What do you do if your graphic design career lacks a portfolio?

1 Identify your niche

Before you create your portfolio, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of graphic design you want to specialize in, or what kind of projects you want to attract. This will help you narrow down your focus and select the best samples to include. Think about your strengths, interests, and target audience. Do you want to design logos, websites, flyers, posters, or something else? Do you have a specific style, theme, or industry that you prefer? Do you want to work with small businesses, nonprofits, or corporations? These questions will help you define your niche and position yourself as a graphic designer.

2 Create personal projects

One of the easiest ways to fill up your portfolio is to create your own projects based on your niche and preferences. You can use these projects to demonstrate your skills, creativity, and versatility as a graphic designer. For example, you can redesign an existing logo, website, or flyer that you think could be improved. You can create a mockup of a brand identity for a fictional company or organization. You can design a poster for a cause or event that you care about. You can even create a graphic design blog or newsletter to share your insights and tips. The key is to make sure that your personal projects are relevant, original, and high-quality.

3 Volunteer for a cause

Another way to build your portfolio is to volunteer your graphic design services for a cause or organization that you support. This will not only give you a chance to work on real-world projects, but also show your passion and values as a graphic designer. You can look for volunteer opportunities online, or reach out to local nonprofits, charities, or community groups that might need your help. You can offer to design their logo, website, brochure, social media graphics, or any other material that they need. You can also ask for feedback, testimonials, or referrals from the people you work with, which will boost your credibility and network.

4 Take on freelance gigs

If you want to earn some money while building your portfolio, you can take on freelance gigs that match your niche and skills. You can find freelance graphic design jobs on various platforms, such as Upwork, Fiverr, 99designs, or Behance. You can also pitch your services to potential clients directly, or ask your friends, family, or contacts for referrals. Freelance gigs can help you gain more experience, exposure, and confidence as a graphic designer. You can also use them to showcase your professionalism, communication, and problem-solving skills. Just make sure that you deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and respect the client's needs and preferences.

5 Showcase your portfolio

Once you have enough samples to fill up your portfolio, you need to showcase it in a way that attracts and impresses your target audience. You can create your own website, or use a platform like Behance, Dribbble, or PortfolioBox to display your portfolio online. You can also create a PDF or print version of your portfolio, in case you need to present it in person or send it via email. Whichever format you choose, make sure that your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. You should also include your contact information, a brief introduction, and a clear description of each project, highlighting your role, process, and results.