What Design Studios Look for in a Portfolio (and What They Don’t)
So you’ve spent weeks perfecting your portfolio — picking your best shots, tweaking case studies, and obsessing over that “About Me” section. You finally hit publish.
But have you ever wondered what design studios actually look for when reviewing a candidate’s portfolio?
Here’s the truth: it’s not always about being the best designer — it’s about being the most understood.
Let’s break down what studios do and don’t want to see.
What They Do Look For
1. Clarity Over Chaos
Studios love portfolios that are easy to navigate.
If your site feels like a maze, you’ll lose them.
Keep it clean, with:
- A clear homepage (who you are + what you do)
- 3–5 strong projects (quality > quantity)
- Contact info that’s actually clickable (please, no hidden email links)
Tip: Pretend your portfolio is a UX project. If a design director can’t find your best work in 10 seconds, they’ll probably move on.
2. Process, Not Just Pretty Screens
Anyone can post mockups.
Studios want to see how you think.
Show your process:
- Problem → Research → Ideation → Solution → Outcome
- Talk about your role — were you solo or part of a team?
- Include challenges and how you overcame them.
The “messy middle” of your project says more about you than polished visuals.
3. Real Impact
If you can show measurable results, you’re golden.
Even small wins count:
- “Improved user flow efficiency by 25%”
- “Reduced onboarding steps from 5 to 3”
- “Helped increase conversion rate during a redesign”
Design studios love designers who care about outcomes.
4. Your Personality
Studios aren’t just hiring skills — they’re hiring people.
Your tone, case study storytelling, even your personal branding — all of it helps them imagine you on the team.
Add a bit of your voice. Be human. It’s memorable.
What They Don’t Want to See
1. Every Project You’ve Ever Done
Don’t dump all your university and freelance work. Curate.
Three solid projects that show range (UI, UX, brand, product) beat ten half-finished ones.
2. Fluffy Buzzwords
“Creative, detail-oriented, passionate, innovative…”
Yeah, everyone says that. Instead, prove it through your projects and storytelling.
3. Mystery Roles
If it’s a group project, be clear about what you did.
Design studios can spot vague “we did this” statements a mile away.
4. Outdated Work
If your oldest project is from 2018, it’s time for a refresh.
Remove anything that doesn’t represent your current skill level.
Bonus Tip: Make It Mobile-Friendly
You’d be surprised how many art directors check portfolios on their phones.
Make sure your site loads fast and scales cleanly — it matters.
In Summary
Design studio hire designers who can:
- Communicate ideas clearly
- Show design thinking, not just visuals
- Demonstrate growth and self-awareness
- And bring their authentic voice to the work
Your portfolio isn’t a gallery — it’s a storytelling tool.
Tell it well, and they’ll remember you.
Want to go deeper?
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