Building your portfolio to prove you can make it
Guidance for creatives, techies, and writers alike
Something I drill into my university students studying computing and software development is that they should try to build a portfolio.
In essence, what I mean by that is that they should think about everything that they do on their course and see whether it can be turned into something that can showcase their knowledge and experience.
The worst-case scenario for a student is to get to the end of their studies and have nothing tangible to show for it, other than a piece of paper that says they achieved a bachelors degree.
Whether you’re trying to get a job, looking for freelance gigs, or wanting to set up your own business, a portfolio affords credibility. Would you hire someone who has a blank CV? Well, it depends, but it’s unlikely.
Is a CV the same as a portfolio?
Having just mentioned the dreaded Curriculum Vitae, it makes sense to ask the question: is a portfolio simply a CV?
The short answer is no.
A CV follows a fairly standard format, regardless of your industry or what you do. You have your personal details, your educational history, your professional experience, maybe a couple of references and anything else that might set you apart from anyone else.
A portfolio is more of a creative representation of your body of work and/or experience.
In the creative industries, it seems obvious to have a more creative portfolio. The way you present your portfolio itself is a testament to your creative abilities and almost a project in its own right.
There is no shortage of impressive portfolios belonging to “designers”.
It can be a struggle for those in more technical industries such as software engineering or web development to open themselves up to a more creative approach to their portfolio.
There are some good examples out there, though. Laurence Bradford collected a nice list here:
Some more examples here, curated by Brandon Morelli:
What about writers?
If you are a writer who has been writing for ten years, honing your craft, quietly and efficiently pouring your soul into your work, would you like to have a record of all that effort?
Of course you would. I know I would.
For now, I have created a Medium post that collects my writing history together in one place. It’s nothing fancy, but it does the job for now. It’s constantly evolving as my work evolves.
I haven’t migrated towards a standalone website yet but that’s definitely part of the longer-term plan!
Why bother with a portfolio?
Do it for yourself first. For the sense of achievement. For the feeling it gives you to be able to step back and admire your work. For the perspective it offers when you need to reflect on how far you’ve come.
Second, do it for others. Showcase your work to prove your abilities as well as your longevity. Do you think a prospective agent or publisher may be interested in whether you have a solid track record or not?
That’s where your portfolio comes in. Better get building!
Don’t know where to start?
Feel free to reach out as I may be able to offer some help and advice.
While you’re here, sign up to my ever-so-literary mailing list. Go on, I dare ya!
