showcases your work, skills, and personality to potential employers, clients, and collaborators. Wix’s online portfolio maker offers you powerful website design, the ability to use high-quality images, as well as many interactive features for your site visitors, so your work can truly shine on a high functioning site.

Why make an online portfolio?

When you create a  portfolio website you build a platform to showcase and promote your work in a beautiful way. Wix’s portfolio maker helps you to build a professional online portfolio which can use to expand your audience,  open new income streams, manage your network, offer online services, and more.

Can I use Wix’s portfolio creator for free?

Yes, you can build a fully functional, free online portfolio site on Wix that comes with a Wix domain.  However, if you wish for your site to look more professional online, and instantly build brand credibility, you can connect a   custom domain by upgrading to a premium plan.  With a premium plan you can also enable online payments , attach a custom email address, and access additional features .

Does Wix have AI tools that I can use to build my portfolio website?

Wix’s portfolio website builder offers you an array of AI tools to assist you in building a successful site. Some examples include the content creator tool which suggests unique content tailored to your site, image enhancement and editing tools, the benchmark tool which compares your site to similar sites and suggests improvements, as well as knowledge-based search which can help assist you with any questions you have through a conversational interface as you use the portfolio maker.

Can I get help from a professional to create my dream portfolio website?

You can find a curated list of professionals who can help you reach your goals on Wix Marketplace . You can filter matches by location, price and language, view their online portfolios, and read reviews to ensure you find the best expert for your needs.

How can I drive more traffic to my site with Wix?

Wix sites come with suite of built in marketing tools that can help you grow your online presence. Your online portfolio includes email marketing tools, tools to create and manage social posts, Facebook Ads by Wix, and more - all of which you can access right from your dashboard. In addition, all  Wix sites come with automated best-practice SEO defaults, which give you a strong SEO foundation to compete in organic search.

How can I contact your support team?

Wix offers multiple ways for you to get customer support 24/7 including live chat,  a callback phone line, the ability to submit help tickets, knowledge base articles, and video tutorials & walkthroughs. You can also get assistance through Twitter & Reddit via @WixHelp. Get more info here .

Show the world what you do best. Create your online portfolio today.

How to create a portfolio

The portfolio is essential to get noticed.

Creating a portfolio is a good way of growing your online presence.

The portfolio is used to showcase your skills and projects.

It can help you to get a job, freelancer gig, or, internship.

What is a portfolio

The portfolio can have the same purpose as a CV. Most CVs are written with text, while the portfolio is for showcasing, so it is visual with images and often more detailed than the CV.

It is a place where you can show your work experience and showcase the projects that you are most proud of.

Your online portfolio can be shared with its link to companies, hiring managers, and recruiters, so that they can notice you.

It is about showing and giving others an understanding of who you are as a professional.

Why create a portfolio

It is a great way of growing your online presence and get noticed.

It can be used to get a job or to attract clients to your services.

Having it online as a website. Makes it possible for people all over the world to find you.

The design of the porfolio will give the reader an impression of who you are. Make sure that it appears in a good and presentable way!

Who is a portfolio for

Creating a portfolio can be important for your career.

It can be helpful when searching for a job, a freelancing gig, or showcasing your skills towards a new client.

• Software developers
• UX designers
• Graphic designers
• Photographers
• Marketing professionals

Ever heard about W3Schools Spaces ? Here you can create your portfolio from scratch or use a template.

* no credit card required

What are the most important sections in a portfolio

There are many different ways of creating a portfolio.

How to create it depends on what type of professional you are, who you are building it for, and why you are creating it.

You have to test, fail and learn to find out which type of portfolio that is right for you!

There are some sections which is essential for all types of portfolios, summarized below:

1. Hero section.

The hero section is the first thing people see when they enter your portfolio.

It is displayed under your logo and menu.

The hero section helps the reader to understand what you offer, why someone should work with you, and the value that you provide with your services.

It often contains a call to action button like "contact me", "book a meeting" or similar.

2. About me section.

Give the reader a short summary about yourself.

Include subjects such as your education, work experience, projects and interests.

Help the reader to understand what you are passionate about and your superpowers (the things that you are really good at).

Remember to keep it short and simple.

3. Projects section.

List the projects that you have worked on. The most used way is to order the list by date, but in some cases it can make sense to order them in another logical way.

Add details to each project, which includes your role, what you did, and, how the project turned out.

Adding pictures to showcase what you built is a plus! Showcase the things that you are proud of.

4. Contact me section.

Let the reader know how and where they can get in touch with you.

Add your contact details and other contact channels such as your GitHub profile, LinkedIn, Youtube and so on.

Portfolio examples

Check out some portfolio examples.

You can load the portfolio templates in W3Schools Spaces . Get started with publishing your portfolio in a few clicks.

Black & White Portfolio Template

Dark Portfolio Template

People Portfolio

My Portfolio Template

What do I need to know to create my own portfolio?

HTML, CSS and JavaScript are the foundational languages to create a website.

You can come a long way just using these three!

• Create the structure with HTML. The first thing you have to learn, is HTML, which is the standard markup language for creating web pages.
• Style with CSS. The next step is to learn CSS, to set the layout of your web page with beautiful colors, fonts, and much more.
• Make it interactive with JavaScript. After studying HTML and CSS, you should learn JavaScript to create dynamic and interactive web pages for your users.

Advertisement

How to create a portfolio step-by-step

Follow the steps to create your portfolio from the ground up.

Preparations

Decide which code editor to use and set up your environment.

W3Schools has created an easy to use code editor called W3Schools Spaces . Sign up and get started in a few clicks.

Create your index.html file. So that you are ready to enter the code.

All set up. Lets go!

Step One: Add HTML Skeleton

Type an HTML skeleton code, which is the starting point for your website. It is the structure which holds the code and ensures that it is properly displayed on the internet.

Read here for how to create a basic HTML Skeleton: How to create a HTML Skeleton

Step Two: Add Navigation Bar

The navigation bar is a short representation of the content on the website.

It is one of the first things that a visitor will see.

It helps the visitors to find and navigate through the content on website. It is important to create well-structured navigation. So that your visitors can find what they are looking for.

Here is an example of how to create a top navigation bar: How to create a Top Navigation Bar

Step Three: Add Hero section

The Hero section, together with the navigation bar, is the first section of your portfolio that people will see.

It should contain short information about several things such as:

• Who are you?
• What do you offer?
• What is your profession?
• Why should people work with you?
• Which actions should you take?

Write in first-person and keep it short and simple .

Additional things preferred in the hero section are:

• Eye-catching graphics, either as a background or side-by-side with the text.
• An action button that leads to content on your portfolio or to the content of another website.

Here is an example on how to create a Hero section: How to create a Hero image

Step Four: Add About Me section

In this section, you can get creative. This can help you to to stand out.

Here you can personalize the content and write about yourself more in-depth.

The content you can include in this section is:

• Your introduction
• Who are you as a professional
• Your education
• Your skills
• Your work experience (present and/or past)
• Your hobbies
• Your goals and ambitions

In a way, you can consider the "About me" section as a short summary of your CV.

Feel free to write about yourself in first person.

Personalization and making people understand you as a person might bring you more attention.

Here is an example on how to create an about me section: How to create an About Me section

Step Five: Add Work Experience section

The work experience section highlights the experience, knowledge, and competence that you have made along your way.

Here you can add:

• Links to your projects with the project name and/or short description of what the project is about.
• Links to blog posts that you have written with title and/or short description about what it is about.
• Your professional awards or achievements.
• Highlighting your work and your accomplishments is a way to create opportunities for yourself.
• Visual representations such as images or graphics.

Step Six: Add Contact section

The contact section is the section that lets your visitor get in touch with you.

You should always include a way for visitors to contact you, either through a contact form or by writing down your contact information such as:

• Phone number
• E.g. Github profile, LinkedIn profile, Youtube profile and so on.

Here is an example on how to create a basic contact section: How to create a Contact section

Step Seven: Add Footer section

The footer can be experienced as a minor section, but it is an important one of every website.

It is about showing critical information based on your website goals and the needs of your visitors.

Often it contains technical information about copyright, but it can hold other information, such as:

• Link to "Privacy policy" page
• Link to "Terms of use" page
• Contact information
• Website navigation links
• Links to social networks
• Link to your shop

Here is an example on how to build a footer section: How to create a Footer section

W3Schools Spaces

Build and publish your own portfolio with w3schools spaces..

COLOR PICKER

Contact Sales

If you want to use W3Schools services as an educational institution, team or enterprise, send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Report Error

If you want to report an error, or if you want to make a suggestion, send us an e-mail: [email protected]

Top Tutorials

Top references, top examples, get certified.

• PDFelement for Windows
• PDFelement for Mac
• PDFelement on Mac App Store
• PDF Reader for Windows
• PDFelement for iPhone/iPad
• Get from App Store
• PDFelement for Android
• Get from App Google Play
• PDF Scanner for iPhone

Cloud & SDK

• Document Cloud
• PDFelement Pro DC
• PDFelement SDK

Online PDF Tools

• PDF to Word
• Compress PDF
• Word to PDF

Educational Users

• Annotate PDF
• Combine PDF

Personal Users

• Convert PDF
• Organize PDF

Professional Users

• eSign PDFs Legally
• Extract Data from PDF
• Password Protect PDF

PDF Solutions for

• Chat with PDF
• AI PDF Summarizer
• AI PDF Translator
• AI Content Detector
• AI Rewrite PDF
• Proofread PDF
• Add Bookmarks to PDF
• Explain PDF
• Mac Software
• OCR PDF Tips
• Online PDF Tips
• Edit PDF like Word
• PDF Converter Tips
• PDF Compressor Tips

Why PDFelement

• Customer Stories
• PDF Software Comparison
• Contact Support
• PDFelement for iOS
• InstaScan for iPhone

Explore More

• Reviews See what our users say.
• Free PDF Templates Edit, print, and customize free templates.
• PDF Knowledge PDF-related information you need.
• Download Center Download the most powerful and simple PDF tools.
• Download Download Pricing Pricing

Comprehensive Guide: How to Create a Portfolio in Adobe Acrobat

Learning how to create a portfolio in Adobe for PDFs

• Create a PDF Form
• PDF Subscript and Superscript
• Create PDF with Transparent Background
• Create Link for PDF
• Create PDF Link
• Create an Editable PDF Form
• Methods to Create Your First eBook with PDF Software
• Methods to Create Fillable Forms
• Method to Create a PDF With Accessibility Features
• More Interesting Uses for a PDF
• How to Create a Portfolio in Adobe Acrobat
• Create Fillable PDF from Word/Excel
• PDF Portfolio
• Create PDF from Text
• Create PDF on iPhone from Notes
• Make Multi-page PDF in Photoshop
• Create Editable PDFs from Word
• How to Create PDF from Excel
• A Guide On Splitting Mail Merge Into Separate PDF Documents
• Mastering the Art of Saving Email as PDF in Gmail: A Comprehensive Guide
• 6 Markdown Editors for Windows That You Should Use
• Create PDF from Images
• Create PDF from PNG
• Make a PDF from Photos
• How to Create PDF from JPG, Including from Single or Multiple Images
• Create PDF from Scanner

As we are familiar with the increasing competition in the professional market, a single resume or a collection of scattered work samples is insufficient to succeed. So, the need for a PDF portfolio has become crucial to meet the standards of engaging presentations of one’s work.

This article will explain how to create a portfolio in Adobe for your PDF documents. We will also share the best alternative to create a PDF portfolio without using Adobe Acrobat. Moreover, you will learn a few tips to create the perfect Adobe PDF portfolio through this guide.

In this article

• How to Create a PDF Portfolio in Adobe

Key Features

Step-by-step guide to create pdf portfolio through pdfelement.

• Enhance Your PDF Portfolio Creation with These Tips

Part 1. How to Create a PDF Portfolio in Adobe

Adobe Acrobat is one of the oldest PDF editing tools with many professional and customizable features. Fortunately, this tool comes with creating a PDF portfolio option that will help you optimize your PDF handling. You can arrange your PDF documents in a portfolio to showcase them for your business or access them with ease.

