Design Portfolios: 7 common issues and how to fix them

Introduction

Your portfolio isn’t just a gallery - it’s a conversation starter. A curated story about what you do, how you think, and how you can solve problems. But too often, portfolios fall short of their potential.

Here are 7 common issues we’ve seen in junior and mid-level portfolios—and how to fix each one.

1. Targeting the wrong audience

Your portfolio is not for you - it’s for them. Designers often forget who they’re really talking to. A client may browse your work slowly and emotionally. A hiring manager? They’re scanning for relevance and proof—fast.

Fix it:

• Tailor your content to the role you’re targeting.

• Make it scannable: summaries first, details second.

• Clarify whether you’re aiming for freelance work, internships, or a full-time job.

2. Showing too much work

More ≠ better. A bloated portfolio is overwhelming. Hiring managers are busy - they’ll likely check out one or two projects before making a decision.

Fix it:

• Choose your top 3–4 projects that best reflect your strengths.

• Prioritize relevance over variety.

• Less, but stronger, is better.

3. Missing context

Good design doesn’t speak for itself - unless you give it a voice. A beautiful UI means little without knowing what it’s solving. Context turns pixels into process.

Fix it:

Answer at least these four questions in each case study:

• What was your role?

• What was the brief/problem?

• How was the project executed?

• What were the results?

Even a short paragraph per point can make a huge difference.

4. Only featuring pet projects

Real-world results matter more than polished mockups. Side projects are valuable - but alone, they’re not enough. Recruiters want to see designs that made it out into the world.

Fix it:

• Include projects from internships, volunteer work, part-time gigs, or previous jobs.

• If you only have personal work, highlight results like user testing, metrics, or real feedback.

• Document your learnings - this shows depth.

5. Lacking personality

People hire people they want to work with. Your work speaks for your skills. But your story makes you memorable. A generic “About” page is a missed opportunity.

Fix it:

• Get specific about what you do (and how you do it).

• Share what excites you, inside and outside of design.

• Let your tone and visuals reflect your personality - not a template.

6. No clear purpose

What do you want next? Say it. Too many portfolios leave viewers guessing. Whether you’re job-hunting, freelancing, or learning—say so clearly.

Fix it:

• Add a clear headline or intro stating your current focus.

• Share what kind of work you’re looking for.

• Keep your contact page up to date and easy to find.

7. Outdated work

Your growth won’t show if you don’t update. A stagnant portfolio might suggest a stagnant designer. Keeping it fresh shows you’re evolving—and still in the game.

Fix it:

• Schedule a quarterly check-in to update or rotate projects.

• Refresh your visuals, update your process, and remove what no longer reflects your level.

• Consider adding a blog or recent reflections to show your thinking today.

Final thoughts

Great portfolios are built on clarity, relevance, and personality. These fixes don’t require more work—they require more intention. Treat your portfolio like a living product, not a one-time project.