All graphic designers know the importance of a strong portfolio. It is the first impression a client has of your work, and they can make or break a deal. A well-curated portfolio can distinguish between landing your dream job and being passed over to someone else.

Like it or not, your graphic design portfolio is one of the essential pieces of your marketing arsenal.

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But what do you do if you don't have a lot of professional work to include in your portfolio? Don't worry. There are still ways to make your portfolio stand out from the rest. 

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In this blog post, we'll share some tips on getting started and creating a portfolio that will help you stand out from the competition. So whether you're just getting started or looking for ways to improve your current portfolio, read on for some helpful advice.

Build your personal brand.

It's not simply having a solid portfolio that will impress potential clients; how you present yourself to them is an opportunity to show them some of your work. As a graphic designer, having a strong brand identity will make you appear much more professional.

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To be a successful graphic designer, you must have a solid personal brand. Don't be afraid to show off your talents and style in your presentation.

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Include a prominent personal logo or name at the top of the initial page or website. Spend some time thinking about your design style and how you may represent it in your portfolio. Your design style may incorporate bolder colours, a more visual approach, or handwritten typography. Regardless of which approach you select, make an effort to include those elements across your portfolio.

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Also, ensure your portfolio includes a high-quality, professional photo of yourself. The viewer acquires trust due to this and the unique brand features.

Know your audience.

It can be tempting to try to appeal to everyone when you're starting out. But to create a portfolio that will really wow potential clients, you need to focus on your target audience.

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One way to do this is by having a niche. When you specialize in one area, you can become known for your work in that particular field. Not only will this make you more attractive to clients looking for someone with your specific skill set, but it will also make it easier for you to curate your portfolio.

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If you're not sure what your specialty is, think about the type of work you enjoy doing most or the projects that have been the most successful. Once you've identified your niche, focus on including only those types of projects in your portfolio.

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Another way to focus your portfolio is by targeting a specific type of client. You can tailor your portfolio to appeal to them when you know who you want to work with.

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For example, if you're hoping to attract small businesses as clients, you might want to include projects that showcase your ability to create branding materials like logos and business cards. On the other hand, if you're looking to work with larger organisations, you might want to focus on more complex projects like website design or infographics.

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No matter who you're trying to appeal to, make sure your portfolio is targeted and relevant. The last thing you want is for potential clients to take one look at your portfolio and move on to someone else.

Feature your sharpest, most impressive collection of designs.

When a client asks to see your portfolio, they're looking for proof that you have the skills and experience to complete their project successfully.

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This means that you need to feature your best work in an easy-to-find and navigate way.

Most portfolios are organised by project, so start by grouping your similar designs. If you have a lot of diverse design work, try to create categories such as branding, web design, or print design. This will help potential clients quickly find examples of the type of work they're interested in.

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Once you've grouped your projects, it's time to select which ones to include in your portfolio. When making this decision, always choose the side of quality over quantity. Include only your sharpest, most impressive designs, and make sure they represent the type of work you want to be doing.

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If you're starting out, don't worry if you don't have a lot of professional work to showcase. You can still include personal projects, side hustles, or design challenges in your portfolio. The important thing is that your work is substantial and speaks to your skills as a designer.

Use an impactful layout.

Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and visually appealing. Remember, first impressions matter, so you want to make sure your portfolio makes a good one.

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There are a few key things to keep in mind when selecting a layout for your portfolio. First, consider how you want to organise your work. Do you want to showcase projects by category, date, or client? Make sure the layout is easy to understand and use.

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Next, take a look at the overall design of your portfolio. Is it clean and minimalistic or more playful and colourful? There's no right or wrong answer, but make sure the design reflects your personal brand and style.

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Finally, pay attention to the details. Are the fonts easy to read? Is the navigation straightforward? Can visitors quickly find what they're looking for? These may seem like small things, but they can make a big difference in how users interact with your portfolio.

Include a mix of case studies and examples.

As a designer, you have a lot of different skills and experience to offer potential clients. To show off your versatility, include a mix of case studies and examples in your portfolio.

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Case studies are great for giving an in-depth look at your design process and the results you were able to achieve for a specific client. They're also a great way to show off your writing and communication skills.

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On the other hand, examples are perfect for highlighting your technical skills and showing off what you're capable of as a designer. When choosing examples, make sure to select designs that are visually arresting and showcase your unique style.

Update your portfolio.

A portfolio is never really "finished." As you gain new skills and experiences, be sure to update your portfolio accordingly. This will show potential clients that you're always learning and growing as a designer.

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It's also a good idea to periodically review your existing work and remove anything that no longer represents your skills or style. This will help ensure that your portfolio is always fresh and up-to-date.

Conclusion

If you're a graphic designer just starting out, or want to revamp your old portfolio, Dzyn Space is a free Canva alternative and is the perfect platform for you. With its easy-to-use interface and wide range of templates, you can create beautiful designs and portfolios in minutes.

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All you need is an account, which you can sign up for free. With Dzyn Space, you'll have everything you need to create a portfolio that will make potential clients take notice. 

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Start designing today!