You may have entered the world of independence. Or to open up a new way of work. Or even rename it to produce new clients. It can be hard to give up luxury and the 9-to-5 benefits, but working freely can be a satisfying journey. Taking this leap is not easy (I should know, I took a step last year and received huge rewards), but you will learn a lot about yourself and open up job opportunities in new industries and products that you never thought to work for. Getting started with freelancing requires open communication with current and future customers. If you know your target audience, they will lead you in the right direction. Before I started doing freelance work, I was cold-calling several potential customers to understand exactly what they were looking for. Here’s what I’ve learned about creating a customer-focused portfolio that will give you the jobs you want.
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Know why a portfolio is important
There is so much more to a good portfolio than a good structure, content, or impressive “About” page. This is your chance to show your customers who you are — your work, your work, your style, and your love — without any misinterpretation. Direct and explicit communication with both words and images is necessary for clients to browse your site quickly while getting the information they need to decide to contact you.
Portfolio design scrolling directly through balances
Portfolios say who you are
Clients want to find the right person, so they need to know your role immediately. Are you a creative director, graphic designer, cinematographer, or all of the above? Mention your title aloud and be proud. Don’t be afraid to take ownership of it. Your role should be visible.
Your role will shape how your viewer navigates your portfolio. For example, if you claim to be an art director, your client will evaluate how you have successfully integrated the idea for your projects.
Portfolios show what you do
You have your style as well as your customers. Show that style in your design portfolio in one of two ways.
First, choose to be an expert. Establish beauty, style, and brand that is recognizable for you. For example, the Pswizzard logo designs below show a different vintage style that will attract clients who are particularly looking for this particular niche. If you show special work, you will probably attract projects that fit perfectly with your style preferences.
Or you can take the initiative to be gentle in style. Clients will see that you are familiar with several design styles that vary depending on the project, industry, or product.
Yet he decides to introduce himself, always presenting a work that makes it shine. Ask yourself which projects have delivered the needle to you in your work.
Was the job the work of a world-famous client? This can energize your product.
Was the assignment limited? This shows that you can think outside the box.
Are your photos and videos high quality and attractive? This will show that you have high creative standards.
And don’t show off the work you did five years ago if you weren’t breathing your beauty or your current direction. Remember: your portfolio should convey how your work fits the needs of your customers.
Portfolios show why you do it
Use your portfolio to show what you like. If you are a moviegoer who loves fairy tales and science, get in touch. If your heart is lying in a non-profit field, say it clearly. Embed these statements on your project description page to show your clients your commitment to your interests and values.
Identify your industry
While it is good to be open to anyone who can write you a payment, identifying a particular industry will benefit you in the long run.
Start by researching your industry. Get an industry newsletter that gives you the latest information about the latest trends. Meet people in the industry. Connect with other creators — online and offline — to discuss customer-favorite trends.
Once you know your industry better, you can specify what services you provide and show only the work that falls into that industry. Remember, people are eager to work with people who have specific skills.
A great way to showcase resources and industries in Damir K.’s portfolio
Examples of your portfolio will make or break your career prospects. Know what projects you need to show with an understanding of your intended audience. In the example above, photographer Damir K. is very focused on showing his audience the service he provides and his unique ability: the beauty industry. He keeps his portfolio very straightforward with solid images and client credit.
If you are a designer working in many industries, filter your work in your portfolio by sector.
You could also consider introducing course events and marketing programs. These can inform your future employer that you can not only deliver goods but also show that your work has been impacted. Examples of lessons help answer questions such as:
How is your work different?
Is your solution different from what you have already done?
Is this project restarting?
What makes you different from others?
If you are just getting started, don’t be afraid. Examples of lessons are not the end-all in your portfolio, but as you go along consider gathering the data you need to add this.
Capture your audience (in less than 5 seconds)
Web Design was created by DLD Studio.
He told potential clients who he was and included examples of the best work you could do. Now is the time to add a finishing touch and create a coherent and attractive portfolio structure. Remember: clients search for tons of portfolios.
Large portfolios maintain consistent design elements such as visual unity, balance, proportions, and brightness. But they also spread your ideas and style. Your design should draw people to your world, show your personality through your work and give people a chance to better understand who you are.
Pink shadows are a colorful pop of color, while white space creates a space for breathing so that the work meets the page. By design alone, DLD seems to be the most playful design studio that works best in the fashion and beauty industries.
Once connected, clients need to know who you are. Do not dig them all around. The first things you should see in your latest (and most impressive) work, are your skills and your communication skills.
Keep project descriptions and captions at least. DLD Studio only provides the necessary details such as the center (e.g. web layout, animation, thumbnail, etc.) and client, as well as a solid image.
Large portfolios always take very little. Communicate intentionally and accurately. Do not pressure your viewers with too much work and too many words to make them lose sight of what they are watching.
