fbpx

Turn Your Skills Into Lucrative Projects With A UX Design Portfolio!

Table of Contents

As an aspiring or starting UX designer, it will be such a waste of talent if you don’t present your skill sets in a UX design portfolio. It will also be hard for potential employers to figure out your capabilities without you actively sharing them.

Additionally, a portfolio has become an essential part of recruitment aside from a resume. Considering the ubiquity of resume formats, a creative portfolio will help you stand out from the crowd and impress potential employers.

Now you may wonder how to create a portfolio that both demonstrates your skill and is impressive in the eyes of future recruiters. In this article, we’ll guide you through building an effective and stunning UX design portfolio that helps you land on future lucrative projects.

Keep on reading and get the information you need!

What is A UX Design Portfolio?

For starters, a UX design portfolio consists of design work that a designer has completed. Experienced UX designers typically use dedicated websites to display their portfolios, and you should do this too.

In addition, UX design portfolios mostly include several details, such as an introduction, case studies, and contact information. Being precise and effective in delivering these details is what designers ought to do in order to catch the attention of visitors.

What are Case Studies?

We have previously mentioned that case studies are part of a UX design portfolio. But what exactly are those, and why should you put them in your portfolio?

In UX design, case studies are work examples that designers have delivered in the past. Designers will use compelling images and narratives to present their problem-solving skills in their case studies. Employers don’t just want to see the final product, they want to know how you got there.

Designers must be creative when explaining their skills and ways of thinking. Putting images with dull narratives will not suffice. That’s why each case study must include strong storytelling elements.

The presence of storytelling in the portfolio portrays the designer’s ability to communicate their UX work. Even if they create excellent UX design, their inability to communicate their work leads to them losing the opportunity to captivate potential employers.

Why Do You Need a UX Design Portfolio?

As you’re probably aware, a resume alone is insufficient to determine your level of expertise in UX design. Hence, a portfolio serves as proof of your skillsets and knowledge in the field.

Additionally, your UX design portfolio will help potential employers to engage with your design process. By looking at your portfolio, they can gain insights into your design tastes, familiarity with current trends, and your working personality.

Ultimately, they can make a clear decision about whether or not you’re a right fit for the team. Impressive skills and experiences may not always guarantee you a job, as employers must also consider their company’s working style with the existing team.

What If You Have No Experience in UX Design?

If you’re new to UX design, for example if you just finish a design course without real UX design experience, building a portfolio can be confusing. Without prior work experience, you may worry that you have nothing to show to potential clients or recruiters.

Fortunately, an absence of experience won’t stop you from building an enticing portfolio. There are many ways that allow you to present your unique ideas and expertise in the field.

Redesign existing products

UX design is all about providing the best experience possible when users interact with a product, whether it’s a website or a mobile app. However, existing products may not always be perfect. 

As an aspiring UX designer, these flaws can provide opportunities that showcase your skills. Identify the gaps in an existing product and present your own solutions, use visuals and narratives to showcase your UX skillsets.

Following that, you can include the visuals and narratives in your portfolio as case studies. Even if you have no work experience, doing this will demonstrate that you have an eye for good user experience.

Create self-initiated projects

Creating self-initiated projects requires an awareness to see problems that frequently arise around you. Empathy plays an important role here; you must be able to put yourself in the shoes of your target users.

Once you’ve identified the users’ pain points, you’ll need to implement your solutions as an easy-to-use product (e.g., website or mobile app) that adheres to UX design principles. Remember that a good UX design solves problems rather than adding on to them.

Finally, when your products have been launched, you can proudly put them in your portfolio. The standard for presenting your products is by building case studies, added with captivating visuals and narratives.

Do pro bono work

Starting a promising career often requires an investment of time and resources. In this case, you may have to volunteer for unpaid work and delay earning money from a full-time or freelance job.

You can look around and see if anyone requires your skills. Take others’ interest in your expertise as an opportunity to improve your talent. Later, you can provide them with a free UX design service while remaining mindful of their preferences and goals.

One thing to remember is that even though this is unpaid work, you must still put forth your best efforts. After all, the finished products will be entirely your creation, which you can include in your portfolio.

Enrol in design courses

Enroling in design courses can be an excellent way to hone your UX design skills and knowledge, which increases your portfolio value. Your mentors will be experts in the field, and you will have peers who share your interests and goals.

