We’ve all procrastinated on updating our portfolios. Not because it’s hard to upload some project screenshots or describe what we did — but because it requires something far trickier: self-reflection. And that’s where things start to feel wobbly.
But why does portfolio-making bring up so much self-judgment?
Putting a portfolio together isn’t just about showcasing your work. It’s about deciding what kind of creative you are, how to talk about yourself, and what version of yourself you want to present to the world.
No wonder it feels daunting. Writing about yourself can be painfully awkward, especially when crafting your bio or intro. As you work on your portfolio, you may find yourself facing questions like:
- What kind of work do I want to attract?
- What am I good at… really?
- What do I want to be known for?
- Do I sound too junior… or too full of myself?
You want to sound confident, but not arrogant.
Grounded, but not boring.
You want to “hype yourself up,” but not in a way that makes you cringe.
That fine balance? It’s hard to find.
So if you’re currently starting at a blank document (or website builder page) to write something about yourself, here are some tips to help you get creative unblocked:
Tip 1: Find evidence for what you’re good at
A great trick to get out of your own head? Look at what other people have said about you. Scroll through client testimonials. Dig out old appreciation texts. You might find clues about what people consistently value in your work.
Maybe you’re a graphic designer, but what clients actually appreciate most is how you always deliver on time. And trust me, that’s not a small thing… It’s a rare and valuable quality in the creative world. If that’s something you take pride in, highlight it!
This helps you create a version of your professional self that’s rooted in reality, not fantasy. That’s how you stay confident without over-inflating your profile.
Tip 2: Don’t copy-paste someone else’s language
It’s easy to look at others’ portfolios, feel inspired and think, “Oh, maybe I should describe myself like that.” But be careful: the language someone else uses reflects their background, seniority, and specialisations. Not yours. If you start mimicking that tone or terminology, it can lead to a subtle kind of imposter syndrome because you’re describing a version of yourself that doesn’t quite match what you actually believe.
Stick to what’s factually true about you. That doesn’t make you “less than.” It makes your story more believable, and believable portfolios are trustworthy portfolios.
If you don’t have years of experience (yet), that’s okay. Talk about the kind of work you’ve done so far, and the work you’re interested in doing next… what excites you, what you’re exploring, what direction you’re moving towards. This approach is completely honest and completely professional.
Your project samples will speak for your skills, and your bio will show clarity and intention.
Tip 3: Write a project brief… for yourself
Creating for clients is sometimes, in some ways, easier than creating for yourself. When you work with clients, they make most of the big decisions. They provide the brief, they approve or reject. That dynamic makes it easier to stay objective. But when you’re creating for yourself, you become the creator, client and critic — all at once. That triple role creates a tangle of overthinking, perfectionism, and decision paralysis.
So how do you escape that? Treat your portfolio more functionally, rather than emotionally. (It’s tough, I knowww! But we have to try) Think of it like a client project than an autobiography.
Get out of your emotional brain and into your creative-strategy brain. Ask yourself:
- Who’s the decision-maker looking at this portfolio?
- Where are they in their journey: just browsing or actively hiring?
- What might they need to see to feel confident reaching out?
Once you’re clear on your audience, you’ll feel less stuck. Your choices will feel more purposeful, and less like an identity crisis.
Tip 4: Think of your portfolio as a conversation starter
Creating our portfolio can feel like an overwhelming task because we feel it’s a high-stakes situation. But here’s the truth: A portfolio isn’t a final verdict on your worth. It’s just the first step in a process.
Most creative projects follow a 3-step decision-making process:
- Someone browses your portfolio and thinks, “Hmm, interesting, I’d like to speak to them.”
- You have a conversation. This is where real alignment is sensed, where most people decide at a gut level whether it’s a fit.
- You send a proposal. The deal gets sealed (or not).
So remember: your portfolio doesn’t need to say everything. It just needs to say enough to start a conversation.
Tip 5: Don’t do it alone
Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your draft.
Someone who understands your work can help you reframe or reword things in a way that still feels true to you but lands more clearly with others. They’ll also remind you of your strengths on the days you forget.
Be kind to yourself while making your portfolio. You’re not just designing pages… you’re carving out clarity, self-awareness, and direction. That takes time.
Over time, your portfolio will evolve, just like you. So at any given point of time, progress matters more than polish.
So take a breath, trust your taste, and begin. ✨
nishita mohta 