This PDF portfolio creator also allows you to add either individual PDF files or the whole folder to create an Adobe portfolio. After adding, you can select multiple files or even zoom in and out for a better view before making the final portfolio output.

To perform this feature professionally, check out the guide below to learn how to create an Adobe portfolio:

First of all, download the Adobe Acrobat software and install it with the recommended settings on your system. Once done, launch the tool and wait for its interface to load. Then, tap the "Menu" tab in the top left corner. Afterward, scroll to the “Create” option and select “PDF portfolio” from the appearing context menu.

After selecting it, a new overlaying window will open where you can create a portfolio in Adobe .

There, click the "Add Files" drop-down menu from the upper left corner and choose the "Add files" option if you intend to add PDF files and not folders. This way, you can add as many PDF files from different locations as you want for your portfolio.

Once you have added the PDF files, you can select a single or multiple file to create the portfolio. Tap the "Select Multiple" option and then click PDF files individually to select them. After that, hit the "Create" button to finalize the portfolio creation process.

You can still do that if you further want to add a PDF file to an already-created portfolio. Simply right-click anywhere on the PDF portfolio window and select "Add Files" from the context menu options. You can then add PDF files to that portfolio and arrange the order as you want.

Part 2. How to Create a PDF Portfolio Without Adobe

Although you can create an Adobe PDF portfolio quite professionally, this method has some drawbacks. We already know that Adobe is quite expensive, and not everyone has the capacity to afford its features. So, it's better to mention some other alternatives that you can use to make a great PDF portfolio.

In this regard, several alternative software are available over the internet to easily create PDF portfolios. For instance, Wondershare PDFelement , Apryse, etc., are some of the top alternatives for this purpose. Among these, the best choice is PDFelement, which can make PDF portfolios of a fantastic caliber.

Wondershare PDFelement is one of the most powerful PDF readers and editors, offering great features along with a PDF portfolio. The amazing aspect of this tool is its cost-effectiveness, where you can have better features at quite a friendly cost. Let’s look at some of the key features this tool offers users as the best alternative to Adobe PDF Portfolio.

• Along with adding individual PDF files, you can also add the whole folder containing PDFs to be put in the portfolio.
• PDFelement allows you to add more PDF files to an already created PDF portfolio effortlessly.
• You can even extract any PDF file from the created portfolio and save it to your device whenever you want.
• This AI-powered PDF tool allows users to select either a list view or a grid view of the PDF portfolio, as per their preferences.

You can use Wondershare PDFelement to have many PDF portfolio creation options, as mentioned in the above section. To learn how to perform this yourself, follow the step-by-step instructions below:

Launch the application after downloading and installing it on your Windows PC or MacBook. Then, tap the "+" icon and choose “Blank PDF” to create a blank PDF and access the features of this tool.

Once you access that blank PDF window, go to the “File” menu and then the “Create” option to open a context menu window. From there, select “PDF Portfolio” to access the PDF portfolio options.

Now that you have selected the PDF portfolio feature, you can add any PDF file or folder from the window that appears. To add PDF files, just hit the "Add Files" button, and you will be prompted to import the desired PDF files from your system.

After adding the PDF files, your portfolio is successfully created, which you can manage with customizations. If you want to add more PDF files to this portfolio, tap the "+" icon and then "Add Files," which will lead you to choose more PDF files for your portfolio.

Part 3. Enhance Your PDF Portfolio Creation With These Tips

Creating a perfect PDF portfolio is not just some random action that doesn't require skill or expertise. Like any other art, it also needs some understanding and skills to achieve a captivating and organized appearance. Therefore, we will talk about some of the best tips in this section to assist you in making a graceful PDF portfolio.

• The first step to take is deciding the theme of your portfolio that reflects your personal and professional style. It may include color schemes, fonts, and overall design elements.
• It’s wise to arrange your PDF portfolio in a logical order that showcases your work effectively. You can consider grouping projects by type and relevance to the job or audience.
• One of the critical strategies to make a perfect PDF portfolio is preferring quality over quantity. Therefore, aim to showcase diverse skills and achievements and select your most impressive projects.
• For each work showcased, include a brief description or caption explaining the project's purpose. It may help the audience get a quick grasp of your portfolio’s essence.
• Incorporate high-quality images or visual representations of your work to make your Adobe PDF portfolio visually engaging. Also, ensure that the visuals are clear and effectively highlight your contributions.

