5 Steps To Turn Your Multifaceted Design Career into A Focused Portfolio That Wins

For years, you juggled interior design projects like sequins at a disco ball: all shapes, sizes, and sparkles.

You hustled, paid the bills, and built a diverse design portfolio.

But now, with competition fiercer than ever, your portfolio feels less curated collection of work, and more like… clearance sale.

Don't worry, here's how you can create a focused and visually appealing portfolio that showcases your talent without discarding years of work:

First, don't throw every project into your portfolio.

Just like how you tell your client not to hang every painting they own on the same wall.

When you intend to follow a niche, select your projects that truly ring it. Even if you only have 3 projects that fit this niche, it is okay.

When you feature fewer projects, you give more room for people to dive deeper into each.

Second, show your design process.

Take clients on a journey of how you complete a project. That means, from the initial concept to the final design.

This tells the story of your problem-solving skills and collaborative spirit. Clients see you as a problem-solver, not just a draftsman or a decorator.

While people appreciate your behind-the-scene effort more, your potential partnership becomes easier.

→ Check out Sheryl Chai Sweet Yee's portfolio which gives clients the full context for every concept and design she developed:

Third, highlight the key elements of your project.

There are many things you can include in your portfolio.

But Olga Sorokina award-winning interior designer and founder of the Online School of Sketching, offers her invaluable insights. They are:

• Your moodboards & sketches:

Through moodboards & sketches, you are giving them the possibilities of how their dreams start to take shape.

Clients like them as this ability to draw makes them think that you’re an artist. They can also take a glimpse into your creative mind, and it helps to build trust.

• AutoCAD drawings:

While clients may not decipher every line, AutoCAD drawings demonstrate that you have technical skills.

Precise measurements and detailed plans convey professionalism and attention to detail. They show you've studied the space, ensuring its structure and function support your design vision.

• 3D Visuals:

Clients love them and expect them in your portfolio because 3D visuals allow them to tap into the emotional core of your design.

You don't just show the visually appealing images, you are telling the story. The sunlight dancing on textures, the warmth of a crackling fireplace... are the storytelling elements that make your design much more personal and relatable to your clients.

This emotional connection makes them fall in love with your work and helps seal the deal.

→ Check out Katie Janes' portfolio which demonstrates a vivid collection of her sketches, plans, and 3D visuals.

Four, walk your client through your first point of view:

Just like how you invite a guest into your house, your portfolio isn't just a collection of images, it's an extension of you.

Let your passion for design and personality shine through every word and visual. This will help clients connect with you on a deeper level and understand the unifying thread that runs through all your work.

→ Check out Ken Fulk's portfolio which each project is introduced as an adventure through his eyes - creating unforgettable experiences for clients from beginning to end:

Five, take advantage of the projects outside your niche

If you're working in multiple categories, or not sure of your niche, you can create sub-portfolios.

This way, clients can see the answer to what they need. While you still maintain a cohesive brand identity within each sub-portfolio.

For big projects that are not your favorite, there are ways to showcase them outside the main show - read here to see how interior designers are utilizing projects in their social media content, case studies, and more.

→ Check out Romanek Design Studio's portfolio. Although described as a studio with "no stamp look" - they divided their best projects into sub-categories that answer directly to clients' needs:

So you see, your diversity is not exactly a weakness. You just need to curate your work experience and use them in the right way.

Curate, be personal, stay true to your values, and build a portfolio that wins.

Are you struggling with 3D visuals that truly present your designs?

DM me for a FREE 30-min call. Let's discuss your projects and resolve your concerns.

See you in the DMs,

Selena Tran

Co-founder & Studio head of TWG Studio