Aside from being an ideal method to hone your skills, design courses have curriculums that are specifically tailored to the ever-changing trend. When you enrol in a design course, you will be given project assignments, either individually or in groups.

The projects will help you gain a better understanding of the UX design field. You will be expected to solve real-world problems in your assigned projects. The good news: your mentors will be there to guide you through the process, so you won’t be left behind.

So, How To Create Your First UX Design Portfolio?

We’ve talked about the importance of a UX design portfolio in getting you hired for a full-time or freelance job. Now it’s time to learn how you can make one that attracts potential employers!

  1. Start with building case studies

Case studies are the fundamentals of any UX design portfolio. There are several essential of information inside the case studies, such as:

  • Project details
  • User problems
  • Roles in the project
  • Tools and methods
  • Problem-solving process
  • Insights gained from the project

Focusing on them before anything else gives you a chance to develop strong and compelling stories about how you solved problems in previous projects. 

Though some designers build their case studies later in their portfolio, doing so will distract you from the most vital aspect. You might find yourself being redundant in building your portfolio, going from designing to writing and back again.

  1. Prepare the design assets

Preparing design assets or illustrations that support your messages in your portfolio is just as important as creating case studies. Therefore, you must also do this before jumping into creating your portfolio. 

Though this step sounds more like UI design, as a UX designer, you must grasp it as well. It’s common for employers to combine these fields as UI/UX design. You can present your capability in UI design by paying attention to your portfolio’s visualisation.

  1. Design the structure

Now that you’ve created case studies and design assets, you can start structuring your UX design portfolio. It’s important to consider how many case studies you want to display in order to keep them neatly organised.

We recommend that you create a simple structural design. The typical structure places four case studies into a 2×2 grid. On the other hand, if there are three case studies, you can arrange them vertically.

Whatever your choice, ensure that your portfolio website has a flat structure. A flat structure website is when your pages are laid out plainly, looking simple for potential employers to look at your work examples.

  1. Design the banners

Banners are any visualisation that aims to entice visitors to interact with a website and take a specific action. You can see banners as covers for case studies in a UX design portfolio, inviting visitors to click on the banner to view the reports.

We recommend beginner UX designers use Figma in creating banners. Figma has user-friendly features that ease the process of creating banners with various mockups. This way, you can have stunning visuals that represent your work examples.

Mockup illustration

Source:  https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/app-interface-mock-up-phone-screen_14063494.htm#query=mockup%20phone&position=14&from_view=search&track=sph

  1. Insert the case studies

You only need to put your case studies by copying and pasting since you created them before dealing with portfolio creation. During this process, you’ll only be bothered to add photos related to the project you were working on.

Aside from that, you need to filter which projects to include as case studies, as you may have made several more before. Ensure that the projects you pick are solving real problems. It’s even better if the case studies result from collaboration with well-known brands.

  1. Add necessary text

Adding text to your portfolio will make it appear more relevant and professional. For instance, you can put some text within the introduction, about, and business enquiry sections.

It is unnecessary to use too many words, so ensure that the text is precise while still engaging with the users. Simply describe yourself, your experiences, and the perks of working with you.

Websites to Showcase Your UX Design Portfolio

As previously mentioned, there are several platforms that ease the process of making online UX design portfolios. Take a look at the following options and see if one suits you best!

Squarespace

Squarespace is a well-known website builder that you can use to showcase your UX design portfolio. Choosing Squarespace will grant you a platform with a .com domain that looks professional.

It also includes a variety of templates to display and promote your projects. However, Squarespace is a paid platform. You have to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to use the features.

Notion

Notion is a digital platform that you can use to present your UX design portfolio. This platform is free, and it includes a wide collection of templates from the community that you can use right away.

Notionfolio, or the name for a portfolio created with Notion, is not only free but also very simple to use. It prevents you from bugging with coding or complex website creation, as it has a built-in setup.

This way, you can avoid wasting time and create your stunning portfolio quickly. Later, you can share your Notionfolio link with others, including putting it in your resume.

Behance

Behance is one of the most popular creative platforms. Its ties to the creative world, one of which is UX design, make it an ideal place to showcase your portfolio.

Behance’s community is also fairly diverse. Having a portfolio on Behance not only makes it easier to get hired but also allows you to network with other designers, allowing you to gain more knowledge.

Wix

Wix is a website builder that you can use to digitally display your portfolio. It provides a free plan that is ideal for a simple website with a maximum of three pages.

It also offers website design templates you can choose. Unfortunately, the free plan has limited options, but they should work for a simple UX design portfolio. 