In summary, this article has presented you with a step-by-step guide to the best methods to create an Adobe PDF portfolio. Furthermore, we have shared with you some insights about developing the most optimized PDF portfolio to make you stand among the rest. If you want to take our sincere opinion, try PDFelement to get the best portfolio for your achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions about PDF Portfolio

We have tried our best to provide you with every essential detail concerning how to create an Adobe Portfolio. Still, you can check out these commonly asked questions about PDF portfolios for further understanding.

1. What is the difference between a PDF and a PDF portfolio?

2. can adobe portfolio be saved as a pdf, 3. can i use pdf for my portfolio, you may also like.

• The Best Method about How to Create Link for PDF
• How to Create a Link to a PDF in 2024
• How to Create PDF with Transparent Background in Windows

Caitlin Clark announces endorsement deal with Wilson, maker of WNBA's official basketball

From an early age, Caitlin Clark usually had a basketball in her hands. So her latest endorsement deal − with sporting goods manufacturer Wilson − seems like a natural fit.

Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Indiana Fever , has announced a multiyear sponsorship agreement with the manufacturer of the WNBA's official basketball − becoming the only athlete besides Michael Jordan in the 1980s to be a brand ambassador for Wilson.

In a news release announcing the partnership , Clark recalled playing with a Wilson ball in her driveway growing up.

"I loved that thing more than anything. My brothers and I would always fight over it," she said. 

The initial rollout of Clark-themed basketballs will commemorate some of her historic accomplishments, such as breaking the all-time NCAA scoring record.

"I’m just super excited to have a collaboration and create basketballs together that are really cool," Clark said.

In addition, her role as a Wilson ambassador will include testing, advising and providing feedback on a range of basketball gear.

Wilson resumed its role as the official basketball of the WNBA in 2021.

Why invest in stocks?

• How to start investing in stocks (step-by-step) 
• Investment options 

Investing in stocks FAQs

How to invest in stocks: a step-by-step guide.

Paid non-client promotion: Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate investing products to write unbiased product reviews.

• The easiest and most practical way to buy stock is to open an account with an online broker or investment platform. 
• When deciding which stocks to invest in, it's important to do your own research.
• Having clear investment goals will help guide your overall strategy, but building a diversified portfolio is important for all investors.

It's no secret that investing in stocks can be an effective way to build wealth. And if you're a beginner investor, we're here to reassure you that it isn't as difficult as it seems. All you need to do to get started is open an online investment account. 

Whether you're looking to contribute a large chunk of your savings or simply dip your toes in the proverbial investment waters, here is some crucial information you need to purchase stocks and use them to create a portfolio. 

Potential for wealth creation 

Investing in stocks can be a great way to build wealth. Many individuals have made a fortune by putting their money into this specific asset class. Further, stocks have outperformed many other asset classes over time, traditionally generating superior returns to alternatives like real estate and commodities. 

Ownership in companies you believe in

Purchasing shares of stock is a quick way for investors to obtain partial ownership in companies they have faith in. Every company has a unique company culture, and every business that gains prominence has something that it contributes to the broader market. 

By investing in stocks, you can obtain an ownership stake in companies that are working to create innovative or socially beneficial technology, to improve the health of their customers, or actively contribute to notable causes. 

Diversification benefits

Diversification, or not putting all your eggs into one basket, is an approach that is almost always encouraged by financial experts. By using this strategy, you can help manage the downside risk associated with individual securities or even entire asset classes. 

By investing in stocks, you can help build a well-diversified portfolio that may retain its value far more effectively if other asset classes, for example real estate or commodities, suffer a downturn. 

How to start investing in stocks (step-by-step)  

Step 1: set financial goals.

The first step in stock investing is to outline your goals. Why are you looking to invest in the first place? Do you want to build up a nest egg so you can retire? Are you looking to save up money for a down payment on a home? 

