Stop Overthinking Your Portfolio
If you’ve been delaying updating your portfolio because you want it to be perfect, you’re not alone. Too many designers get stuck in analysis paralysis, worrying about whether their site is flashy enough, if they should include every project they’ve ever worked on, or how to impress potential clients or employers.
Here’s the truth: your portfolio is not about you—it’s about showing how you solve problems.
A great portfolio isn’t a work of art itself; it’s a tool to showcase your thinking and execution. If you’re spending more time designing your portfolio than you are actually applying to jobs or reaching out to clients, you might be focusing on the wrong things.
What Actually Matters in a Portfolio?
Forget about making the prettiest portfolio—make one that is clear, strategic, and effective. Here’s what actually matters:
1. Show Your Process, Not Just the Final Work
Employers and clients don’t just want to see beautiful screens—they want to know how you got there. Walk them through:
✅ The problem you were solving
✅ The challenges you faced
✅ Your role in the project
✅ The results & impact
Pro Tip: Structure your case studies using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This helps keep them concise and easy to follow.
2. Quality Over Quantity
You don’t need 20 projects in your portfolio. In fact, 3-5 strong case studies are more than enough. Curate your best work—pieces that showcase your range, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking.
Exercise: Pick your top 3-5 projects and ask yourself:
✔️ Do they show different skills (UI, UX, strategy, research)?
✔️ Do they highlight your best work or are they just “filler”?
✔️ Do they align with the type of work you want in the future?
If a project doesn’t serve a clear purpose, cut it.
3. Keep the UI Simple & Clean
Your portfolio doesn’t need to be overly designed. A simple, well-structured layout with easy navigation will always outperform a portfolio that’s visually overwhelming.
💡 Think of your portfolio as a UX project itself—if it’s hard to navigate, people will leave.
Stick to a simple grid layout, clear typography, and easy-to-read case studies. If an employer has to hunt for information, you’ve already lost them.
What Should You Include?
Here’s a simple checklist to make sure your portfolio covers all the essentials:
✅ A strong homepage – Who you are, what you do, and how to contact you
✅ Case studies that tell a story – Process, decisions, and impact
✅ A clear call to action – What do you want the visitor to do? Hire you? Contact you?
✅ Easy-to-find contact information – Don’t make people hunt for your email
✅ Social proof (optional) – Testimonials, recognitions, or results that back up your expertise
Common Portfolio Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
🚨 Mistake 1: Treating Your Portfolio Like an Art Gallery
A portfolio should show how you think—not just be a place to display polished mockups. Balance aesthetics with strategy.
🚨 Mistake 2: Making It Too Complex
A portfolio isn’t an opportunity to show off how much you can design—it should be a frictionless experience. Keep it simple.
🚨 Mistake 3: Writing Weak Case Studies
Too many designers write vague case studies. Don’t just describe what you did—explain why you did it and how it impacted the project.
🚨 Mistake 4: Leaving Out Contact Info
It sounds obvious, but many designers forget to make it easy for recruiters or clients to get in touch. Put your email and LinkedIn where they’re easy to find.
How to Get Started Today
If you’re overwhelmed, start small.
1️⃣ Pick one project and write a case study for it.
2️⃣ Create a basic portfolio layout (even a Notion or PDF works to start).
3️⃣ Focus on getting it live—you can always refine later.
Remember: A good portfolio isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity and impact. Get it done, get it live, and iterate as needed. The more you wait for it to be perfect, the more opportunities you might be missing.
Final Thought
Your portfolio is just a tool—it’s not what lands you the job, but it does help get your foot in the door. Keep it simple, make it strategic, and most importantly, put it out into the world.
What’s one thing you need to fix in your portfolio today? Let’s discuss. 🚀