Starting a Portfolio

Ah, the ever-elusive portfolio! A word that sounds like it belongs in a leather briefcase or whispered in an art gallery. But at its core a portfolio is simply a collection of your work. A curated showcase of your skills, style, and range. Think of it like your professional mixtape. It’s the “here’s what I can do” visual or written proof, especially for creatives like graphic designers, artists, writers, photographers, and marketers.

Depending on your field, it can include:

• Designs (logos, posters, brand identities)

• Writing samples (copywriting, blog posts, case studies)

• Photography or illustrations

• Campaigns or promotions you helped bring to life

• Video or audio content

• Client testimonials

• Process work — how you got from idea to final product

There's no one right way to present your portfolio, it can be;

1. A Digital Portfolio – often a website or PDF; super shareable and interactive.

2. A Physical portfolio – less common now, but still used for certain in-person interviews or art/design programs.

3. Both

My biggest downfall was getting my portfolio together. After finishing graphic design school, I spent years trying to figure out how to sell myself to the masses. I thought, if I’m wildly appealing to most people, then obviously more people will want to work with me, right?

Wrong.

I got way too in my head about it and ended up facing plenty of criticism for not being exactly what I was advertising. Eventually, I realized something crucial: people crave unique.

If I focus on what I’m genuinely good at and refine my style and my voice, the people will come to me for my art, not some watered-down mimicry of others.

The truth? Anything you create can go into your portfolio. Variety, paired with a personal touch, is the secret sauce that makes your portfolio stand out. I paint, draw, and am learning to digitize my sketches. I sew, do beadwork, and I’m also a cardboard wizard; I once made a storefront out of a box for my dog, complete with brickwork and a pretty little striped roof with scalloped edges. Your diverse creative adventures fuel your portfolio’s authenticity and magnetism.

Here is a list of exemplary artists and designers with beautiful portfolios!

• Jessica Walsh — Known for bold colors and striking typography, Jessica blends design with storytelling in ways that are unmistakably hers. Co-founder of &Walsh, her portfolio is a vibrant playground of emotion and innovation.

• Aaron Draplin — Draplin’s portfolio is a masterclass in rugged, Americana-inspired design. His work embraces imperfections and nostalgia, proving that strong personality in design can carve out a huge niche.

• Paula Scher — A titan of graphic design, Paula’s bold, typographic-heavy style transforms cities and brands alike. Her ability to combine playfulness with precision has made her a legend in the field.

• James Victore — James breaks all the rules with his raw, hand-drawn, and rebellious style. His work feels like a shout from the heart—unfiltered, unique, and unforgettable.

• Yuko Shimizu — Not to be confused with the creator of Hello Kitty, Yuko is a Japanese illustrator based in NYC whose portfolio bursts with dynamic line work and narrative power. She brings traditional techniques into contemporary graphic storytelling.

• Victo Ngai — A master of intricate detail and visual storytelling, Victo weaves fantastical scenes full of whimsy and cultural richness. Her portfolio reads like a lush, animated folktale—each piece layered with emotion and meaning.

• Tom Haugomat — Tom’s minimalist style uses subtle gradients and stark silhouettes to create moody, atmospheric worlds. His work evokes quiet emotion and feels like stills from an artful animated film.

• James Jean — James blends fine art with commercial illustration to create surreal, dreamlike compositions. His portfolio is a visual feast of fluid forms, mythic creatures, and elegant chaos.

• Malika Favre — Malika’s bold, sensual style relies on clean lines and negative space to deliver powerful, minimalist visuals. Her work is instantly recognizable—sophisticated, seductive, and striking.

A portfolio isn’t a resume; it’s your creative fingerprint. Just start adding things to it and carve it out and curate it to what you want to do. Showcase your passions, your experiments, your quirks and most importantly, your unique voice.

Start creating your way, right now. The right clients will find you because your portfolio reflects you.

Thanks so much for reading! Drop a comment if you have questions or tips to share.

XOXO