If you wish to get more benefits, it’s better to subscribe to the paid version. For instance, you can have a professional-looking .com domain. There will also be more template options available in the paid plan.

Get Inspired By These UX Design Portfolios!

Adham Dannaway

Adham Dannaway is both a designer and coder based in Sydney, Australia. His interest in designing, including UX design, sparked at the year of 2005, making him a professional designer with 17 years of experience.

Dannaway displays his expertise in UI/UX design by showing his projects digitally. He has worked on varying jobs with multiple companies, which he divided based on the type and hiring company. 

Adham Dannaway portfolio

Most interestingly, Dannaway enriches his site by revealing his personal interests. It makes his online portfolio unique and lively, far from the boring impression. 

Adham Dannaway portfolio 2

Gloria Lo

Gloria Lo UX design portfolio

Simply reading the introduction section will give you an idea of the varying skills that a UI/UX designer, Gloria Lo, has. Following that, you will recognise that she lives in Sydney, Australia.

Her vibrant website immediately drew attention. She successfully displays her projects by grouping them in different colours, which is visually appealing.

Gloria Lo UX portfolio

This type of simple yet captivating design can be your inspiration. It proves that UX design is all about accessibility. No complexity is necessary as long as you can explain your case studies effectively.

Elena Cai

Elena Cai UX design portfolio

Elena is a designer that focuses on minimalistic UI/UX design. It’s shown through her digital portfolio, which is straightforward, consisting of her previous project and about pages.

Though simple, Elena emphasises great details in her case studies. She managed to build strong narratives, explaining the problems and how she solved them, which is the most important element of a UX design portfolio.

gCp2GQOrbgQYIs5nGOq4AfVFIrtu20pK 9PBZOHXZBeJ9Fc06UqphItGrVt6iu54CM
Elena Cai portfolio page

Elena also includes her contact information on a separate page. It enables anyone interested in working with her to contact her easily.

Finally, she addresses her interests outside of the UI/UX design field by embedding YouTube videos on her website. Visitors or potential employers will get the impression that she is a lifelong learner who’s willing to explore other expertises.

Elena Cai youtube channel

Key Takeaways

At this point, we have agreed that a UX design portfolio has significance in supporting your career as it serves as proof of your skills and expertise. We sincerely hope that you gained the insights into how you can make one for yourself and land on your dream lucrative project.

Now it’s time for you to supercharge your UX design ambitions by creating your own stunning portfolio!

About Orita Sinclair

Founded in 2002, Orita Sinclair is one of the oldest music and design schools in Singapore. We are committed to fostering a love of design and music in our students by encouraging them to be bold and imaginative in their endeavours.

Here at Orita Sinclair, we believe that theoretical and practical foundations are equally important with the music and design courses that we offer. For that reason, we have put in place a forward-looking curriculum that grounds students in key principles before being guided by field practitioners in applying theory and technical craft in authentic, industry-oriented projects. One of our best programme is Diploma in Interaction Design.

Our supportive learning environment prepares students for the demands and challenges of the music and design industries. At the end of their graphic design courses or music courses, our students are ready to step out into successful careers or pursue degrees at renowned universities.

More Articles

Blog

Learn Music Mixing Through This All-Around Guide

Source: Freepik Are you familiar with that exhilarating feeling when a song stirs up your emotions, enveloping you in its magic? Let’s raise a toast
Read More →
Musicians should be aware of music royalties
Blog

Introduction to Music Royalties

Music royalties determine how much musicians can earn from their works. It's a complex concept, but you can figure it out by reading this article!
Read More →
Elements of sound design
Blog

Elements of Sound Design: Bringing Graphics and Sound Into Harmony

An additional sound that accompanies films, theatre, or games improves the audience's overall experience. It's as important as the imagery as it helps them get
Read More →
Learn how to become web designer
Blog

11 Steps on How to Become a Web Designer (2022 Guide)

The rapid technological growth has increased the demand for web designers. Let’s find out the steps on how to become a web designer here!
Read More →
Blog

The Art of Making Music: How to Build a Music Home Studio

When Grammy-winning artist Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) nursed a broken heart, he sought solace in his father’s hunting cabin. He broke up with his
Read More →
how musicians can make money from home
Blog

8 Ways to Make Money From Home As A Musician

With the help of the internet, musicians are now able to make money from home. Learn tips on how you can start earning without leaving
Read More →
Blog

2023 Guide on Music Producer Salary in Singapore

Source: Freepik Being gifted with musical abilities makes your journey to becoming a musician seem simple. You find the freedom of expressing your artistic sense,
Read More →
UX designer singapore salary
Blog

UI/UX Designer Singapore Salary Guide 2022

Building your career as UI/UX designer can be interesting. Let’s find out how much UI/UX designers earn in Singapore!
Read More →
Blog

Everything You Need To Know About Design Thinking

Design thinking has become a popular framework used in numerous fields, namely engineering, marketing, art and many more. These industries use design thinking as a
Read More →
Blog

A Guide On How To Produce Electronic Music For Beginners

Source: Freepik Electronic music holds a significant presence in today’s market. Whether it’s the tunes you hear on the radio, television or the Internet, electronic
Read More →
Digital Music Distribution
Blog

Ultimate Guide to Digital Music Distribution

Digital music distribution is a complex topic in the music industry. Let us guide you through this article and how it all works!
Read More →
Blog

Let’s Find Out About the Audio Post Production Process!

Have you ever watched a great movie with excellent audio quality and wondered how they did it? If so, that’s because, behind every decent movie,
Read More →
Blog

Top 9 Interview Questions for Graphic Designers You Should Know

The day has arrived: after finishing a design course you’ve finally scheduled a job interview for a graphic design position. After creating the perfect resume
Read More →
Blog

Creating The Best Live Sound: The Ultimate Guide to Live Mixing

Attending a live music concert is an experience unlike any other. The energy in the room is palpable as fans come together to enjoy their
Read More →
types of design jobs
Blog

10 Types of Design Jobs For A Creative Person Like You!

As a creative person, you enjoy combining shapes, colours, lines, and other elements to create a work of art. Your aesthetic and visual-spatial senses encourage
Read More →
Blog

Embrace Your Musical Skills and Start Making Music For Games

Source: Freepik Video games captivate a lot of people, and maybe you’re one of them too. As you may be aware, music is an element
Read More →
a creative director in the middle of meeting
Blog

Creative Director VS Art Director: The Commonly Confused Role in Creative Careers

There's a fine line between what a creative director and an art director does. Learn the difference between these two roles!
Read More →
Graphic Design Portfolios
Blog

Get Your Works Known Using Graphic Design Portfolios

Artists, including graphic designers, undoubtedly require recognition for their work to thrive. Many talented novice designers are out there, but many are unsure how to
Read More →
UI UX Design interview
Blog

Essential Guide for UI UX Design Interview Questions

Prepare yourself and impress your potential employer by learning these essential UX design interview questions and how to answer them!
Read More →
graphic designer on duty
Blog

Graphic Designer Salary Guide 2022

Graphic design has become a high-demand job with an increasing rate of employment. Find out how much a graphic designer can earn in Singapore by
Read More →
instagram for social media music marketing
Blog

Grow Your Audience Using Social Media Marketing for Musicians

Social media marketing is vital for musicians to get more exposure. Let's learn different approaches to how you can grow your fanbase!
Read More →
Blog

UX Designer VS Graphic Designer: Exploring the Differences

 Graphic and interactive design are everywhere; just take a look around you. Look at the milk carton, the unfinished book on your bedside table, the
Read More →
Blog

The Ultimate Guide to Live Sound Engineer Salary (2023 Guide)

We have previously explored the average pay scales for professionals in the audio industry through our discussion on sound engineer salaries in Singapore. Now, it’s
Read More →
Live Sound Set Up
Blog

Learning The Live Sound Set Up Basics: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grand weddings, concerts, small gigs, speeches—these live events will never live up to anyone’s expectations without a stellar live sound set-up. From microphones to speakers
Read More →
Blog

A – Z on How to Create Web Design Portfolio With No Job Experience

As a rookie web designer, your portfolio is a way that you can turn your creativity into lucrative projects. With an outstanding portfolio showcasing your
Read More →
audio and sound engineer salary
Blog

Audio and Sound Engineer Salary Guide 2022

Audio engineering has become a highly sought-after skill due to the rapid growth of multimedia industries. Let’s find out how much audio engineers earn in
Read More →
What is graphic design and everything you need to know about it
Blog

What is Graphic Design? Everything Aspiring Graphic Designers Need to Know

Graphic design is an ever-changing field that conveys information through visualisations. Find out every essential point you need to know to become a graphic designer!
Read More →
Request Info