18 May 2023

How to Build A Portfolio with ZERO Clients

As a new designer, building a portfolio can seem daunting, especially if you don’t have any clients yet. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to build a portfolio and showcase your skills even if you haven’t worked with any clients.

Let’s get started building a portfolio with zero clients:

 

Create Passion Projects

One of the easiest ways to build a portfolio is to create passion projects. This involves creating designs for fictional clients or creating designs for existing brands to showcase your design skills. For example, you could create a redesign for a popular app or website, or design a logo and branding for a made-up company. These types of projects can be a great way to showcase your creativity and design skills, and they can be just as impressive as the work you’ve done for real clients.

 

Volunteer Your Services

Another way to build your portfolio is to volunteer your services. Reach out to non-profits or local businesses in your area and offer to design something for them for free. This could be anything from a logo or business card to a website or social media graphics. Not only will this help you build your portfolio, but it’s also a great way to get your foot in the door and start building relationships with potential clients.

 

Create Tutorials and Case Studies

Creating tutorials and case studies can also be a great way to showcase your skills. You could create a tutorial on how to design a specific type of layout or how to use a particular software or create a case study that walks through your design process for a particular project. These types of resources showcase your design skills and demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas and thought processes.

 

Attend Design Events and Meetups

Attending design events and meetups can be a great way to network and meet potential clients. Even if you don’t have any clients yet, attending these events can help you stay up to date on industry trends and connect with other designers who may be able to offer you advice or refer you to potential clients.

 

Use Social Media to Showcase Your Work

Social media can be a powerful tool for showcasing your work and building your portfolio. Create accounts on platforms like Instagram, Dribbble and Behance and share your work regularly. Use hashtags and engage with other designers and potential clients to build your following and get your work in front of more people.

In conclusion, building a portfolio as a new designer without any clients can seem challenging, but there are plenty of ways to showcase your skills and build your reputation in the industry. By creating mock projects, volunteering your services, creating tutorials and case studies, attending design events, and using social media to showcase your work, you can build a portfolio that will impress potential clients and help you land your first design job.