These checklists come from my Portfolio Storytelling Workbook, a resource to help designers tell their portfolio stories more effectively. I created it based on the problems I most commonly find in my Portfolio Storytelling Reviews.

Content Checklist

These are the storytelling elements that I most commonly see in design portfolios. Some items are marked optional because they aren’t relevant to every designer or audience.

🏠 Home:

• [ ] Branding statement: Something unique “above the fold” that makes a strong first impression
• [ ] Your name - remember that this is an introduction
• [ ] Header that is easy to read against all backgrounds
• [ ] Footer with contact information
• [ ] Clear navigation to other pages

😃 About:

• [ ] Nice photo that shows your face
• [ ] Short introduction to you and your career
• [ ] Your story told in a way that shows the reader how you can benefit them
• [ ] Details that show your personality, passion, and unique style
• [ ] Your focus/goals/mission (optional)
• [ ] Success indicators like social proof, awards, press (optional)
• [ ] Your design philosophy (optional)
• [ ] Links to fun/side projects (optional)

📂 Projects/Case Studies: