What is a Creative Portfolio and How to Make one?

Whether you are just starting a career or are already a professional, you need to have your own portfolio.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is like a visual calling card that connects you with clients. Having a portfolio is highly beneficial. It lets you market yourself to potential clients and employers. When applying for a job, a portfolio can help showcase your work, skills, and talent - all in one place. This is why it is essential that you put effort into carefully making a portfolio that shows you off in the best way possible.

How to make a good portfolio?

An ideal portfolio needs to have a collection of your work samples. These samples need to highlight your strength and talent. It needs to show work that you are proud of. However, ensure that your portfolio doesn't contain too much unnecessary content information that can lead to confusion.

Now let's move on to the content in your creative portfolio. Read on to know how to make your portfolio stand out amongst others. Here are five ways you can improve your portfolio.

1. Showcase your best work! Your portfolio needs to have quality over quantity. Don't include everything that you have worked on. Instead, focus on your best achievements. You can include ones that are unique or have won awards. Make sure that these showcase your talent and skillset. Do not put random, unrelated work. You can add personal work as well, provided it is relevant.

2. Make it interesting! You want your client/employer to keep reading your portfolio. If it doesn't flow well or is unclear, this will not happen. Focus on the big picture. It is all well and good to go into details of each work you add to your portfolio. But it needs to look good and flow well overall. Hence, in addition to showing your best work, you can add your thought process or maybe steps you took to achieve the final result. This will provide some clarity and boast about your work style and ethics. Use high-resolution content. Add an explanation on the side about your role in creating the respective content.

3. Show diversity. Your portfolio needs to show all of your skills, not just one. If all your work looks too similar, the client may think you are good at only one type of project/aesthetic. It could seem like your creativity is limited. Opt for variety. Mix and match and ensure your capabilities stand out.

4. Keep updating your portfolio. Your portfolio needs to be up-to-date. Ideally, update it every couple of months or after a significant project, you would like to add. The sooner you do it, the better is your recollection of the content. Thus, you will be able to add relevant details about the project better. It would also help you not get overwhelmed. Additionally, you will not have to scramble to dig up old content every time you apply for a new job. If the client sees no newer content, they could assume you haven't done anything notable recently.

5. Add your contact details. Adding your contact details simplifies the follow-up process. You can also add your CV and mission statement.

   Now that you know how to make a portfolio - get started on making one and apply for that job you want! Check out exciting jobs at Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation). All the best!