Here's how you can refresh your portfolio when transitioning careers.

1 Revise Basics

Before diving into the creative aspects, start by revising the basics of your portfolio. This means ensuring that your contact information is up to date and that your resume is polished and professional. Include a clear and engaging biography that reflects your passion for interior design and highlights any relevant experience, even from other industries. Your portfolio should be easy to navigate, with a clean layout that allows your work to take center stage. Remember, the goal is to make a strong first impression that will encourage viewers to delve deeper into your work.

2 Curate Projects

When refreshing your portfolio, carefully curate which projects to include. Choose work that not only displays your talent but also aligns with the direction you wish to take in your new career path. This may mean omitting certain projects that no longer represent your current style or objectives. Aim for a diverse range of work that demonstrates versatility, such as residential, commercial, or sustainable design projects. Quality over quantity is key—highlight your best work that shows off your design range and depth.

3 Update Skills

Your portfolio should reflect your current skill set, especially if you have gained new competencies that are sought after in the interior design industry. If you've learned new software programs like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or 3D modeling tools, make sure to showcase projects where these were utilized. Additionally, if you've taken any recent courses or certifications, include them to demonstrate your commitment to staying current and competitive in the field.

4 Visual Narrative

Creating a compelling visual narrative in your portfolio can set you apart. Use high-quality images and include a variety of shots—wide angles, close-ups, before-and-after comparisons—to tell the story of each project. Accompany these visuals with brief but informative descriptions that explain the design process, challenges faced, and how you addressed client needs. This storytelling approach not only showcases your technical skills but also your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

5 Personal Branding

Personal branding is crucial in the interior design industry. Your portfolio should communicate your unique design style and philosophy. This could be through a consistent color scheme, typography, or layout that ties your work together. Think about what differentiates you from other designers—maybe it's your innovative use of space or your commitment to sustainable practices—and make sure this is evident throughout your portfolio. Your personal brand should resonate with the type of clients or employers you're targeting in your career transition.

6 Feedback Loop

Lastly, don't underestimate the value of feedback. Share your updated portfolio with trusted colleagues or mentors within the industry and ask for their honest opinions. Constructive criticism can help you refine your presentation further. Additionally, observing how others interact with your portfolio can provide insights into user experience improvements. Use this feedback loop as an opportunity to polish and perfect your portfolio to ensure it truly represents the best of what you have to offer as a transitioning interior designer.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?