Online portfolios are a great way to showcase your skills to future employers! We previously discussed the importance of a portfolio in “What Employers Look For in Your Portfolio” and what it takes to stand out. Taking the time to create an online portfolio is essential to conveying your skills, knowledge, and experience to potential employers. Effectively, it will demonstrate your range, execution, and capability - giving you the competitive edge.

In order to create a successful online portfolio, you must exude simplicity, focus, and success.

We want to see you thrive! Here is a how-to guide on creating your own professional online portfolio:

Step 1: Preparation

Gather the basics! You've got your computer and a large coffee - you’re ready to go. Now is the time to carefully choose your best pieces of work. By choosing a variety of strong projects, tailored to the work you are looking to get commissioned for, you are demonstrating the value you would bring to the table. Edit your work - your portfolio is only as good as your weakest project.

Step 2: Tell Your Story

Presentation is key! Your portfolio should display a back story for each project from initial concept to the finished project. Showing the conceptualization of your work with a title and a short, captivating paragraph gives the reader more details, keeping them engaged and giving insight into your process.

Step 3: At First Glance

Captivate the reader with eye-catching imagery for your project covers. Although it does not need to be a custom design, covers should be unifying.

Step 4: Simplicity

Even though you should choose projects you can confidently discuss with future employers, you should also construct the portfolio to make sense to the viewer. Having a simple and user-friendly online portfolio will enhance your work as the focal point. It is easy to get caught up in the design and interface of the website, however, simplicity eliminates extra distraction and highlights your work.

Step 5. Reinvent Your Resume

• Have a clear point of view. As a creative designer, it is important to have a clear and developed perspective.

• Conceptualize to the reader the back story on how you developed your point of view.

• Exude relatability with hobbies and interests. Don't be shy, tell them a little about yourself.

• When discussing your experience, correlate them to your connections in the industry such as notable publications or clients.

Step 6. Take Advantage

We recommend utilizing online portfolio creators and discovery sites, like Adobe Portfolio and Behance, not only for their easy and professional interface but also for their additional elements. You have the option to add social sharing buttons, contact forms, services, or blog pages which can be included to give your portfolio an edge. Be sure to incorporate call-to-actions that link to your contact page.

Step 7. Keep It Fresh

Don't forget to update your portfolio regularly with new and better work!

Step 8. Final Thoughts

• Create a logo and make sure it is placed in an easy-to-spot location.
• Construct a tag line that is short and snappy, summarizing what you do.
• Use high-resolution images.
• Put tags into your work to improve discoverability and increase your chances of being found.
• Give credit to those who have helped you.
• Be clear and precise, but also personable.

Congratulations! Now that you have a guide on how to create an online portfolio, you can start the process! If you have any questions, comment below - we’ll get back to you shortly!

After Thoughts:

Interested in starting a career in design? Check out the programs Touro GST has to offer: