Your portfolio is more than a showcase of your work—it’s a personal marketing tool that reflects who you are, your passions, and your skills. When done well, it attracts the right opportunities and showcases the kind of work you want to do more of.

I vividly remember the biggest mistake I made when interviewing for a Senior Graphic Designer role. Eager to impress, I included everything I had worked on in the previous two years. It took me a full 40 minutes to get through, and the Creative Director eventually had to stop me. To make it worse, I didn’t even have a digital version—just a physical portfolio I was flipping through. Not my finest moment 🥲

Through lessons like this and my experience hiring design teams, I’ve learned what makes a portfolio truly shine. Here’s how to craft a standout portfolio that sets you apart in a competitive market:

What employers look for

A sense of who you are: This comes through in the pieces you choose, how you write about your projects, and how you present yourself.

Range and quality of skills: Show your breadth and depth as a creative.

Clarity and intention: Employers notice clean, thoughtful layouts and focused project selection.

A clear, concise resume: Make it easy for hiring managers to contact you.

Your passions: They want to see what lights you up and if you’re a culture fit.

10 Portfolio Tips for Designers

1. Showcase what you love

Choose projects that reflect your passions and the work you want to do more of. Employers can sense enthusiasm—it’s magnetic. Remember, you’re interviewing them, too. Would you enjoy doing this type of work every day?

Passion projects are a must. Get creative with how you present them to make them relatable to your desired industry. For example, in my Sonic Art project, I listened to an album and created art alongside it to capture my synaesthetic mind.

This is my *Sonic Art* passion project—included in my portfolio—where I listen to an entire album and make art alongside it. An attempt to capture my synaesthetic mind 🧠

2. Keep it simple

Make your portfolio easy to navigate:

Use a landscape format to fit screens.
Place your contact details and resume at the front so it’s quick to find.
Stick to 3-5 diverse projects that highlight your strengths and interests.

3. Capture your essence

Include a personal touch that makes you memorable, like a photo or story that reflects your creativity and personality. For example:

Illustrators surrounded by their sketches.
Writers in their favourite writing spots.
A snapshot of you doing what you love.

This human element adds warmth and helps you stand out.

Celebrating the launch of the Create Freely painting series — **Let your personality shine**

Surround yourself with what you love, and let your photo speak on your behalf.
*"WOW. What a vibrant, fun, and creative person! She looks like a great cultural fit. HIRED! ✅”*

Share your story in a way that showcases the most unique and authentic aspects of who you are.

Take Ananda, for example. He knows his name piques curiosity, so he starts by addressing it, inviting you into his personal journey. Instead of focusing solely on achievements, he brings the lessons from his background to the forefront, embracing parts of himself that others might shy away from. It’s these experiences that make his story truly memorable.

What moments have shaped your perspective, and how can you express them in a way that feels genuine to you?

4. Be transparent about your role

Clearly state your contributions to each project. Employers value honesty and teamwork. Explain the challenges, your approach, and the tools you used—but keep it concise. If you collaborated with others, highlight your role without overloading on details.

5. Tailor the format

Your portfolio should have two forms:

A website with 5-10 detailed projects, showcasing your creative process and skills.
A PDF (under 5MB) featuring 3-5 curated projects for quick sharing.

The PDF should be short, impactful, and easy to email. Use tools like InDesign or Figma for the best results.

Your audience is time-poor, so make yourself an easy and no-brainer choice.

6. Spell check!

Errors can make you seem unprofessional, despite what’s true. Triple-check your portfolio for spelling, grammar, and alignment issues—it reflects your attention to detail.

7. Follow up after applying

After submitting your application, follow up with a phone call to introduce yourself. Yes, it’s intimidating, but it makes you memorable and helps move your name to the top of the list.

“Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the [Position] role at [Company Name], and I wanted to follow up to express my enthusiasm for the opportunity to join your team.

I’m particularly inspired by the work you’re doing on [specific project or aspect of their company], and I feel my experience as a [your role] for [number of years] aligns well with the goals of your team. I’m especially passionate about [specific passion or skill relevant to the job], and I’d love the chance to bring that energy to [Company Name].

You can view my portfolio [here] and reach me at [contact info].

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of connecting!

Cheers,
[Your Name]”

8. Use your connections

Leverage LinkedIn and your network for opportunities. Invite people for coffee chats or ask for introductions. Strong recommendations can open doors, so take the initiative to build meaningful relationships.

Download my free Good People Google Sheet to start building your lifelong network.

9. Keep it updated

Update your portfolio every 3 months. Keep a slide deck with links to all your working files so it’s easy to refresh. Don’t wait until you’re job-hunting or desperate—staying organised makes the process less stressful—trust me.

10. Let your work shine

Create a portfolio that authentically reflects your personality, passion, and creativity. Let your story come through in every project, and focus on what you want to be known for.

⛳ Red flags to avoid

❌ Relying on mockups to compensate for weak designs.

❌ Inconsistent quality across projects.

❌ Spelling or punctuation errors.

❌ Poor alignment or layout.

❌ Unclear roles in projects.

✏️ Mockups & font resources

Best design mockups:
Mr. Mockup, The Brand Identity, Yellow Images, Artboard, Pixeden, Layers, Mockup Maison

Best font websites:
Pangram Pangram, Adobe Fonts, Creative Market, Envato

🤌🏻 The final touch

A great portfolio doesn’t just showcase your skills—it tells your story. Be intentional, stay authentic, and craft something that reflects who you are and what you want to do. The effort you put in will attract opportunities that genuinely excite you.

By following these tips, you’ll create a portfolio that gets noticed, sparks curiosity, and lands you the opportunities you deserve.

Through lessons like this, and hiring teams of my own, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of what makes you a no-brainer hire. Here are 10 essential tips to help you craft a portfolio that will get noticed and put you at the top of any hiring list.

Got Q’s? Reach out to me: hello@christieburmester.com

About me

Hey, I’m Christie B 👋

I help creatives find clarity, build confidence, and create work that reflects their passions. Whether you’re looking for tailored advice through a 30-minute coaching discovery call or want to join a supportive community packed with resources to advance your creative career, I’m here to help you move with inspired intention in the industry you love. Subscribe to my newsletter for design tips, career insights, and tools to help you bloom creatively.

10 Portfolio Tips Every Designer Needs to Know