BUILD YOUR DESIGN PORTFOLIO IN JUST 30 DAYS, AND WHY STANDING OUT MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

If you’re a designer (or on the journey to becoming one), you’ve probably heard this a hundred times:
“You need a strong portfolio.”

And it’s true.

But what most people don’t say is this—your portfolio doesn’t need to take a year to build, and it definitely doesn’t need to look like everyone else’s.

In fact, the fastest way to get noticed in the creative world is to be unmistakably you.

So let’s break it down: how can you create a brilliant, authentic design portfolio in just 30 days—and more importantly, how do you make it unforgettable?

Week-by-Week Breakdown: The 30-Day Plan

Week 1 – Define Your Direction

Before you even open up Illustrator or InDesign, ask yourself:

• What kind of work do I actually want to do?
• What industries or causes am I drawn to?
• What kind of clients do I not want?

This is where you shape your design niche and start building your personal brand. It’s not just about skills; it’s about voice, values, and visual identity.

Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, our Become a Freelancer Short Course is designed to help you discover and position your unique offering.

Week 2 – Create Three Portfolio-Worthy Projects

Now it’s time to get stuck in. Choose three project types that reflect what you want to be hired for. These could be:

• A brand identity for a startup (even a fictional one is fine)
• A campaign for a social cause you believe in
• A product packaging concept
• A creative brief from our Brand Identity Design Specialist Level 4 course

Work through each project like it’s real. Show your thinking, your sketches, your process, this is what clients love to see.