How To Build A Graphic Design Portfolio

In the US, there are approximately 212,720 people employed as graphic designers. And, if we look worldwide, the number is almost triple that. 

To work in the competitive industry of graphic design, you must do everything possible to stand out. One way to get noticed is with a strong portfolio site, with examples of client work, testimonials, and transparent pricing.

Right now, there are a few graphic design trends to consider. Hand-drawn illustrations will show your creativity and be a point of difference from AI. And adding a pop of personality is also a must.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about creating a design portfolio that attracts the right clients. Plus, we will share examples from Fiverr creators.

Before you start

A good portfolio will match the needs and wants of your target audience, so you need to understand who they are. 

Think about:

• Design style: Modern, retro, typographic, abstract, or minimalist.

• Design type: A specialty such as digital, branding, or marketing design.

• Client type: Individuals, small businesses, or corporations.

• Client budget: Design cost and packages.

Defining your target audience will help in other ways, too. It helps you pinpoint your niche and services to create marketing campaigns that reach the right people.

Next, decide where you want to host your portfolio. Fiverr is a convenient option, but you may also want your own website. There are a few choices, including WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace.

What do the experts think? Dee F. is a graphic designer from ProGraphix with over 10 years of industry experience. We asked Dee what you should include in your graphic design portfolio. Dee says:

“When choosing your graphic design portfolio, focus on showing your best work and not on how many pieces you have. Include a variety of projects that reflect your versatility—such as branding, web design, print, or packaging. You should also highlight your niche if you specialize in a certain area. 

Provide context for each piece, explaining the project’s goals, your role, and any measurable outcomes. Tailor the portfolio to your target audience, keeping it up-to-date with current trends. 

Ensure the design is cohesive, professional‌ and easy to navigate. Only include work that reflects your skills and style, and remove outdated or less polished pieces.”

What’s included in a graphic design portfolio

When you are ready to work on your portfolio, there are a few elements to consider. Here are the essentials:

Professional biography

Your portfolio should introduce you to your potential customers. Include your name, experience‌, education‌ and any specialties you may have.  

If you are using Fiverr, these details can be added to your About Me section. There is also the option to choose different skills to narrow down your expertise.

Skills may include Adobe Photoshop, video editing software, logo design, Canva, or typography.

Contact information

Visitors come to your portfolio website because they’re interested in hiring a graphic designer. So, make sure it’s easy for them to get in touch and book your services.

Consider adding your full name, email address, and social media handles.

On Fiverr, customers can message you on the platform by clicking the Contact Me button. Your communication will be in one place, so you never miss an important inquiry. Turn on email alerts as an additional reminder.

Design process documentation

Every designer has a unique creative process, and showcasing your step-by-step approach in your professional portfolio can set you apart. Here's an example of how your timeline might look:

• Initial consultation: Connect with the client via phone, email, or in-person to discuss their needs.

• Brief creation: Develop a comprehensive brief outlining the client’s requirements, preferences, and style.

• Design mockups: Create initial concepts based on the brief to visualize the design direction.

• Final design creation: Refine the chosen concept, incorporating feedback from the mockup stage.

• Client feedback: Specify the number of revisions included and any additional costs for extra changes.

• Design handover: Provide the finalized design and details of the file formats the client will receive.

You can also include high-quality images of previous design projects with work-in-progress sketches and eye-catching mood boards. 

Including this information will assure customers that the project will run smoothly.

Client testimonials

When consumers make a purchasing decision, client feedback can make a real difference. 69% of people feel more positive about choosing a business with good reviews. 

Because testimonials can have a significant impact, consider including them on your portfolio page. Asking clients for feedback can be daunting. But if you know they had a good experience, they will usually be happy to help.

When customers use your services on Fiverr, they can leave reviews and a star rating. This feedback includes details of the project, including the duration and price. 

Fiverr Pro badge

Earning a Fiverr Pro badge marks you as one of the platform's elite sellers who consistently deliver outstanding work. The badge is awarded through a careful vetting process that looks at your professional background, client satisfaction, and portfolio quality. 

This prestigious recognition boosts your visibility and helps attract clients willing to pay premium rates for top-tier design services.

How to create a graphic design portfolio

You have the design skills, and now it’s time to show them off. Here are our top portfolio tips to help you get more clients.

1. Choose your best work 

If you are a freelance graphic designer with years of experience, you’ll have many work samples. Use your portfolio to display the pieces you’re most proud of and that show your adaptability.

Most designers have a niche, so you should prioritize this when deciding what to share. Next, you should decide how many pieces to include. Quality over quantity is important, so professional designers should curate around 10-20 work samples.

If you are new to the industry, include at least two work samples. They don’t necessarily have to be previous client work. It could be something you designed for a friend or work you created as a student.

