Whether you want to be a freelancer or a full-time web designer, your portfolio plays a vital role in your application as it provides your potential employer an overview of your professional profile and quality of outputs. Merriam-Webster defines a portfolio as “a selection of a student's work [as papers and tests] compiled over time and used for assessing performance or progress” or “a collection of art [as paintings] presented together in a folder.” It is also an effective tool to negotiate your position and expected salary with your future employer.
On that note, having a portfolio can give you leverage in applying for positions that focus on design and layout, such as web designer, graphic designer/artist, layout artist, etc. These positions may lead you to work in lucrative industries: web development company, advertising agency, publishing houses, and more. Thus, it is essential that you come up with an awesome portfolio that showcases your skill and other things that you can offer. Make sure that it creates a good impression on your prospective employers or clients and it highlights how you can accomplish their requirements or provide for their needs (e.g., web design services, book design services, advertising, etc.).
Here are tips on what to include in your portfolio, including some dos and don’ts: