8 Common Web Design Portfolio Mistakes

In this article, we'll take a look at 8 common mistakes in a web design portfolio. This article will help you troubleshoot mistakes and make your portfolio better.

1. Old examples of work

An outdated portfolio has a negative impact on the client's opinion. They might think that:

• You haven't worked on any new projects recently.
• Have contributed little to recent projects.
• The projects you are currently working on are not important to you.

To solve this problem, update examples of your work several times a month. Add fresh examples to your portfolio.

2. Monotony of design skills presented

There are a lot of classic elements that many designers are trying to avoid. For example, sliders. But they remain popular, so it's worth including them in your portfolio.

It is not worth demonstrating examples of implementing only those elements that you like. This is not at all what potential clients want to see.

Suppose you decide not to post examples of sliders so that clients don't ask about them.
But a client who wants to use a slider on his site, such a portfolio will not give a complete picture of your abilities and skills in this field.

3. No proof of success

A portfolio is a tool for attracting clients, not just an exhibition of your best work. Its content should be aimed at attracting clients.

Social proof is a great way to show potential clients that you should be the one to choose for their ideas. Lots of likes from customers is the best argument.

A great way to implement social proof are case studies posted on the site. They provide insight into different aspects of the web designer.

If there are a large number of positive reviews posted right on your site, it may look suspicious. Still, they are worth using as effective social proof.

4. Vague description

On a portfolio site you need to present yourself from the right side. Your bio and resume should be in the "About Me" section.

Be sure to use text and images when describing your activities. Here are some tips on their content:

1. Text. Tell about yourself, using no more than 250 words: who you are, what you do, how long you work and why you do web design.
2. Images. Include a professional and tasteful photo of yourself in your portfolio.

You can hire a professional copywriter and photographer to fill this section.

5. Broken links and broken navigation elements

The navigation of your portfolio site should be fully functional. For a portfolio to work effectively, it needs to be updated and improved regularly.

6. Portfolio is ready, you can relax

Portfolio isn't a static document. You created it once, so you don't have to worry about it anymore. Portfolio is a dynamic document. You have to constantly update and improve it. You're not just standing there, like an artist. If you draw a lot, it means you're getting better and better. Is that reflected in your portfolio?

There must be a constant process of improvement. Constantly replace old and weaker drawings with stronger ones. Think about what you lack in your portfolio. Say you don't have enough characters, or background compositions, or you haven't worked on angles yet.

Think about how you can make what you have so far even better. Never rest on your laurels. There's always room to grow, and that should show up in a portfolio.

7. The works do not correspond to modern trends

Don't chase trends. They change too fast, and what was fashionable yesterday won't be relevant today. It's better to try to understand yourself. What YOU are as an artist, and what YOU want to convey to your audience. After all, many people are good at drawing, and it's your personality that sets you apart from everyone else.

Certainly look around. You have to be aware of what others are doing, but focus primarily on yourself, your inner world. Do your own thing!

8. Trying to impress other designers

I don't know when or why designers decided that success was about impressing their peers. We try so hard to fit into the design community that we forget that the "community" is not our target audience.

Forget about what other designers think of your work. Create a portfolio for your own purposes. Think about what your target audience needs to know in order to appreciate who you are, how you work, and what you are capable of creating.