How do I write a portfolio about myself?

Writing a portfolio about yourself is an essential step in showcasing your work, skills, and personal brand. Whether you're a designer, developer, artist, or any other type of creative professional, your portfolio is often the first impression potential clients or employers have of you. The key to writing an effective portfolio is crafting a compelling narrative about your work and your journey. Here's a guide on how to structure your personal portfolio website to highlight your strengths and achievements.

1. Start with a clear introduction

The first part of your portfolio should be an introduction that gives visitors an immediate understanding of who you are, what you do, and why you're passionate about your craft. This section is often the most important because it sets the tone for the rest of your portfolio.

• What to include:
  • Your name and title: For example, "Hi, I'm Jane Doe, a UX Designer."
  • A brief description of your skills and expertise.
  • Your professional philosophy or what drives you in your work.

Tip: Keep your introduction personal yet professional. You want to come across as approachable while also demonstrating your expertise.

2. Showcase your best work

When writing a portfolio about yourself, you’ll want to include a section that highlights your best work. The key here is quality over quantity — don't feel the need to include every project you’ve ever worked on. Select the work that best represents your skills and demonstrates your ability to solve problems.

• What to include:
  • Case studies or project breakdowns: Explain the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the results.
  • Visuals: Include images, screenshots, or videos of the work you’re showcasing. If applicable, you can also link to live projects.
  • Tools and technologies used: Whether it’s Figma for design or Vue.js for development, show the tools you used to bring each project to life.

Tip: Organize your work into categories (e.g., web design, branding, app development) to make it easy for visitors to navigate your portfolio.

3. Add a professional background section

Your professional background is an important part of your portfolio. This section allows you to give context to your experience and demonstrate the depth of your expertise.

• What to include:
  • Work experience: Include a list of previous positions or freelance projects you've worked on, along with a brief description of each role.
  • Education: If relevant, mention your educational background, certifications, or online courses that contribute to your qualifications.
  • Skills: Include a list of your technical and soft skills. For example, if you're a web developer, you could list JavaScript, React, Node.js, or UX/UI design.

Tip: Keep this section concise, and focus on key accomplishments rather than listing every job you’ve ever had.

4. Tell your story

People love stories, and your portfolio is a perfect place to share your journey. This section gives your audience a sense of who you are as a person, not just a professional.

• What to include:
  • A short narrative about your career path: How did you get started? What challenges have you overcome? What motivates you?
  • Personal interests or hobbies: Share a bit about your passions outside of work. This helps humanize your portfolio and allows potential clients or employers to relate to you on a personal level.

Tip: Keep the tone friendly and authentic. Your story doesn’t have to be overly detailed but should help visitors understand why you're passionate about your field.

5. Create a call to action (CTA)

A portfolio website isn’t just about showing off your work — it’s about encouraging visitors to take the next step. This could be getting in touch with you for a job opportunity, a freelance project, or simply connecting on social media.

• What to include:
  • Contact information: Make it easy for people to reach out to you. Include an email address or a contact form.
  • Links to social media profiles: Add links to your LinkedIn, Twitter, or any other relevant platforms where people can learn more about you.
  • Downloadable resume: You can also offer a PDF version of your resume for easy downloading.

Tip: Make sure your CTA stands out. Use buttons or banners that encourage users to get in touch or explore your projects further.

6. Add testimonials or references

If possible, including testimonials from colleagues, clients, or mentors can provide social proof and lend credibility to your work. Positive feedback can help convince potential clients or employers that you deliver value.

• What to include:
  • Quotes from clients or colleagues highlighting your skills and work ethic.
  • Links to any articles or interviews that mention you or your work.

Tip: If you don’t have testimonials yet, consider asking past clients or collaborators for feedback.

7. Keep it updated

A portfolio website is a dynamic piece of content, and it’s important to keep it up to date. Regularly adding new projects, updating your skills, and refreshing the content will keep your portfolio relevant and fresh.

Tip: Set aside time every few months to review your portfolio and make updates based on your latest work and experiences.

Conclusion

Writing a portfolio about yourself is a crucial step in building your personal brand online. By following these steps and focusing on your skills, experience, and personal story, you can create a portfolio that not only showcases your work but also sets you apart from others in your field. Whether you're using Wix, WordPress, or coding it yourself, the most important thing is to be authentic and showcase what makes you unique.

By sharing a compelling narrative, highlighting your best work, and engaging visitors with a clear call to action, you’ll create a portfolio that leaves a lasting impression.