How do you include graphic design trends in your portfolio?

1 Know your audience

The first step to including graphic design trends in your portfolio is to know your audience. Who are you trying to impress or attract with your portfolio? What kind of projects are you interested in? What are the expectations and preferences of your potential clients or employers? Knowing your audience will help you decide which graphic design trends are relevant, appropriate, and appealing for your portfolio.

2 Research the trends

The next step is to research the graphic design trends that are popular, emerging, or influential in your field or niche. You can use online resources, such as blogs, magazines, podcasts, or social media, to find out what's hot and what's not in graphic design. You can also look at the portfolios of other graphic designers that you admire or compete with, and see how they incorporate graphic design trends in their work. Researching the trends will help you stay updated, inspired, and informed about the graphic design scene.

3 Experiment with the trends

The third step is to experiment with the graphic design trends that you find interesting, relevant, or challenging. You can use the trends as a starting point, a reference, or a challenge for your own projects. You can also mix and match different trends, or combine them with your own style, to create something unique and original. Experimenting with the trends will help you develop your skills, creativity, and confidence as a graphic designer.

4 Select the best examples

The fourth step is to select the best examples of your work that demonstrate your use of graphic design trends. You don't have to include every project that you've done with a trend, but choose the ones that showcase your strengths, abilities, and personality. You also don't have to follow every trend, but choose the ones that suit your goals, values, and vision. Selecting the best examples will help you create a portfolio that is consistent, coherent, and compelling.

5 Organize your portfolio

The fifth step is to organize your portfolio in a way that highlights your use of graphic design trends. You can use different methods to organize your portfolio, such as by category, by theme, by client, or by date. You can also use labels, captions, or descriptions to explain how you used the trends in your projects. You can also use different formats, such as websites, PDFs, or videos, to present your portfolio. Organizing your portfolio will help you make a good impression and communicate your message effectively.

6 Update your portfolio

The final step is to update your portfolio regularly with your latest work and the current graphic design trends. Graphic design is a dynamic and evolving field, and you want to show that you are aware of the changes and the opportunities in the industry. You also want to show that you are constantly learning, improving, and experimenting as a graphic designer. Updating your portfolio will help you keep your portfolio fresh, relevant, and attractive.

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?