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Designing your portfolio
Be authentic, be different, be bold
Design is a creative discipline; what we do should always speak for itself, without the need for excessive explanations. A portfolio is a design artifact; It’s not just a place to showcase your work; it’s where people can catch a glimpse of who you are, both as a person and as a designer.
I see many designers building their portfolios just to show what they’ve done, not necessarily to express who they are. In today’s landscape, authenticity is what sets you apart.
In this article, I explore two powerful approaches designers can use to shape their portfolios: treating the portfolio as a story and a tool for reflection. Both offer meaningful ways to express your creative identity and stand out professionally. I also introduce the Visual Intent Matrix (VIM), a method I developed to help design interfaces using distinct visual styles with clarity and purpose.
A glimpse into history
The concept of the portfolio emerged between the 15th and 19th centuries, primarily in the fields of architecture and art. At the time, barons and patrons were on the lookout for outstanding professionals to execute commissions, and it was common for artists to carry a collection of their work to win these opportunities. Since there were no printers or…
