
In this lecture students will learn about the various types of work they should include in their portfolio to show the range and capabilities they have.
We will begin to set up your web portfolio and you can modify it as you go.
Here is the link to the site developer where you can publish a free version.
Find the Wix Website
In order to apply for a position in industry or transfer to a university a portfolio of your work will be required. I understand many of you may have limited work you have done as a student and even more so professionally. You will create a print portfolio. As you complete projects you can update your print portfolio with that content. I recommend coming up with a template that you can use across all projects. So text, images, graphics, etc all have designated areas that you can simply plug in as you create this portfolio. This is in addition to your web site. This is nice to have as a hard copy so you can bring it to potential interviews and meetings. It is also a nice addition for your library.
Documenting work is often overlooked but very critical to ensure you have a library of work that you can select from to create a portfolio. We will review how to keep this task manageable and how it will help you be able to have up to date options to choose from depending on the project, client, or role you are looking to secure.
We will briefly discuss some powerful software that will support in creating your portfolio.
Your Portfolio is Your Golden Ticket, But is it Getting You in the Door?
Here’s the deal: your portfolio isn’t just a collection of pretty pictures, it’s your ticket to landing dream projects, scoring top clients, and making a name for yourself in the creative world. But if it’s not getting recruiters to call, clients to say “yes,” or opportunities to roll in, then it’s not doing its job.
As an architect and creative director, I’ve hired and mentored designers, strategists, and visionaries while managing some of the world’s biggest brands at a global marketing agency. And let me tell you—most portfolios miss the mark. They focus on the wrong things, bury the good stuff, and, worst of all, fail to tell the story that actually sells you.
I created this course because I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t when it comes to getting hired, getting clients, and standing out in a competitive industry.
In this course, I’ll show you:
Why a stunning portfolio isn’t enough and what actually gets you noticed.
The most common mistakes creatives make (and how to fix them).
How to craft a compelling narrative that positions you as a must-hire.
What recruiters, clients, and creative directors REALLY want to see.
How to design a portfolio that makes people say, “We NEED to work with this person!”
Software & Tools
A computer (Mac or PC) with internet access
Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari recommended)
Portfolio platform account (choose at least one):
Wix, Squarespace, Adobe Portfolio, or Webflow (free trials or free plans available)
Design software (optional but recommended):
Canva, Adobe XD, PowerPoint, Figma, or Photoshop for designing layout and images
Materials to Prepare
Your bio or artist/designer statement
At least 3–5 finished projects or samples of your work (images, PDFs, or videos)
Any relevant certifications, resume, or awards you’d like to highlight
A professional headshot or photo (optional, but ideal for the About section)
Mindset & Expectations
Be ready to reflect: You’ll define your goals and target audience early in the course
Curiosity + consistency: We’ll walk step-by-step, so no experience needed, just commitment
Openness to feedback: You’ll be encouraged to self-critique and iterate your portfolio for best results
Forget the tired, cookie-cutter advice you’ve heard before. This isn’t about just looking good it’s about getting results. If you’re ready to build a powerful, strategic, and opportunity-magnet of a portfolio, let’s make it happen. Your dream career is waiting let’s go get it.