2. Showcasing Too Much Work

For best practice:

• Showcase 12-15 of your strongest and most recent projects: Keep your site organized and easy to navigate. • Emailing your CV: Include a short 5-6 page PDF attachment with the strongest pieces relevant to the job. Avoid large-size PDFs. • Portfolio spring clean: Update your portfolio/website yearly, especially for freelancers actively looking for clients. Set reminders to add new projects every 3 or 6 months. Sometimes, updating the imagery of an older project can make it look fresh.

3. Lack of Variety in Work

A graphic designer’s job is to create visuals to sell a product, service, or promote a message. Including a variety of projects in your portfolio makes your skills more valuable and increases your employability.

• Work on various design briefs: Include branding, posters, packaging, etc. • Develop your style: The more you work, the more recognizable your style becomes, and you’ll naturally develop a passion for certain projects.

4. Not Showing Enough Work

Applying for jobs without sufficient experience can be a waste of time and mentally draining. A portfolio with less than eight pieces indicates a lack of skill.

• Build a strong portfolio: Aim for at least 12-15 designs to improve your creative thinking and design tool usage. • Work on practice briefs: This helps you get better at handling creative projects. • Use fake clients or volunteer: Ask friends or family if they need design work. • No big clients needed: Your portfolio can showcase smaller projects and still get you hired.

5. Applying for Jobs Not Aligned with Their Portfolio

Many designers use generic templates without thought. Tailoring your portfolio and CV for each job application shows recruiters you’re capable of doing the job.

• Customize your portfolio and CV: Tailor them for each job application. This increases your chances of being hired. • Focus on relevant work: If applying for a brand design role, showcase more logo and branding work. For web design roles, highlight your UX/UI designs. For stationery companies, show designs for greeting cards, patterns, packaging, etc.