5 Simple Steps to Building a Portfolio that Shines
Is self-doubt getting in the way of you building your dream portfolio?
Have you ever decided on a project, created a mood board and then got distracted with a viral recipe you saw on TikTok, leaving your project in the portfolio project graveyard?
Well, guess what you’re not alone and I’m here to help!
I’ve created a super simple (and fun) process to bulk up your portfolio, showcase your best skills, and attract dream customers and clients.
5 Simple Steps to Building a Portfolio That Shines:
1️⃣ Brainstorm and choose portfolio projects
Write out a list of 10 ideas for fun and engaging projects that help you experiment and showcase your skills and passions. You can google project ideas within your area of interest and medium, or use sites like ChatGBT and goodbrief.io to come up with them.
Now narrow down your list to your top 3 that you’d like to do first, and then choose which project you’d like to start on now.
2️⃣ Set timeline and get to work
Now take a look at your calendar and pick a timeline.
Things to consider:
- How much time do you need for research?
- Will there be multiple concepts that you will need to narrow down to one final concept?
- Are you going to share your work with anyone to get feedback?
Give yourself an estimated goal to finish by and you can always check in half way through to adjust the timeline.
3️⃣ Document and create assets
Make sure to document the process along the way. You can use this process documentation for your portfolio as well as other marketing materials like social media, blogs, and/or newsletters.
4️⃣ Craft engaging project descriptions
After you’ve completed each project, write compelling descriptions that tell a story and inspire your ideal client/or customer into engaging with you.
You can share about the project idea, process, any stumbling blocks along the way or any information that you think might give more depth to the project.
Here are some questions to answer if you're having a hard time coming up with a description:
What was the problem or brief?
What was the process?
What was the result?
Why did you choose to do it the way you did?
What makes the final work amazing or unique?
What did you learn during the process or what are your takeaways?
Why would someone want to hire you to do the same thing or something similar?
5️⃣ Design portfolio site to showcase your unique brand
There are a variety of places that you can share your portfolio projects. If you are just getting started and don’t have a ton of money to invest in extra business expenses, you can easily showcase your work on social media sites like Instagram, Behance, DeviantArt, Medium, and many more!
Or you can take it one step further and create your own site that showcases your portfolio.
Here is a list of the 10 amazing places to make a portfolio website.
You can choose one or multiple as a place where ideal clients and customers can see a variety of your work, learn about your process, read descriptions, and get to know your unique brand.
(Bonus Step)
6️⃣ Working through the discomfort that shows up
There may be discomfort that shows up during this process, because as you and I both know… creating art and sharing it with the world can feel very freaking scary!
So let’s normalize the feeling of discomfort and remind yourself that you can do uncomfortable things.
What if you could get comfortable with being uncomfortable?
What if you could do work that stretches you outside your comfort zone?
You don’t have to be 100% ready, and it’s okay for it to look messy.
So go out there and get to work!
Dream up those gorgeous projects, and be willing to make mistakes along the way.
And if you need help with this process - this is exactly the type of work I do with my 1:1 coaching clients.
Sign up for a FREE 60 minute Career Strategy Consultation now to learn more.
How amazing would it be to have an accountability partner, cheerleader and coach to help take your work to the next level?!?
You ready? LET’S GO!