November 3, 2024

Community Insights: Crafting an Effective Portfolio

1. Tell us about yourself

I’m Chantel Bettencourt, founder of House of Bettencourt. Since 2022, I’ve been creating high-converting websites for creative-minded people across various industries. My clients range from e-commerce entrepreneurs to service-based professionals who share a love for dark humor and appreciate life’s fun side.

2. What do you believe are the key elements of an effective freelance portfolio?

An effective portfolio should tell a story. Include each step of your process, highlighting the client’s problems when they came to you and how you solved them. It’s crucial to showcase the journey – before, during, and after. Using good mockups and progress photos is CRUCIAL. Remember, your portfolio should reflect where you are NOW in your skills.

3. How do you decide which projects or work samples to showcase?

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY. Only include your best work that aligns with your target audience. Your portfolio should demonstrate your top abilities to ideal clients. Even if this means using primarily passion projects.

4. What tips do you have for freelancers who are just starting to build their portfolios without much work experience?

Free work is NOT for your portfolio, it’s for practicing client problems, and your process. For your portfolio, create hypothetical projects that solve real problems for your target audience, demonstrating your skills and creativity. 

 5. Have there been any lessons you’ve learned from updating or refining your portfolio over time?

I encourage you to ensure your pieces DON’T all look the same. While you’ll STILL have your own style, explore different outcomes and problems for your target audience. Also, DONE is better than PERFECT.

Check out this link to view Chantel’s portfolio.

Christine Lieu – Graphic Designer & Founder, CL Designs

1. Tell us about yourself

Over last 10 years, I’ve helped purpose-driven businesses with cohesive branding, web design, and marketing collateral to increase your impact and sales. As featured in Top 10 Canada Design and Apple Podcasts’ New + Noteworthy lists, I share fun, honest, and actionable design and marketing tips that you can implement right away in your entrepreneurial journey.

My mission is to communicate with integrity and to create a positive impact. As a speaker, I bring an infectious enthusiasm and deliver action-packed value to your audience for accelerator programs to conference stages.

2. What do you believe are the key elements of an effective freelance portfolio?

Clarity beyond everything. Quality over quantity! Share what feels good with context and is easy to access for your clients to self identify themselves and see themselves in the style of work you create. You want to encourage them to take that next natural next step together.

3. How do you decide which projects or work samples to showcase?

Think about the dream projects and clients that you’d love to attract more of. Ensure that your portfolio reflects the work that lights you up and the transformation you create for your clients in a visually compelling and engaging way. If it makes sense for your industry, share them in an easy to consume way through categories or topics.

4. What tips do you have for freelancers who are just starting to build their portfolios without much work experience?

Get creative! Create mock projects of clients you’d love to work with or real-life projects for your friends, family, or community that are reflective of the work you’d like to be doing. Bring your audience through your process of what it’s like to work with you and the results you can help them achieve.

5. Have there been any lessons you’ve learned from updating or refining your portfolio over time?

Embrace change. I always say to my clients that the best brands (and portfolios) evolve over time. Continue to reflect on your growth, adaptability, and skillset over the years and ensure that your portfolio reflects the caliber of work that you create. Customize your portfolio for specific opportunities you’re seeking and is highlighted for your most relevant work for your clientele.

Check out this link to view Christine’s portfolio.

Samantha Moss – Product Manager & Freelance Producer

1. Tell us about yourself

I’m a full-time Product Manager in Toronto with a background in Digital Production and Project Management. I’m also a Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Digital Marketing Institute and Scrum Master Certified (CSM) with the Scrum Alliance. Most importantly, though, I am a proud daughter, partner and co-parent to a 1-year old dachshund named Elvis.

Over the last few years, I’ve been working on building a freelance platform to help small businesses and entrepreneurs create quality website experiences without blowing their budgets.

2. What do you believe are the key elements of an effective freelance portfolio?

In my opinion, everything in your portfolio should in some way speak to the question: What do you offer, and who would pay for it?

For instance, I felt my digital skills and project management experience together could best serve small businesses seeking affordable, streamlined solutions for online success. Once you’ve identified your value proposition and your market, you can start mapping out some of the things that build your credibility and justify your freelance fees including the companies you’ve supported, awards and achievements etc.

3. How do you decide which projects or work samples to showcase?

When choosing projects to showcase, I focus on key takeaways and whether they would resonate with potential clients. Consider these types of questions:

• Does the final product solve a clear business problem?
• Does this project reflect my core service offerings?
• Does this project bring something new and noteworthy to my portfolio? (E.g. High profile brand? Client testimonials? Strong KPIs?).
• Would I want to pursue a project like this again in the future?

4. What tips do you have for freelancers who are just starting to build their portfolios without much work experience?

Especially for those in the creative space, I’d follow the “show, don’t tell” approach. For instance, designers can apply their best design practices to their portfolios, while writers can make every headline or call to action captivating and intentional. Showcase your best work, knowledge and potential, and the right audience will recognize your value regardless of what is or isn’t (yet) on your resume.

5. Have there been any lessons you’ve learned from updating or refining your portfolio over time?

I constantly update my website—adding new badges for certifications and showcasing recent projects I love. You never know when someone will need your services, so keeping your portfolio up to date ensures you’re always prepared to quickly jump on new opportunities.

Check out this link to view Samantha’s website.

Enjoyed this blog post? Stay tuned for Part 2.

← Return To The Blog