When looking for a job, we sometimes find ourselves getting caught up with job boards, stressing about interviews, and asking ourselves big life questions – nine to five or freelance? Small studio or corporate? And in some cases – am I even any good? With so many things on our plate, we sometimes forget that design is all about the presentation. The way we present ourselves – not just our individual projects, but who we are as job candidates and designers – makes a difference, and it’s up to us to shape the story that we choose to tell. A key element in this process is, naturally, building your design portfolio. Creating a strong portfolio is an important task that, when approached correctly, can present you and your skills at their very best. Here’s what you need to consider in order to convey a cohesive message with your design portfolio – and nail that job you really wanted.

Be your own client

Before getting into any of the actual designing, take the time to think about what it is that you want to get out of your portfolio. Since you’re both the designer and the client in this project, start by doing what clients do best: write down your own brief, to ensure that you get started on the right path.

Answer these two questions in your portfolio brief: