5 Things I’m learning while building my portfolio

I honestly should be working on my portfolio instead of writing this post but since my brain runs on doing multiple tasks at once, here I am instead.

Since my UX/UI program has ended, I now have the daunting task of building my portfolio to showcase to future employers what I can bring to the table. It’s nerve-racking because a portfolio is basically saying “Here’s what I can do! Let me know how it does (or does not) meet your standards.” I feel like design is always such a scary thing to showcase to people. It makes you feel extremely vulnerable since you WILL get feedback for whatever you create. There will always be critique and that is something you, as a designer, have to be ready for.

I’m currently in the process of creating my portfolio and I wanted to share a few things I’ve been learning along the way.

1. You NEED deadlines

Trust me when I say that nothing will ever get done if you do not set deadlines. Your tasks will always turn into “I’ll finish it tomorrow” and chances are you will NOT finish it tomorrow. Deadlines are a way to discipline yourself to actually sit down and finish what you set out to do. Self-discipline is a skill that must be trained and it won’t magically appear the longer you say “I’ll be motivated tomorrow.” I’m learning that you need to set a specific timeline for yourself to complete and make sure to STICK TO IT. You’ll get things done and your work will no longer become an option but a requirement.