![]() ![]() The easiest way to get started is to work on your own projects. Also, I should point out that doing projects for free doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to do things for other people or businesses. But if you have absolutely no experience in the creative field that you’re trying to go into, doing things for free is the easiest way for you to build your skillset. I know a lot of creators don’t like doing this, and I do believe that creators should be paid a fair amount. Image source: Free image of Business woman working, from Freepik.The easiest way to start building a portfolio, even if you have no experience, is to do things for free. From today onwards, make this your slogan, “Show, don’t tell”. Give it your best shot and you will be surprised how easy it is coming up with portfolio pieces. Go out there and keep an eye out for things that would make great portfolio pieces. There are many ways that you could add portfolio items even without working on a client’s project. ![]() Business cards are special portfolio items that you leave your clients with. Now that you have a good portfolio in place, make a good business card design that portrays your passions. Showcase your graphic design skills through a story.įinally, design your own business cards. They may include snapshots of before and after special effects. Also, take screenshots of interesting stages in the graphic software that you’re using. ![]() Take pictures of your sketches, wireframes and even prototypes. Is a friend or family member’s wedding around the corner? Volunteer to design their wedding invitations. Image source: Free image of Smiling man and women working at laptop from Freepik. If you do a good job, the established graphic designer that you’re working with might even subcontract you on future projects. ![]() Then, add some of the best projects that you do here to your portfolio. Sharpen your design skills in an environment that enhances teamwork. Once you have these pieces in your portfolio, you are already winning.Ĭollaborate with local graphic designers. Remember, our goal is to get those precious portfolio pieces. It doesn’t matter if you don’t win the contest. They will show future clients that you believe in your skills. Art pieces created for a contest can make a perfect addition to your portfolio. This showcases your design skills to potential clients in a caring manner. You could give a dozen copies to potential clients. Take this opportunity and design a piece that you will be proud of. A nice, fun and creative design goes a long way in leaving a good impression. Image source: Free image of male and female graphic designers interacting over computer from Freepik.Īs the year comes to a close, consider designing the upcoming years calendar. Doing them gives hands-on experience and you gain karma too. They give you a stage to express your view on the community. Charity work giveaways form great portfolio pieces. If you do a good job, the event organizers will definitely recommend you to other people. These charity events are perfect grounds for networking. Come up with innovative designs that showcase your skills. Is there an upcoming community charity event? Do their design work for free. Make sure you acquire written permission first though, you don’t want to land in legal trouble. You may decide to design a trending book’s cover. It challenges your brain to see things from a creative perspective. This provides a great learning experience. New graphic designers redesign existing products. Who knows? You could even get your first client from there. You could even make a DeviantArt account and post them there. Head over to Pinterest and the other social media platforms that you’re on. They show that you’re passionate and you are current with what’s happening around you. Themed wallpapers make great portfolio items. Is there an upcoming holiday season? Create a few themed desktop and phone wallpapers. Image Source: Free Image of woman drawing from Freepik You’ll be killing two birds with one stone. This shows the client that you know a thing or two about printing. You could even go a step further and print a few copies. Posters are a great way to showcase your design skills. Now, go to your graphic designing software and create this sample poster. What kind of designs do they expect? Do they prefer clean minimal designs or professional corporate designs? Think through every tiny detail. Hopefully, you won’t join those designers caught up in this infinite negative feedback loop. How do you build a portfolio with no clients? The secret lies in sample projects. Nearly all would-be-great designers get caught up in this loop. This takes us to the chicken and egg question. But, a good portfolio comes from a client’s project”. Has it ever crossed your mind that you could have a design portfolio even before getting your first client? You may be thinking to yourself, “I need a good portfolio to land my first client. ![]()
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