How can you create a visual communication portfolio that fosters community and belonging?

1 Choose your platform

The first step to create a visual communication portfolio is to choose a platform that suits your needs and preferences. You can use a website, a blog, a social media account, or a digital tool to host your portfolio. The platform should allow you to upload, organize, and display your visual communication work in a clear and attractive way. It should also enable you to share your portfolio with your internal audience and receive feedback. Some examples of platforms are WordPress, Squarespace, Behance, or SlideShare.

2 Select your work

The next step is to select the visual communication work that you want to include in your portfolio. You should choose work that demonstrates your skills, creativity, and impact in internal communications. You should also consider the relevance, diversity, and quality of your work. You want to showcase work that aligns with your organization's goals, values, and identity, as well as work that reflects your own style and voice. You also want to include work that covers different types of visual communication, such as infographics, videos, presentations, or newsletters. And you want to ensure that your work is polished, professional, and error-free.

3 Tell your story

The third step is to tell your story through your visual communication portfolio. You should not only display your work, but also explain the context, purpose, and outcome of each project. You should also highlight your role, contribution, and learning in each project. This will help you showcase your value and expertise as a visual communicator, as well as your personal and professional growth. You can use captions, descriptions, testimonials, or case studies to tell your story and showcase your results.

4 Update your portfolio

The fourth step is to update your portfolio regularly. You should keep your portfolio fresh and current by adding new work, removing outdated work, and updating your information. This will help you maintain your relevance and credibility as a visual communicator, as well as showcase your continuous improvement and innovation. You should also review your portfolio periodically and ask for feedback from your colleagues, managers, or mentors. This will help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, as well as learn from others' perspectives and experiences.

5 Promote your portfolio

The fifth step is to promote your portfolio within your organization. You should not keep your portfolio hidden or private, but rather share it with your internal audience and invite them to engage with it. You can use different channels and strategies to promote your portfolio, such as email, intranet, newsletter, or social media. You can also use your portfolio as a tool for networking, collaboration, or recognition. By promoting your portfolio, you can increase your visibility and influence as a visual communicator, as well as foster community and belonging among your audience.

6 Inspire your audience

The final step is to inspire your audience through your visual communication portfolio. You should not only inform and persuade your audience, but also motivate and empower them. You can use your portfolio as a source of inspiration, education, or action for your audience. You can also use your portfolio as a way to celebrate your achievements, express your gratitude, or share your vision. By inspiring your audience, you can create a positive and lasting impact as a visual communicator, as well as build trust and rapport with your audience.

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?