Section 3: Gathering Content

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of gathering and preparing the necessary content for your portfolio, including work samples, bio, resume/CV, and a list of skills, achievements, and testimonials.

Collecting Work Samples

Work samples are the backbone of your portfolio, showcasing your abilities and accomplishments in a tangible way. To create a compelling portfolio, gather a diverse selection of work samples that demonstrate your skills, creativity, and adaptability.

When collecting work samples, consider:

1. Choosing projects that best represent your skills and expertise.
2. Including a variety of work samples to show your versatility.
3. Selecting samples that are relevant to your target audience.
4. Ensuring you have permission to use any work created for clients or previous employers.

The number projects and visuals will depend on the portfolio type and experience level.

• Beginner / Student: 3-5 projects with a focus on variety, effort, and reflection
• Intermediate: 5-8 projects that show depth, growth, and different contexts
• Advanced / Pro: 8-12 projects that include high-impact, polished, and measurable work

Here are some recommended visual and image counts per project type.

Creative / Graphic Design

• 3-6 visuals per project, showing sketch → process → final design

Photography

• Single concept / editorial, 5-10 images, showcase storytelling, mood, and progression
• Event photography, 10-20 images, covering the full event (prep → highlight moments → reactions)
• Client shoot (e.g. portraits, products), 5-12 images, best final images + optional behind-the-scenes
• Personal project / artistic series, 6-15 images, showing creative intent and consistency
• Thematic collection, 8-20 images, curated based on concept, tone, or subject
• Landscape photography, 3-5 images for single location, 6-12 images for a thematic series, 8-15 images for a story-based set

Professional / Business

• 2-5 visuals per project, including charts, deliverables, slide decks, process flow

Tech / Digital

• 2-4 visuals, including a screenshot of code / app, architecture diagram

Writing / Academic

• 1-3 visuals, include a cover image if available, pull quote, infographic

Performance / Media

• 1-2 visuals + video, including a thumbnail, behind-the-scenes + YouTube/Vimeo embed

Student / Educational

• 2-4 visuals, including a project cover, draft, rubric, final product

Writing a Compelling Bio

Your bio is a brief introduction to who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique. It should be engaging, professional, and tailored to your target audience.

To write an effective bio:

1. Start with a strong opening statement that captures the reader’s attention.
2. Highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments.
3. Showcase your personality, values, and passions.
4. Keep it concise, aiming for around 100-200 words.
5. Proofread for clarity, grammar, and punctuation.

Preparing Your Resume/CV

Your resume or CV provides a detailed overview of your education, work experience, skills, and achievements. It should be well-structured, easy to read, and tailored to your desired job or industry.

To prepare your resume/CV:

1. Include your contact information, such as name, email, phone number, and a link to your portfolio.
2. List your education, including degrees, certifications, and any relevant coursework.
3. Detail your work experience, starting with the most recent and working backwards.
4. Highlight your skills and expertise, focusing on those most relevant to your target audience.
5. Mention any awards, recognitions, or achievements that showcase your abilities.

Compiling a List of Skills, Achievements, and Testimonials

A well-rounded portfolio includes not only your work samples, bio, and resume/CV, but also a list of skills, achievements, and testimonials to further demonstrate your value.

To compile this list:

1. Identify your top skills and expertise, particularly those most relevant to your target audience.
2. List any notable achievements or milestones in your career.
3. Gather testimonials from clients, colleagues, or mentors that speak to your skills, work ethic, or character.

By the end of this section, you should have a comprehensive collection of content that showcases your skills, experience, and unique value. With this content in hand, you’ll be ready to move forward with designing and building your online portfolio.