The way you organize your samples depends on what you are showcasing. If you have different types of work, sorting them by category may be the best choice. Or, you can start with your latest designs and work your way back.

2. Create your portfolio

Now that you’ve outlined what to include in your portfolio, it’s time to choose the right platform. Whether you decide to build your own website, showcase your services on Fiverr, or promote your work through apps like Instagram or LinkedIn, the platform you choose should align with your professional goals.

Remember, as a designer, your portfolio reflects your skills and expertise. Clients will judge your work not just by the content but also by the presentation.

Keep these essentials in mind:

• Responsive design: Your portfolio should look polished and professional across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.

• User experience: Ensure it’s intuitive to navigate and tailored to your target audience’s needs.

• Personal brand identity: Maintain consistency in your colors, fonts, tone of voice, and imagery to reinforce your brand.

If you need support creating a user-friendly design, collaborate with a Fiverr freelance AI artist for web design services.

3. Present your work

The way you present your work matters, too. Imagery is important, but there are ways to go the extra mile. For example, you can add descriptions to your work examples to help visitors learn more about the project.

When deciding how to display each element, you can refer to your graphic design skills. Focus on ‌visual hierarchy and try to direct your visitor’s eyes to the most important information first. Remember to double-check every page to make sure there are no spelling errors.

4. Maintain your portfolio

As you complete projects, you’ll gain more samples for your portfolio and client testimonials.

And, you may acquire different skills for new services. For example, you may be confident designing logos and business cards. But you may open the door to NFT design, email graphics, or video in the future.

Because things are constantly changing, make sure you update your portfolio regularly. You can make upgrades, add new samples, share tutorials‌ and optimize your existing content to stay ahead of the competition.

Graphic design portfolio tips and examples

Want to see some good graphic design portfolio examples? Here are some of the top creators on Fiverr. 

They all use a mix of high-resolution photos, customer testimonials, and pricing options to promote their services to buyers:

1. Fahiem Jamil

Fahiem Jamil is a graphic designer with a comprehensive online portfolio. This Fiverr page is a good example because it shows potential clients what’s possible. 

He has multiple examples of his graphic design work, testimonials, and a list of available services:

Fiverr

2. Sujan M

Sujan M is a graphic designer who specializes in t-shirt and hoodie design. His niche is clear when you visit his Fiverr portfolio. He showcases examples of previous work, and customers can read consistently high reviews.

Fiverr

3. Anna

Anna is another experienced graphic designer with a winning Fiverr profile. She specializes in social media and small business design, which is clear when you view her page. There are more than 20 examples of work she has completed for clients, plus hundreds of reviews:

Fiverr

4. Gel

Gel from Seven Heavens Studio uses a Fiverr portfolio to show customers examples of vintage hand-drawn designs. From logos to t-shirts to stickers, the page gives you an in-depth overview of the design styles and options‌ available:

Fiverr

5. Rachna D

Rachna D speaks about her extensive experience in her portfolio introduction. She has various project options, including merchandise, logos, and business cards. As you can see, Rachna has a professional yet bubbly style. When Fiverr buyers purchase a package, they know exactly what they will get:

Fiverr

Sell your design services on Fiverr

It is easy to create your profile and start selling on Fiverr. Customers can book and pay securely, so you don’t have to worry about sending invoices and following up on overdue payments.

Graphic designer Hannah has over 9 years of experience, and she recommends the Fiverr platform. She says:

“I find Fiverr to be a really great place to start and expand if you desire. You don't have to worry about contracts and program subscriptions to set up your client process. It's all created for you within the app.

Not only that, but clients are also pushed to you. Personally, I found Fiverr to be a great place to play trial and error. I could find what I loved designing most, my style of work, expand my overall portfolio, gain the client experience, and overall solidify myself as a graphic designer.”

Start your graphic design journey on Fiverr today. Or, stick around and learn more about graphic design proposals and brand style guides.

Best graphic design portfolio FAQ

1. How do you create a graphic design portfolio?

To create a portfolio, you’ll need work samples and a digital platform such as a website or Fiverr profile. You must also decide whether you want to use your name or a business name. Set your prices, and create a logo and branding that reflect your business.

2. What should be included in a graphic design portfolio?

Your graphic design portfolio should include your contact information, work samples with explanations, pricing scales, timeline, and customer testimonials.

3. How do I start a graphic design portfolio with no experience?

You can join a graphic design portfolio website like:

• Fiverr (freelance platform)

• Behance

• Dribbble

Or use a website builder to create your own website.

4. How do you create a graphic design portfolio for free?

You can create a basic website using software such as Canva, WordPress‌ or Wix. However, you’ll only get limited options and templates, and you’ll still need to pay for a custom domain name. Alternatively, you can sign up for a free Fiverr account and build your portfolio here.