What is your time horizon? In other words, how long are you looking to invest in a stock (or stocks) before you cash out? 

What is your risk tolerance? Another way of putting this is how much volatility are you willing to stomach? Individuals who are looking to build wealth over the long-term (for example, saving for their retirement) should generally be willing to assume significant risk, as doing so will frequently deliver superior returns when compared to taking an approach that provides less risk in the short-term. 

Step 2: Choose a brokerage account 

Stocks are bought and sold on stock exchanges, but you can't purchase shares directly from these marketplaces. One way to buy these securities is to open a brokerage account. 

You'll need to decide the kind of brokerage account you'll want to open, and if you want to open a cash account or a margin account. 

Brokerage accounts work similarly to bank accounts, except they're used to buy and sell securities. You choose a provider and open the account online, move money into it, and you're ready to buy stocks in a few clicks. You can even use a brokerage to gift stock to someone else, though you'll need their account information to initiate the transfer.

There are many licensed brokers to choose from, and the decision revolves around your individual needs and priorities. When it comes to choosing a broker, there are three main options:

• Full-service brokers: "Traditional" full-service brokers offer a variety of services including specialized research and advice, retirement planning, tax assistance, estate planning, access to shares of initial public offerings (IPOs), and more. Because of this, they can charge substantial fees. 
• Discount brokers: This type of broker leaves you to make your own decisions. Discount brokers typically just trade on behalf of clients but don't offer specialized investing advice. While they once were the exception, they are now the norm, preferred by investors because they're more affordable and charge low fees. What they lack in specialized advice, they usually make up with a vast array of tools and educational resources. 
• Robo-advisors: Robo-advisors are automated investing platforms that select and manage investments on your behalf based on your specific goals and timeline, typically following a passive investing strategy by putting your money in inexpensive ETFs or index funds . They appeal to the "set it and forget it" type of investor who prefers to be more hands-off. 

It's worth noting that brokers aren't just investing platforms, as they offer tools for education, too. Once you open a brokerage account, you have access to research and analytical tools, so it's a good idea to get a sense of these resources when making your decision. 

Most broker platforms will give you access to a company's fundamentals, including its prospectus, quarterly earnings, as well as relevant ratios and growth projections, to garner a more robust understanding of where its securities currently stand and where they might be headed.

Step 3: Fund your account

After you set up a brokerage account, the next step is to fund that account so you can use the resources to purchase stocks. One way to do this is by linking your brokerage account to a checking or savings account and then transferring funds into your brokerage account. 

There are several other ways to fund a brokerage account. For example, you can transfer funds from one brokerage account to another. 

Another option is transferring money from one brokerage account to another. In some cases, financial institutions offering brokerage accounts will allow you to deposit checks directly into such accounts. 

Important: When you open your brokerage account, you may be asked if you'd like a cash account or a margin account. When you invest on margin, you borrow money from your broker to buy securities. Keep in mind you'll have to pay interest and the practice is generally not advised if you're just starting out. 

Step 4: Research and select stocks 

The stock market involves thousands of publicly traded companies (like Tesla or Amazon), each with different offerings. Determining exactly how to pick stocks can feel overwhelming, but it can be helpful to remember that when you buy stock, you're buying partial ownership of the company. So a logical place to start is to ask yourself what companies and industries interest you. 

Once you narrow your options — perhaps you've identified a few companies in an industry you're passionate about — it's time to think like an analyst and do your research. The best place to start is the company's annual report, formally known as Form 10-K , which provides a comprehensive overview of its financials as well as a letter to shareholders. 

There are other countless strategies when it comes to picking stocks. Another way to think about evaluating what to buy is to design your portfolio with an investing strategy in mind. For example, if you believe stocks ought to pay you a steady stream of income, you might want to explore dividend stocks . If you have a high tolerance for risk and are curious about early-stage growth companies, consider growth stocks. On the other hand, filling your portfolio with value stocks means finding companies that are underpriced, with the idea that they will grow and outperform the overall stock market over time.

