What's the best way to build and keep a portfolio of advertising design?

1 Choose your best work

Your portfolio should include a selection of your best and most relevant projects, not everything you've ever done. Aim for quality over quantity, and focus on the work that demonstrates your creativity, problem-solving, and technical abilities. Choose projects that match the type of advertising design you want to do, whether it's print, digital, or mixed media. And make sure your work is up to date and reflects current trends and standards.

2 Organize your portfolio

Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and showcase your work in a clear and attractive way. You can organize your portfolio by category, client, or campaign, depending on what makes sense for your work. You can also use tags, filters, or keywords to help visitors find what they're looking for. And don't forget to include a brief introduction, a contact page, and a resume or bio that highlights your education, experience, and achievements.

3 Showcase your process

Your portfolio should not only show the final results of your work, but also the process behind it. This can help you demonstrate your thinking, research, and strategy skills, as well as your ability to work with briefs, feedback, and deadlines. You can showcase your process by adding sketches, wireframes, mockups, or prototypes to your portfolio, along with captions or explanations that describe your goals, challenges, and solutions. You can also include testimonials, awards, or metrics that show the impact of your work.

4 Update your portfolio regularly

Your portfolio should be a living document that reflects your growth and development as an advertising designer. You should update your portfolio regularly with new and relevant work, and remove or archive older or less relevant work. You should also check your portfolio for any errors, broken links, or outdated information, and make sure it works well on different devices and browsers. Updating your portfolio regularly can help you keep your skills fresh, showcase your versatility, and attract new opportunities.

5 Promote your portfolio

Your portfolio should be visible and accessible to your target audience, whether it's clients, employers, or peers. You should promote your portfolio through various channels, such as social media, online platforms, networking events, or referrals. You should also optimize your portfolio for search engines, by using keywords, titles, and descriptions that match your niche and industry. Promoting your portfolio can help you increase your exposure, build your reputation, and generate leads.

6 Seek feedback and improvement

Your portfolio should be a reflection of your continuous learning and improvement as an advertising designer. You should seek feedback and improvement from different sources, such as mentors, colleagues, clients, or online communities. You should also review your portfolio periodically and assess your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your goals and aspirations. Seeking feedback and improvement can help you refine your portfolio, enhance your skills, and advance your career.

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?