A portfolio is a designer's face. It's what clients will judge your skill level, talent, and demand by. That's why, when you decide to build an online portfolio, you need to take it seriously and responsibly.
The way a potential client sees your personal website will be a deciding factor in whether they choose you for a project or not. There are several things that are absolutely essential for every designer’s portfolio, so let’s not waste time and dive straight into the key points you need to keep in mind when building your portfolio site.
#DATES
This might sound strange, but dates are important. They help the client understand what kind of professional—and person—you are. They also reflect how responsible you are when it comes to work.
#LINKS TO LIVE SITES
No matter how beautifully you present your work, an image can never replace the experience of exploring a real, live website. That’s how clients can fully understand the design and assess the designer’s level. Most likely, when browsing your portfolio, a potential client will want to check out some of the actual websites. Don’t make them search—include links to the live sites featuring your design. Trust me, clients will appreciate this and see it as a thoughtful bonus in your favor.
#SPECIALIZATION
Many designers are generalists and take on projects of all kinds—it helps them find clients more easily. Still, most web designers have a preferred niche. Some focus on e-commerce sites, others on landing pages, and some primarily work with WordPress websites. Whatever your specialization, you should clearly reflect it in your portfolio. You can do this by filling it with themed work or stating your focus directly on the homepage.
#ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Some web designers offer a wide range of services and also have additional skills—like development, layout, or simply being able to deliver work faster than others. If you have such skills, it’s a good idea to mention them in the “About” section of your portfolio. Sharing your strengths and techniques can boost your chances of landing new clients. It may even be the reason a client realizes—you’re the one they need.
#VARIETY OF STYLES
While some clients don’t really know what they want when they reach out to a designer, most at least have a vague idea. Some may have even seen websites online that resemble what they’re after. So when looking through your portfolio, clients are searching for designs that match their vision. That’s why it’s smart to include works in a variety of styles—it increases the chance they’ll see you as the right person for the job.
#COMMENTS
What do most designer portfolios look like? Just a web page filled with images, mockups, and screenshots. Try to stand out by adding comments to your work. This can be descriptions of the projects, client requirements, how the process went, or even what tools and techniques you used to bring the design to life.
#PRESENTATION
The simplest way to showcase your design skills and level of expertise is to create a stylish, well-presented portfolio that screams professionalism and talent.
But creating a great portfolio isn’t enough! You need to keep it updated—add new projects, replace outdated ones with better, more polished work. Remember, your portfolio isn’t just a business card. It’s also your main tool for attracting new clients.