Generally speaking, you'll have access to all the research material you need to come to your own conclusions, but it takes time and effort to hone your analytical skills. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when building your portfolio:

Think long-term. Unless you're looking to trade frequently and turn a quick profit, long-term investing is considered the safest way to go. That's because long-term investments almost always outperform the market over long periods of time, and impulsive or emotional trading can considerably inhibit investor returns. 

Diversify your holdings. Even if you're starting small, think about a diversified portfolio — which simply means owning a variety of investments within and across asset classes to mitigate risk and guard against volatility. 

That's why many financial advisors recommend that beginners get into the stock market by buying mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow you to buy a "basket" of stocks at a low cost. Index funds, in particular, can be the foundation of a well-diversified portfolio. 

If you are looking to single out individual stocks for presenting a strong value, fundamental analysis can be a great way to identify opportunities. More specifically, this approach involves evaluating a company's fundamentals, including its revenue and earnings, to determine whether it is undervalued or overvalued. 

Another approach you can use is technical analysis, which involves evaluating a security's price movements to get a better sense of what trend it is following and what it will likely do in the future. Armed with this information, you can single out a good time to purchase that security. 

Another thing to be mindful of is tax considerations. Choose tax-favored investments, and aim to capitalize on long-term capital gains tax treatment when possible by, in accordance with our advice to think long-term, holding on to your investments as long as possible. 

Step 5: Place your orders 

After you've opened an account, funded it, outlined your goals and strategy, and conducted research on which stocks or funds to invest in, it's time to act.

Before buying a stock, you'll need to select an order type, which informs the purchasing process. You have two main options when executing trades through a brokerage account: market and limit orders.

• Market orders: These types of orders tell your broker to purchase the stock or security immediately, without any guarantee of its price. Market orders are more common than limit orders, especially for those looking to invest long-term, and among their benefits is the fact that as long as there are interested buyers and sellers, your order is guaranteed to be executed.
• Limit orders: If market orders instruct your broker to get you into a stock as fast as possible, a limit order specifies a certain price for your order. The order gets fulfilled only if there's a seller who's willing to part with the shares at your specified price. Limit orders give investors more control over the price they pay for a security. Just be careful with limit orders, because some brokers charge more for these more technical, complex trades.

To place your stock order, navigate to the section of your brokerage's platform and punch in the necessary information. Once you place your order, your portfolio will immediately update to reflect your newly purchased shares. 

As you think about when you might want to sell your shares, keep in mind that stocks carry quite a bit of risk, and following a buy-and-hold strategy will help you safeguard against volatility so you can ultimately benefit from the long-term profits. 

Step 6: Monitor and review 

Once you have constructed a portfolio, you can track its performance. Keep in mind that the stock market can be quite volatile, so you can save yourself a lot of time (and stress) by looking at your portfolio every now and then instead of reviewing it on a daily basis. 

You might want to evaluate your portfolio once a quarter, or once a year, for example. One good way to measure the performance of a portfolio is to compare it to a benchmark index like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. 

If you want your portfolio to allocate a specific amount to each individual stock, you may have to rebalance to achieve this goal. 

Let's say that you create a simple portfolio of five stocks, with each accounting for 20% of the overall portfolio's value. If one of those stocks is Amazon, and shares of Amazon have a strong year, that particular company might suddenly account for 30% of your portfolio. In this case, you could sell some of your Amazon shares to make it so that particular stock once again accounts for 20% of your portfolio. 

Investment options  

Individual stocks.

One major appeal of picking individual stocks is that the shares you select may outperform the broader markets. In addition, choosing individual stocks gives you the opportunity to obtain partial ownership in companies that you believe in. 

The downside of individual stock picking is that by taking this approach, you may underperform the broader markets. Another consideration is the time and energy you may need to invest in order to select companies that are a fit for your portfolio. 

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) 

ETFs can provide investors with quick, cost-effective diversification. Instead of buying several individual stocks, you can save yourself some time and energy by putting your money into ETFs that provide exposure to an entire index, for example the S&P 500. 

These funds provide a good way for investors to gain exposure to vast swathes of the stock market. By purchasing an ETF that invests in the S&P 500 index, for example, an individual can gain access to companies accounting for roughly 80% of the total available stock market. 

