6 pointers for creating a freelance graphic designer portfolio that will stand out
As a freelance graphic designer, you are well aware that one of the most critical tools at your disposal is your portfolio. It is what prospective clients will use to determine whether or not to work with you, so make it stand out.
Here are six tips for building an impressive portfolio that will help you stand out and land more jobs.
1. Keep it up to date.
If you've been working in a field for more than five years, it's likely that at least some of your samples have been updated by now. But, if they are not, make sure they are!
Clients will not want to hire someone who isn't invested in their work enough to replace old projects with newer ones.
2. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Clients do not want to see the same design repeatedly. Design is all about problem-solving, so show them what you're capable of! And, if you're a freelance web designer, include some examples of other websites to demonstrate your familiarity with various platforms and site types.
3. Demonstrate your personal side.
It's great to show off your skills and knowledge but don't forget to show off your personality as well!
If you want to work as a freelance graphic designer, potential clients must see that you are not only a skilled designer but also an interesting, fun person with whom they will want to collaborate.
Include a few personal projects in your portfolio to give potential clients a glimpse of life behind the design.
4. Be unafraid of new media.
Don't be intimidated by new media. It is not the technology that is important, but rather the message. As a freelance graphic designer, you must be comfortable with emerging technologies to convey your message.
If you're not, you'll quickly fall behind the competition. So don't be afraid to experiment with new media tools and techniques in your work. You may just find that they suit your style better than traditional methods.
5. Do not be afraid to take chances.
You never know what might turn out to be your next best freelance project. Make sure to include some of your "riskier" work in your freelance portfolio; do you think a client would want to work with someone afraid to take risks?
6. Demonstrate your abilities.
Don't spend 20 minutes describing how awesome you are and only 10 seconds demonstrating what you can do. They will not hire you if they do not believe your freelance portfolio.
Bonus tip:
7. What if you only display the work you intend to continue doing?
It's a fantastic concept. You have complete control over what goes into your portfolio, ensuring that all of the pieces in it are ones that you enjoy and are proud of. Clients appreciate seeing this type of work because it gives them the impression that they'll get something similar if they hire you.
By showcasing only the work you want to do, your freelance graphic designer portfolio will not only stand out among other freelance graphic designers, but it will also inform people about the design style they can expect from you on future projects.
I hope these suggestions have sparked some ideas for how to make your portfolio stand out.
Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful week!
—Gary
📚 What I’m reading right now
The Creative Curve: How to Develop the Right Idea, at the Right Time By Allen Gannett.
A well-written and genuinely entertaining book that examines the creative process and debunks many fallacies about creativity. Creativity is much more than flashes of inspiration in the shower, and it is a skill that can be honed just like any other. He dispels myths and debunks the mystique around the creative process. Allen lays out a roadmap for how, with dedication and careful practise, we can all generate ideas and realise our creative potential.