How can you create a portfolio design that balances simplicity and complexity?

1 Define your goals

Before you start designing your portfolio, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with it. What kind of projects do you want to feature? Who is your target audience? What impression do you want to make? Your goals will guide your design decisions and help you focus on the most relevant and impactful aspects of your work.

2 Choose a layout

A layout is the arrangement of elements on your portfolio pages, such as images, text, and navigation. A good layout should be easy to scan, navigate, and understand. It should also reflect your style and personality. There are many layout options to choose from, such as grid, masonry, carousel, or single page. You can use a template or create your own custom layout. The key is to find a balance between simplicity and complexity, avoiding clutter and confusion, but also adding some variety and interest.

3 Use whitespace

Whitespace is the empty space between and around the elements on your portfolio pages. It can help you create a sense of hierarchy, contrast, and harmony in your design. Whitespace can also make your portfolio look more professional, elegant, and spacious. You can use whitespace to emphasize your best work, separate different sections, and guide the eye of the viewer. Whitespace is not wasted space, but a powerful design tool to balance simplicity and complexity.

4 Select your colors

Colors can convey emotions, moods, and messages in your portfolio design. They can also create contrast, harmony, and coherence in your design. You can use colors to highlight your brand identity, showcase your creativity, or match the tone of your projects. You can choose a color scheme that is monochromatic, analogous, complementary, or triadic. You can also use color accents to draw attention to certain elements or create a focal point. The trick is to use colors wisely and sparingly, avoiding too many or too bright colors that can distract or overwhelm the viewer.

5 Pick your fonts

Fonts are another important element of your portfolio design. They can communicate your style, personality, and voice as a graphic designer. They can also affect the readability, legibility, and attractiveness of your portfolio. You can use fonts to create contrast, hierarchy, and consistency in your design. You can choose fonts that are serif, sans serif, script, or decorative. You can also mix and match fonts to create interest and diversity. However, you should limit the number of fonts you use to two or three, and make sure they complement each other and your portfolio theme.

6 Showcase your work

The most essential part of your portfolio design is your work. You need to select your best and most relevant projects to display on your portfolio. You need to show the quality, diversity, and originality of your work. You also need to tell the story behind your work, explaining your process, challenges, and solutions. You can use images, videos, animations, or interactive elements to showcase your work. You can also use captions, testimonials, or case studies to provide more context and details. You should aim to create a portfolio that is simple, but not boring; complex, but not chaotic; and above all, impressive and memorable.

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?