First, some portfolio basics:

  • Nobody has all the answers. People disagree quite a bit about portfolios. There are some things people agree on. So, pay attention to those and then judiciously choose among the others.
  • You should be the active party in your work descriptions (especially for school projects). Find alternatives to “I was assigned to…”
  • Tell a story. Show your work’s process and show/tell how you worked within a project’s parameters to get to the finished piece.
  • Show the work as a real thing (whatever that thing happens to be). Don’t show a PDF of a book or brochure. Take (or mock up) a photo of it printed. If it’s a web/digital project, convincingly mock it up on a phone/computer screen.

Online/website vs. Print vs. PDF?

  • Preferably all.
  • At least have a portfolio online + a PDF you can send someone.

How much work?

3–10 pieces.

Which work?

  • Choose your best work.
  • Choose work relevant to the job/internship you’re applying to if possible.

Requirements across all media

  • Visual/Layout Consistency
  • Visual/Aesthetic Resolve
  • Clear Labeling
  • Storytelling/Process/Case Study

Read these guides to portfolios for more info:

UX Design Portfolio: Best Practices

9 Design Portfolio Tips and Tricks from a Hiring Manager

4 easy steps to create a beautiful design portfolio