Podcast Overview
In this podcast, I cover how to build an effective portfolio. We'll explore the following key topics:
Why we need a portfolio
How to build trust through your portfolio
Which platform is best for hosting
Common mistakes to avoid
How to prioritize building your portfolio
We'll then wrap up by answering questions from the community.
Featuring: "Landing Design with Confidence" book. This book helps designers secure design jobs and boost their confidence during the job search process. It's based on my 7+ years of my experience and insights from mentoring over 250 designers.Check out the book from here.
Here are Key takeaways from the podcast
You can't be everywhere, but your portfolio can be. It's a scalable way to make your work visible to others.
Your portfolio builds trust. People won't hire you if you can't show you can do the job, and a portfolio demonstrates that you can deliver the work.
A portfolio also communicates your personality. It's not just about showing your work, but also about revealing who you are as a designer.
Your portfolio revolves around the 3Ps: Personality, Positioning, and Projects. These are the heart of your portfolio.
It's okay if you don't have industry expertise. Leverage your areas of interest to find your edge. For example, demonstrate interest in Design Systems, UX Research, or Content Design to help position yourself.
How you position yourself differs for startups, enterprises, and mid-level companies. Be mindful of your approach for each.
You won't find success if you're misaligned in your positioning.
Effectively demonstrate your craft and thinking.
People buy from people they trust. Make sure you're building trust with your portfolio.
Use social proof to build trust, such as testimonials and showcasing brands you've worked for.
Some platforms to host your portfolio include Framer, Notion sites, Webflow, Wix Studio, Squarespace, UXfolio, and WordPress.
Avoid common mistakes: don't make it hard to contact you, don't hide your LinkedIn, and avoid confusing the hiring manager. If they can't tell what you do, your portfolio has failed its purpose.
Ensure you have good mockups and thumbnails in your portfolio.
You can use Jitter to animate your designs.
Follow a good storytelling structure in your portfolio. Start with an overview, followed by impact, the problem you solved, your core responsibilities, and then walk through the process.
I hope these insights helped you. Consider subscribing—you can also watch the podcast on YouTube and listen on Spotify.
Listen on Spotify
Whenever you are ready here is how I can help you.
If you want advance your Figma skills, check out my 4 weeks Figma course
Struggling to land your next job ? Check out my book landing design job with confidence.
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