Portfolio review template for emerging Designers
Portfolio reviews and The Art of Storytelling
At their core, portfolio reviews are about storytelling. It’s your opportunity to showcase not just your work but also who you are as a designer. Here’s a structure that’s particularly effective for emerging product design positions:
1. Your Storytelling Skills
You’ll likely have only 15–30 minutes to present, so focus on a concise, compelling narrative. Choose one project that allows you to tell a complete story, from identifying the problem to researching, designing, and delivering the solution.
Think of this as sharing one “episode” of a series—not the entire Netflix season. Carry one or two consistent themes throughout your story to maintain focus and clarity. A good story captivates, informs, and leaves a lasting impression.
2. Your Product and Business Understanding
Great product design goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about aligning with the product’s purpose, understanding the customer, and contributing to business goals.
During your presentation, illustrate your understanding of:
Product Fit: How does your solution align with the product’s vision?
Customer Insights: What do you know about the customer’s needs, motivations, and pain points?
Business Impact: How does your design contribute to the business strategy or goals?
By addressing these areas, you demonstrate that your designs don’t just look great—they deliver real-world value.
3. Your Visual and Motion Design Skills
Your presentation is also a stage to showcase your craft. Include screenshots, visuals, or even better, open a Figma prototype or live demo. Showing your work in action demonstrates your ability to bring ideas to life and gives your audience a tangible sense of your design style and technical proficiency.
4. Showcasing You
Your portfolio presentation isn’t just about the work; it’s about you. Let your unique passions and strengths shine through. For instance, if you’re deeply interested in data analytics, weave that into your narrative. Sprinkle in moments that highlight your values and what excites you most about the design process.
Your passion and personality are as critical as your technical skills—don’t be afraid to let them show.
Template for Success
To make things easier, I’ve created a portfolio presentation template. It’s designed to help you organize your story and showcase your work effectively. Below is a template that I created to support you emerging designer for your portfolio review. Hope it helps you on your journey.
Remember, every presentation is a chance to connect, inspire, and leave your mark. You’ve got this!
Warmly,
Wynne