1. Showcasing Images Without Explaining the Process
We, as creatives, are inclined to emphasize the visual elements of our portfolios. It’s natural for us to want to present our aesthetic talents, but viewers require more than images; they need a story. Rather than uploading a gallery with no explanation, provide detailed case studies for each project that guide us from the problem you faced to the solution you crafted.
How to Do it Right
Case studies become less intimidating to write when you break down your project into stages. Begin by adding a descriptive caption and a bold headline with each visual representation, similar to the effective style seen in Mackey Saturday’s portfolio below. Keep it succinct and jargon-free; this approach is not only easy to craft but also instantly uplifts your portfolio. Discover additional strategies for crafting compelling case studies here. 
Mackey Saturday pairs his visuals with succinct, informative captions.
2. Opting for Style Over Substance in Introductions
Crafting a personal introduction in your portfolio should go beyond clever quips or trendy sentiments. Phrases like “I move pixels” fail to communicate your value to potential clients or employers, who are the chief audience for your online work presence.
How to Do it Right
Prospective clients or employers should be able to quickly grasp what you bring to the table. A simple and honest introduction such as “I’m Jessica Jones, a brand designer and art director from NYC” is far more effective. Aim for clarity, and if possible, a blend of clarity and wit, much like the approach taken by Marina Rachello’s opening remarks below. 
Marina Rachello’s introduction is both imaginative and to the point.
3. Stale Projects and Dated Design Techniques
I must confess, even I have occasionally neglected my portfolio, letting it age beyond its prime. A portfolio with old, unrefreshed content can be unintentionally detrimental to your career progress. Without recent updates, you may be missing out on valuable opportunities as anyone can stumble upon your outdated work online.
How to Do it Right
Fortunately, it’s manageable to maintain an updated and relevant portfolio. I advise against using off-the-shelf portfolio templates because they can become obsolete quickly and confine you to fixed layouts that may soon become dated. By creating a bespoke portfolio design, you’re able to make incremental updates that keep up with your evolving career and the changing landscape of design. 
Verena Michelitsch’s portfolio is custom-created, demonstrating the adaptability of a personalized design.
4. Complicated Navigation and Dead Ends
When focusing intensely on our personal projects, we might overlook standard practices we usually honor. A frequent misstep is the creation of a confusing navigation path or dead-ends in the portfolio that leave the visitor with no option but to exit the website once they’ve viewed your work.
How to Do it Right
Guide your visitors through your portfolio, continuously steering them towards your intended goal. The objective of your portfolio is twofold: to exhibit your work and to encourage contact. Ensure that your navigation and project pages serve these purposes. For instance, consolidate Contact and About pages into one comprehensive Info page. Include teasers of related projects at the conclusion of your case studies, providing an intuitive segue between works as seen in Michela Picchi’s portfolio below, thus keeping the reader engaged and inclined to explore more. 
Michela Picchi’s case studies conclude with a dynamic “More Projects” section, inviting further exploration.
5. Forgettable About Pages
The About page is your chance to craft a memorable persona and persuade visitors to reach out to you. Yet, so many About pages are unremarkable and fail to create an impact.
How to Do it Right
Go beyond just displaying your credentials and contact information. Infuse your About page with character. Given that your reader may have seen numerous portfolios in one sitting, if you can make them pause and smile, your portfolio will stick in their memory. For more insights on designing the ideal About page, click here. 
Alina Skyson’s portfolio features an engaging and visually appealing “10 true facts about me” segment.
Conclusion
Keep in mind, your portfolio serves a functional role; it’s not just an artistic expression. While design details are crucial, the primary purpose of your portfolio is to highlight your work. By focusing on the presentation of your work and the experience of your audience, you’ll craft a portfolio that more effectively paves the way to success.
