Top Tips to Build Your Web Design Portfolio

One of the first lessons everyone learns in life is that first impressions matter. As a web designer, your websites can make their first impressions in a matter of seconds. That is all it takes for a user of the website you design to decide whether they like it or not, and whether they would ever visit your website again. Working as a web designer, thus, combines equal parts of hard coding knowledge as well as having a keen eye for beautiful design and layouts. A good web design portfolio of samples of your work is an essential piece in building your brand and establishing your reputation as a designer. This is particularly important if you are relatively new in the business of web design or if you are looking for your next gig. Even if you already have a portfolio, it is worth looking it over and revamping it from time to time to keep it looking fresh and always showcasing your best work. To help you build a stellar portfolio, we would like to establish some general guidelines that can make this task easy as pie. Check out 50 brilliant design portfolios.

First, your portfolio should clearly convey your design style. This is what makes you unique and sets you apart from other designers. Accordingly, make sure to include pieces that highlight your main skills and areas of expertise. Ideally, you should include website that show your range of knowledge. One way to achieve this is to become your fiercest critic and editor. Include only those pieces of work you absolutely love. If you are not completely satisfied with a particular sample of your work, is best to leave it out. Remember a common saying, you are only as good as the last job you completed. Another helpful rule to consider is to convey a story behind your work. While often a picture is worth a thousand words, this is one instance where including specific details of your work process and the method you followed to create that piece can be helpful to your potential client to determine if your style works for them. This is also an opportunity to show your experience and skills, but remember to be brief so as not to overwhelm your viewers. Lastly, update your portfolio as your own career and experience develop. Treat your portfolio as if it were part of your resume because, in a way, it is. With your portfolio, you are creating your own brand, so think about what special skills and experience you offer. Since your experience changes with time, you should keep curating the pieces you include in your portfolio and let it evolve to keep it current and relevant.

Your objective is to attract new clients. Keeping these guidelines in mind goes a long way in creating a dazzling portfolio to help you expand your client list. For inspiration, do not forget to check out the portfolio available at Web Design Northern KY, where you will find examples of these guidelines in action, as well as ideas and information about how to implement Search Engine Optimization Northern KY.