Robo-advisors

Investors can also make use of robo-advisors, which are platforms that can create portfolios based on individual preferences. These present a good way for investors to gain quick and inexpensive exposure to stocks.

You can potentially start investing with a very small amount of money. As long as you have enough money to pay for a share and any associated transaction fees, you can start buying stocks. 

Investing in stocks does come with risks, but there are many different steps you can take to mitigate these risks. Portfolio diversification can help you overcome concentration risk, and long-term investing can help you manage the risk associated with short-term volatility. In addition, you can potentially invest across many different sectors, therefore managing sector risk. 

Deciding whether to select individual stocks or harness a robo-advisor should depend on key considerations such as your experience and how comfortable you feel with DIY investing. Keep in mind that you can also use ETFs to quickly gain exposure to broad swathes of the stock market.

• Main content

The Power of Dividend Investing and How to Create Such a Portfolio

I n the world of investing, diversification is often hailed as a cornerstone of success. While spreading investments across various asset classes is crucial, there's another strategy that seasoned investors swear by: incorporating high-quality dividend stocks into their portfolios. But why are dividend stocks so revered, and how can they enhance your investment journey?

Dividend-paying companies often exhibit stability and consistency in their earnings. By distributing a portion of their profits to shareholders, these companies demonstrate financial health and a commitment to shareholder interests. This steady stream of income provides a cushion during volatile market conditions, offering investors a sense of security.

Offer: Unlock the power of InvestingPro+ for unparalleled stock analysis. Discover high-quality dividend stocks, gain insights into top investors' portfolios, and access our advanced intrinsic value calculations. Click here and subscribe now at 69% off, just INR 526/month!

For income-oriented investors, dividend stocks are a reliable source of passive income. Instead of relying solely on capital appreciation, dividend payments provide regular cash flow, which can be reinvested or used to cover living expenses. This income generation aspect makes dividend stocks particularly appealing to retirees or those seeking supplemental income.

Contrary to popular belief, dividend-paying stocks can also offer significant long-term growth potential. Companies that consistently increase their dividends typically possess strong fundamentals and sustainable business models. Reinvesting dividends can compound returns over the years, potentially leading to substantial wealth accumulation.

Image Source: InvestingPro+

Now, imagine effortlessly identifying high-quality dividend stocks that offer attractive yields, solid fundamentals, and reasonable valuations. Enter InvestingPro+'s revolutionary screener – "I Dream of Dividends."

This cutting-edge tool sifts through a universe of over 2,000 stocks, handpicking only the crème de la crème of dividend-paying companies. But it doesn't stop at high yields. "I Dream of Dividends" assesses the quality of dividends using Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), ensuring that you're not just chasing high yields but investing in companies that generate sustainable returns.

Worried about overpaying for stocks? InvestingPro+'s screener considers valuations, filtering out stocks trading at reasonable earnings multiples. This ensures you're getting the best bang for your buck without compromising on quality.

Here's the cherry on top: astute investors can customize their search by tweaking or adding additional filters. Want only undervalued stocks? Add the fair value filter, which identifies stocks trading below their intrinsic value based on InvestingPro+'s advanced financial models.

The inclusion of high-quality dividend stocks can be a game-changer for investors looking to build wealth, generate passive income, and achieve long-term financial goals. With InvestingPro+'s "I Dream of Dividends" screener, identifying these gems has never been easier. Don’t miss this opportunity – invest wisely and proactively with InvestingPro+.

Now's the perfect time to seize the opportunity! For a limited time, InvestingPro+ is available at an irresistible discount of 69%, priced at just INR 526/month. Click here and don't miss out on this exclusive offer to unlock the full potential of your portfolio with InvestingPro+.

Also Read: Driving Growth: Insights into India's Auto Dealership Landscape

X (formerly, Twitter) - Aayush Khanna

• My View My View
• Following Following
• Saved Saved

California shelves plan to create its own bar exam

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Karen Sloan

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Thomson Reuters

Karen Sloan reports on law firms, law schools, and the business of law. Reach her at [email protected]

Read Next / Editor's Picks

Industry Insight Chevron

Mike Scarcella, David Thomas

Karen Sloan

Henry Engler

Diana Novak Jones