How to make a Design Portfolio: Structure, Layout, Sample and Steps

Applying for design institutes and wondering what a portfolio is and how to create it? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this article, we will discuss about how to make a Design Portfolio. Read on in detail to understand the dos and don’ts of a portfolio.

Design Portfolio

What is a Design Portfolio?

A design portfolio is a collection of work that gives details of skills, creativity, design thinking, etc. A design portfolio tells the visual story of design aspirants and designers.

It is one of the most important components in the design entrance exams and also for getting internships, placements, freelance projects, and jobs. A strong portfolio focuses on the projects on which you have worked and highlights your skills and talent. It shows how you have approached a project and what you have designed.

Structure and Layout of a Design Portfolio

The ideal length of the portfolio should be 12-18 pages for students and freshers. For professionals, the length of the portfolio can be 15 to 25 pages. The image quality used in the portfolio should be at 300 DPI for print and 150 DPI for digital.

The following structure can be followed  to create a design portfolio:

1. Cover Page: The cover page should include full name, Programme, design specialization, and contact information.
2. Table of Content: This will include a list of projects and page numbers.
3. Introduction: This will include information about you. Add a short bio in 2-3 lines, key skills and tools, and education/professional background summary. You can also include a professional photo. It should be on one page.
4. Featured Projects I: Add your top projects here. Add name of the projects, year, and short description; Add Concept Development, which will include Mood boards, images and sketches. Show the process of work, which will include material used, technical drawings, etc. Then show Final output with high-quality images. At the end, show the outcome, which will include results, impacts, exhibition, and client use. It should be in 3-4 pages.
5. Featured Project II: Use the same structure as done for Project I, but show different skills. For instance, if Project 1 is about a project on textiles, then Project 2 should be on digital print design. It should be in 3-4 pages.
6. Additional Projects: It will include small projects. Show them in 2-3 pages.
7. Skills & Tools: Include a list of design software on which you have worked, like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CAD tools, etc. Also include techniques, if you have any.
8. Achievements & Experience: Add your achievements, like awards, exhibitions, features in publications, and  Instagram. Also, include internships, freelance projects and other collaborations.
9. Contact Page: This will include professional contact information, links to portfolio and social media, etc.

Sample Design Portfolio

The following image gives a fair idea of the Design Portfolio:

Design Portfolio

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Making a Portfolio

Some of the common mistakes that must be avoided while making a design portfolio are:

1. Do not include too many similar kinds of projects. Try to keep a variety of projects.
2. Do not overload the pages with too much text. Keep it short and meaningful. Texts should be clear, neither too big nor too small.
3. Avoid using inconsistent styles and color schemes in your portfolio.
4. Make sure you proofread the portfolio thoroughly before the final day.
5. Have complete information about your project. Do not include anything on which you have no idea. Be truthful in your portfolio.
6. Always use a high-quality PDF version, as they are easy to share.

Steps to make a Design Portfolio

The following steps will help you create a design portfolio:

1. Understand the Aim of your Portfolio
2. Select and highlight your best work
3. Showcase the design process & Final Work
4. Keep the layout clean and consistent
5. Add Personal Information
6. Choose the right Format
7. Tailor it for the Audience
8. Always update it

The above steps are explained below for better understanding:

1. Understand the Aim of your Portfolio: One should know the aim of making a design portfolio. The aim can be different for different people. For a design aspirant, the aim will be to apply to design institutes and colleges, seeking internships, freelance opportunities.

For an experienced person, the aim will be to get a client, projects, switch jobs, etc. If you are clear on this, then this will help you to select the projects.

2. Select and highlight your best work: Always be selective while choosing the projects to be added to the design portfolio. Do not include everything that you have created. Choose 8-12 works that highlight your skills, creativity, and versatility. Try to show that you can do a variety of work.

3. Showcase the design process & Final Work: Always focus on the complete process of the project, not only on the final outcome. Institutes and employers want to know how you think. For each project, explain: Concept Development; Material/Tools; Process/Stages; Final Output.

4. Keep the layout clean and consistent: A design portfolio should be neat and clean. It should have a consistent style and font, balanced white space, high-resolution images, and a clear and crisp explanation for all the work.

5. Add Personal Information: Always tell about yourself in the portfolio. Use only one page for this. It will include name, contact details, design philosophy/style, areas of interest, specialization, and a professional photo.

6. Choose the right Format: Always choose the right format for your design portfolio. Use digital formats for email and online submission. Always have a physical portfolio for interviews and exhibitions. If the setup is hybrid, they have both a digital as well a physical portfolio.

7. Tailor it for the Audience: You should know to whom you are targeting. If you’re applying for an internship in a textile-based organization, then focus more on textile-based projects. Similarly, if you are going for an interview for an institute, showcase the projects you have worked on in your UG and PG programmes. If you’re applying for undergraduate programmes, like B.Des, BFA, B.F. Tech, then you can include projects which you have done in schools, paintings created, crafts done, exhibitions, and internships, if any.

8. Always update it: Keep on updating your design portfolio. It should be dynamic and must go with the trend and the latest projects.