A portfolio is a small collection of your best work that proves you can deliver the service you offer. For a freelancer it often matters more than a CV. Many clients, especially online, look at samples first and only read your message if the samples are good.
How many pieces?
Three to five strong pieces are enough to start. A few excellent samples that match your service beat twenty mixed ones. If you offer menu and flyer design for restaurants, show menus and flyers, not your old school drawings.
Where samples come from
You do not need paid clients to build a first portfolio. Honest ways to get samples:
- Practice briefs. Invent a realistic job, such as "a price list for a provisions shop in Wa", and complete it to a professional standard. Label it as a practice project.
- Redesigns. Take something that exists, such as a faded church notice, and show how you would improve it. Present it as a concept, not as work the church paid for, and do not publish it in a way that looks official.
- Small real jobs. Do a real job for a local business or community group, even for a small fee. Ask permission before you show it.
- Course projects. Strong projects from your SydCrest track can count, especially if you add your own improvements.
Never include work you did not do, and never show a client's private information. Blur or replace names, phone numbers, prices and figures that belong to a real client.