i am doing a creative writing portfolio brainly

WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

12 best writing portfolio examples and how to create your own

• Brandi Hunter
• Dec 18, 2023

When it comes to starting a business  around your writing, visibility is everything. The more well-curated and attention-grabbing your writing is, the higher the chance that potential clients and publications will notice your talent. Making a website  that presents your writing portfolio can help introduce the industry to your talent and invite new work.

You may be thinking, “I’m a writer, not a website designer”—that’s where Wix can help. Its templates and beginner-friendly website builder make getting started as straightforward as it can get. To get the creative juices flowing, here are 12 writing portfolio examples from Wix users. Later on, we’ll provide a more straightforward step-by-step guide to building your own.

Start building your online portfolio  with Wix today.

12 writing portfolio examples

Jed Donahue

Sam Carlson Creative

Lauryn Higgins

Jessica Van Devanter

Madison Gray

Jane-Ellen Robinet

Christina Sterbenz

Bryn Dippold

Charlotte Kho

Emma Newell

Maddie Pfeiffer

Rachel A.G. Gilman

01. Jed Donahue

Jed Donahue’s website is a great example of how speaking to your client’s pain points can compel them to reach out. The homepage header copy, “When you need great content, I’m here to help,” focuses on the customer’s needs. Testimonials from previous clients provide proof that Jed can deliver results. Meanwhile, the “What I can do for you” section gives a practical breakdown of the workflow and services that clients can expect.

02. Sam Carlson

Sam Carlson takes his writing portfolio a step further by putting his client work front and center. He highlights his creative flair and prowess as a copywriter by including engaging introductions for each case study. Every project page boasts a concise and clever summary, followed by the client's logo and key project assets. Additionally, his "Fun" page, which presents his personal projects, offers a glimpse of his hobbies and talents outside of writing.

03. Lauryn Higgins

If you, like Lauryn Higgins , have an extensive writing portfolio that includes several bylines with well-known media companies, you can strategically add publication logos to your website and link them to your author pages to show off your credibility. On her “Awards and Publications” page, she features snapshots of some of her best clips, along with several awards.

04. Jessica Van Devanter 

If you don’t have any visual content to display and don’t want to go through the process of finding a set of free-to-use visuals that match your branding and content, take a look at Jessica Van Devanter’s writing portfolio. By making the site’s design the focal point, she bypasses the need for external graphics or images that may not align with her branding. 

Her logo, a shrewd-looking fox, serves as the background for the large header, which captures the viewer's attention upon arrival. Below it, a mountain graphic underlays the main content area, providing a sense of continuity without overpowering the text. 

The structure of each page is reminiscent of a timeline, with her written works positioned as milestones, guiding visitors through her professional journey. The bright green and white font colors provide a deliberate contrast against the muted blue background, ensuring readability and drawing the eye to her written work.

Use Wix’s logo maker  to start building out your personal brand.

05. Madison Gray

As a writer and an artist, Madison Gray masterfully demonstrates both skill sets throughout her portfolio. Pairing her highlighted works with original images draws visitors in and creates a visually engaging narrative of her talents. Each project page indicates which skills she utilized to complete the project, offering a comprehensive understanding of her multifaceted abilities.

06. Jane-Ellen Robinet  

Jane-Ellen Robinet limits her writing portfolio to a page to help website visitors get the information they need quickly. The above-the-fold section summarizes her unique value proposition (“INSIGHT + PERSPECTIVE + EXPERIENCE”) and provides specific job titles for the services she provides (“Editor | Writer”). The header features anchor links to each section of the page to ensure easy navigation. 

07. Christina Sterbenz

Rather than categorizing work by publications, Christina Sterbenz structures her portfolio page around writing topics and pairs each section with a compelling image from one of the relevant clips. This strategy adds visual appeal and gives each topic a personal touch, making the stories more approachable and intriguing to visitors. The images, paired with informative captions, humanize the subjects, enticing readers to delve deeper into her work.

In terms of website design, the portfolio benefits from a clean layout and a modern, minimalist font, which together enhance the site's readability and aesthetic appeal. Visitors can effortlessly scan the pages, finding what they are looking for without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the consistent use of design motifs—such as circles and lines throughout the site—contributes to a cohesive and memorable brand identity.

Like this format? Use this creative CV website template  to get started.

08. Bryn Dippold  

Bryn Dippold uses Wix’s blog maker  to showcase her work samples. This approach of republishing content directly on her portfolio, rather than merely linking out to external publications, serves as a strategic method for keeping visitors on her site for longer and providing a comprehensive view of her work.

Many Wix website templates already come with an integrated blog. Alternatively, you can choose to add the blog feature to any template, tailoring it to fit your unique style. Wix allows you to customize the blog settings, enabling you to curate and present your best work in a manner that aligns with your professional image and goals. 

09. Charlotte Kho 

Charlotte Kho uses neutral colors, layered design elements and striking imagery to introduce herself as a digital and creative storyteller. The “Resume” page provides a lot of information, but its clean layout is easy on the eyes, and you have the option to download her CV. On the “Work” page, Charlotte offers a small selection of her best work, plus links to view more of her published pieces.

Like this layout? Make it your own as Charlotte did by customizing this business CV website template .

10. Emma Newell 

Emma Newell's website demonstrates a balance of simplicity and engaging elements, creating a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. The site employs subtle animations that add a dynamic touch without overwhelming the visitor. Notably, when you click on any link in the menu bar, the content below appears to swipe out of view as new content takes its place. This seamless effect maintains the homepage's structure and provides an uninterrupted browsing experience.

11. Maddie Pfeifer

Maddie Pfeifer effectively leads with her experience by featuring her resume on the homepage. It details her past work, highlights her skillset and lists the awards she has received in the course of her career. We appreciate that she prominently placed her contact information above the fold for easy accessibility.

Her website is a model of organization, making excellent use of Wix’s advanced menu features . The dropdown functionality in her navigation bar allows for an expanded array of options, enhancing the user experience. Visitors, when exploring the “Portfolio” page link, are greeted with the option to select content categories like “Event coverage” or “Crime & courts,” tailoring their browsing to their interests.

12. Rachel A.G. Gilman 

Rachel A.G. Gilman elevates her homepage's simplicity with a playful, animated headshot, contrasting colors and a classic font choice, creating a dynamic first impression. Under the “Writing” tab, her comprehensive archive is meticulously sorted into distinct categories, making it easy to sift through her published work and accomplishments.

How to make a writing portfolio of your own

After exploring some of the best portfolio website examples , you’re probably eager to get started on learning how to make a portfolio  of your own. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, these tips will help you present your work in a way that captivates and communicates your unique voice and skills. 

01. Identify your target audience

To properly tailor your site design to your audience, you need to identify who you’re looking to impress. For instance, if you’re using this type of website  to pitch to editors, you might consider spotlighting your best features or most impressive bylines. On the other hand, if you’re cultivating a professional portfolio  for freelance clients, you might want to put testimonials or a list of services front and center.

02. Establish your goals 

Setting clear goals is crucial to track your progress and success. If your objective is to boost engagement with freelance clients, you might measure this by the number of inquiries or project offers you receive through your portfolio site. On the other hand, if increasing your visibility as a writer online is your goal, you could focus on monitoring website traffic, page views, or how long visitors stay on your site. Regularly assessing these aspects will help you understand what's effective and what needs improvement in your portfolio.

03. Choose the right platform

When looking for a platform for your online presence, choose a portfolio website builder  that aligns with your technical ability and the amount of time you can dedicate to maintenance. Although creating a bespoke website might be impressive and a simple clippings curator (such as Muck Rack) would be convenient, it’s a better idea to go for a builder that combines the best of both worlds, offering both customizability and convenience. 

With Wix, you’ll have hundreds of customizable templates to choose from and AI tools that make designing and filling it with images a breeze. Furthermore, Wix enriches your website with features like built-in forms, custom email addresses, and newsletter capabilities, ensuring you can easily connect with your audience and maintain those connections effortlessly.

Check out this selection of Wix website templates for writers .

04. Decide how you want to structure your showcase

When building the “Works” or “Clips” section of your online writing portfolio, your focus should be on showcasing your writing as well as highlighting the outlets you've collaborated with. Select pieces that represent your best work and reflect the type of work you aspire to continue doing. Remember, it's always about quality over quantity. A handful of outstanding pieces will have a greater impact than a multitude of average ones.

If you're at the beginning of your career and lack professional bylines, don't hesitate to include your best work from college or independent projects. Additionally, consider starting a blog that reflects the kind of work you aim to do professionally. 

05. Build an archive

Imagine losing your most valued work if a website goes down or a publisher removes your article. To prevent this, create an archive on your portfolio site. By uploading and publishing posts using the Wix content management system, you not only safeguard your work but also boost your site’s SEO and engage visitors more effectively. However, remember to check your contracts, as some publishers may restrict this. If time is limited, consider downloading your articles as PDFs and linking to them on a dedicated page. It's best to maintain this archive separately from your featured works, ensuring they continue to be the main attraction.

06. Flesh out the rest of your site

Your writing portfolio is more than just your work; it's a complete presentation of your professional persona. Each page on your site plays a critical role in telling your story. Here's how to make them count:

Home: The homepage is your portfolio's front door, welcoming and guiding visitors. It's crucial that this page clearly communicates what you offer as a writer. Make sure visitors can instantly understand your area of expertise and writing style.

About: On your “About” page, detail your professional journey, educational background and skill set. This page is an excellent place to infuse personality into your resume. Consider including a PDF version of your resume so hiring managers can add it to their databases.

Contact:  The “Contact” page is your open invitation for communication. Offer multiple methods to reach you, such as a contact form and an email address. Consider using scheduling software  to make it easy for potential clients to set up consultation calls. 

When writing the copy for these pages, make sure your tone is consistent, engaging and speaks to your desired audience. If incorporating imagery, make sure they’re high-quality, complement the text and reinforce your professional image. Each element should seamlessly blend to form a cohesive and inviting online presence.

07. Test and publish

Broken links, grammatical errors or faulty contact forms may lead visitors to doubt the quality of your work or discourage them from reaching out. Make sure to do a thorough assessment of your site, and consider sharing your writing portfolio with others to get their feedback.

08. Update your website

Regularly update your portfolio with your latest work. This keeps your site fresh and shows potential clients your active involvement and range of skills. A current portfolio can also inspire new project ideas among visitors.

Related Posts

How to make a professional portfolio

How to create a marketing portfolio: tips and examples

17 best portfolio layouts for creative professionals

Was this article helpful?

How to Create a Writing Portfolio (With Examples)

Want to create a writing portfolio that'll stand out to readers and potential clients? Here's how to do it and some examples to make it easy for you.

As a freelance writer, it's beneficial to have a portfolio of your work, so potential clients can review your work and learn about your area of expertise. Before starting to work on your portfolio, you should consider the writing you want to do.

Whether you're a copywriter, a ghostwriter, writing literature, or a journalist, that should be clear when people view your portfolio. One of the first things to consider when creating your portfolio is your niche, and determining your niche can help you select your articles and the layout.

6 Steps to Creating Your Writing Portfolio

Here are the six steps to creating a writing portfolio that will help you get noticed by readers and potential clients:

1. Choose a Portfolio Host

In today's virtual world, having an online portfolio is a must for most creatives. You get to decide whether you want to host your portfolio on your website or prefer to have another company host it.

You can create your portfolio using a platform like Wix, Weebly, or WordPress. If you'd rather have your portfolio hosted by a site specializing in online portfolios, you can choose from sites such as Clippings, WriterFolio, or JournoPortfolio. You might be interested in these free platforms to showcase your freelance writing portfolio .

2. Determine Your Niche

If you're struggling with selecting the type of writing you want to focus on, it may be a good idea to review your previous work and see which ones had the most impact, response, and reach. If you want to focus on ghostwriting, you may want to clarify what type of content you can write. This can range from real estate to gardening, holistic medicine, or another industry in which you have writing experience.

As a copywriter, do you enjoy creating sales pages and other marketing copy, like landing pages, newsletters, and email sequences? What kind of literature do you write if you're a literary writer? You can focus on romance, fantasy, horror, or any other genre. What type of news do you write about if you're a journalist? Do you write about current events, celebrity gossip, or financial or political news? The possibilities are endless.

3. Create Your Author Bio

Your author bio aims to introduce yourself to potential clients who enjoy your work and want to learn more about you. The content you include in your bio should match the formatting and design of the website. The elements you should consider including are:

• Where you're from originally.
• Where you call home currently.
• Your academic writing credentials, if applicable.
• Your notable publications.
• Any accolades and awards you've won.
• The subjects or themes you cover.

You can include your social media links if you're comfortable, and they highlight more of your written work. If you're creating your site for the portfolio, you can choose to include the bio on an about page or have it as your homepage.

You may consider adding a photograph of you since it can increase the chances of people reaching out to you. You may be interested in learning tips on how to write an about me page in your online portfolio .

4. Select Your Best Work

Once you've decided on the niche you want to focus on, you can review your completed work and choose the best content that fits that specialization. You can include work past clients have succeeded with and their feedback.

Your potential clients want confirmation that you can produce well-written content about the content you're stating is your specialization. It may be helpful to verify the terms of the work you've written to determine whether you can post the entire content as a part of your portfolio or if you'll have to provide links.

If you provide links, specify the publication and when it was published. You might be interested in learning how Google Docs can help organize your writing portfolio for the next step.

5. Organize Your Work Into Segments

You can divide the work you want to include in your portfolio by niche, or the type of article, using clear descriptions. Categorizing your work makes it easier for potential clients to find samples of the work they're looking to hire you for when you separate them by niche or type. Examples of categories include landing page copy, white papers, and blog posts, to name a few.

Your descriptions for your categories should be brief. If the content you want to share was done as a ghostwriter and didn't include your byline, you should include the term ghostwriter in the work description to clarify it.

6. Ensure Your Contact Information Is Easy to Find

Your online portfolio must make it easy for potential customers to connect with you. Whether they want to express appreciation for an article you wrote or wish to discuss a business opportunity with you, finding your number or an email address shouldn't be challenging.

Engaging with as many people as possible is an excellent way to expand your online profile. You can use a contact form on your website, or you can provide your email address.

The key is to ensure that the information is visible and easy to access, whether they're using their phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. If you decide to share an email address, you may want to create a new account, since having an email published publicly can leave you vulnerable to excessive amounts of spam.

Writing Portfolio Examples

Before you begin creating your portfolio, reviewing what some writers have created for themselves may be helpful. You may also want to check out the blogs every freelance writer should read to get some inspiration, regardless of how long you've been writing. Here are some examples of writer portfolios with some commentary on their design:

1. Elna Cain

Elna's portfolio tells you that she's the writer you're looking for to meet your business needs. She lists publications where readers can find her work and shares testimonials from past clients.

She has numerous ways to connect with her, whether you want to discuss business opportunities or follow her online. She also has a link to her blog, so you can stay current on her work.

2. Tyler Koenig

Tyler uses his website to add value with an email list, courses, webinars, and tips on his blog. He has paid and free resources, highlighting his expertise to potential clients. The site is well-designed and easy to navigate.

3. Jennifer Fernandez

Jennifer uses a grid-based theme to display links to her writing samples, using a title and a thumbnail photo for each. She organized her writing samples in sections based on her lifestyle, design, and travel content niche. Jennifer showcases the type of writing she has experience in and makes browsing easy.

Get Started With Your Creative Writing Portfolio

Before you make your portfolio live, you may want to review it and have friends or colleagues look at it. Sometimes we can be so close to our project that we miss little things. The last thing you want is to publish a writer's portfolio with spelling or grammar mistakes.

If you're looking for work, you want to get as many eyes as possible on it to increase your chances of getting hired. You might be interested in learning how to source clients as a freelance writer now that you have a portfolio to share.

• Black Voices
• Female Voices
• LGBTQ Voices
• Diverse Voices
• Author Interviews
• Bookstr Talks
• Second Chapter
• Featured Authors

7 Prolific Women Fantasy Writers You Need to Read

7 Spectacular Romance Books With Beautiful Disabled Protagonists

Best Friends Forever: Female Characters We’d Love to Be Friends With

Nonfiction Redemption: Misunderstood Female Figures Throughout History

• On This Day
• Bookspot / Libraries
• Bookstagram
• Bookish Memes
• Bookish Trends
• Favorite Quotes

Why Do Female Superhero Solo Movies Flop?

What the Surprising US TikTok Bill Means for BookTok’s Survival

New Musical Adaptation of The Notebook Premieres on Broadway

• Comics & Graphic Novels
• Just For Fun
• Adaptations

Are These Books Banned? Take the Quiz to Find Out!

Who Is Your Best Friend in the Harry Potter World?

• Food & Wine
• Art and Music
• Partner Articles

5 Independent Publishers Celebrating Innovative Storytelling

The Critical Connection Between Student Motivation and Academic Performance

Musician Paul Simon Honored With Terrific Literary Award

World Book Day: Costume’s Coming To A Unexpected Halt

• Young Readers
• Science Fiction
• Poetry & Drama
• Thriller & Mystery
• Young Adult
• Three To Read
• Female Authors

Stunning Nature Poetry To Make Your Spring Equinox Blossom

Remarkable Irish Folklore Collections That Will Enchant Your Child

12 Anticipated Reads to Blossom Your Bookshelf In April

For the love of books

How To Make a Writing Portfolio That’s Creative and Compelling

What exactly is a writing portfolio? We break down seven easy steps in how to showcase all types of writing to impress potential future employers.

With so much information out there, it can be hard to narrow down how to create your writing portfolio. The task itself may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re at the beginning of your writing career. Whether you’re interested in becoming a freelance writer or you just want to get your best pieces out there, we’ve got seven great tips to get you started on curating a creative portfolio.

To get an inside view as to what goes into making a writing portfolio, we sat down and spoke with our Assistant Editor at Bookstr, Emilee Calametti. With over six years of writing experience, Emilee knows a thing or two about how to make the best possible writer’s portfolio that truly stands out.

But first, what is a writing portfolio?

At its core, a writing portfolio is the collection of a writer’s best work. Combined with your own flair and a contact page, this is the ultimate resource for how to gain freelancing opportunities or a place to showcase your writing.

“You want it to display who you are and the work you’re proud of. Make sure you have an ‘About Me’ section, display your work, and methods of contact! Be creative! Resumes can be boring, but portfolios don’t have to be.” Emilee Calametti

If you’re heading into the creative field, especially as a writer, having a portfolio is a must! Now, let’s take a look at seven tips to make the process of creating a writing portfolio easier.

1. Narrow Down Your Niche

Before you start collecting your favorite pieces or even browse through potential portfolio websites, the first thing you’ll want to do is think about your niche. What inspires you? What type of writing do you like the most? Do you have a specific style? These are all questions you want to ask yourself before you do anything else. Once you have these questions pinned down, it will be significantly easier to present your work in a way that represents you. 

If you’re having trouble narrowing things down, lean into that! Diversity in your writing doesn’t have to be negative. According to Emilee, this can actually strengthen both your skills and show future employers that you have a diverse repertoire when it comes to your writing.

“I’ve had a variety of writing jobs over my six years. It wasn’t until last year I really figured out what I wanted to focus on– Entertainment writing. I’ve done breaking news, blog writing, copywriting, creative writing, grant writing, academic writing– I’ve even started writing a novel. I’ve come to realize that my personality is very loud and so is my voice. I have always wanted to have an impact on people with my writing, which meshes well with entertainment writing. It also helped me with my portfolio, because I love fun colors and fun pieces and the designing aspect is kind of the best part. You can definitely see who I am based on my portfolio.” Emilee Calametti

Your niche doesn’t have to stay the same forever. If your writing style changes throughout the years, then so should your portfolio. The best way to present your work is by being true to yourself.

2. Think About Your Audience

Similar to deciding your niche, you should also think about who you’re marketing yourself to. Your audience can be future clients, employers, contemporaries, yourself, or a mix of things.

If you’re trying to get work as a freelance writer, a more professional approach will be beneficial. But if you want to show off your writing to friends, family, or for personal use, you might lean towards the creative side. In the case that you have a variety of writing samples, you may want to look into creating multiple portfolios for different audiences.

“I actually have a few portfolios that I use depending on which writing job I am going after. This saves me time during the pitching process or application process (depending on what kind of position it is). It’s like having multiple resumes.” Emilee Calametti

You also get to have some power over who your audience will be. Take on clients that have the same interests as you. Not only will you be able to build a relationship with your clientele, but you’ll have the opportunity to write content that you’re passionate about.

“I try to find like-minded clients, and my portfolio is fun and kind of loud, so finding people that are drawn to that is a plus. That being said, and I’m sure anyone writing will agree, there are very few jobs I’d turn down as they all will diversify my portfolio and make me better. This is why I have a variety of portfolios depending on the type of client I’m reaching out to.” Emilee Calametti

3. Select a Website and Domain Name

Now that you’ve decided on your niche and audience, you can finally get to select where you want to publish your portfolio. There are many websites out there that offer you amazing features, but for a price. Everyone should be able to create a portfolio for free and with little to no hassle. 

• Wix : With hundreds of templates out there, Wix is a great place to start when creating your first portfolio. If you have trouble designing in your head, Wix lets you browse through their vast collection to create a portfolio that perfectly matches your aesthetic. At no cost to you, utilize all of their design tools and photo catalog to make sure that your portfolio gains attention.
• WordPress : Emilee can attest to the benefits of creating a portfolio on WordPress. It’s accessible and free for everyone. With different themes to choose from and helpful guides online, you’ll be able to create a stunning portfolio without all the confusion.
• Clippings : Used by journalists, bloggers, and writers alike, Clippings is the site to use if customization is at the top of your priorities. Thousands of creatives around the world use this site to present their best work. And with examples online, you can ensure that all important details are within your portfolio.
• Journo Portfolio : If you’re the type of person who needs multiple portfolios, then Journo Portfolio might be your pick. They have a portfolio for whatever writing style you can think of. From poetry to proofreading, this site has just about everything you’re looking for.
• Contently : Looking for a website that combines the portfolio process and connects you with potential clients? Then Contently is the way to go. This site lets you upload an unlimited amount of projects, so even when you’re deep into your writing career, you can always go back and add more. 

Once you’ve selected where you’d like to publish your portfolio, you can get to work on the domain name. For most writers, they simply go with their first and last name, but if you’re looking for something a little more creative, try and pick out a name that resonates with the general theme of your portfolio.

4. Create the “About Me” Section

Along with the pieces of writing you select, the ‘About Me’ section of a writing portfolio is one of the most important elements of presenting your work. This will be the first thing that potential clients see, so remember to make your language strong and concise.

“You want to keep things professional, but still, let your personality shine through. Think about your audience and base how you present yourself from there.” Emilee Calametti

This is also where you will want to highlight any achievements, awards, or special skills that you’ve gained in your writing career. Once somebody has read through this section, they should be able to clearly see what type of writing you’re interested in, the history of your writing career, and have a general idea of who you are as a writer. Make sure to state if you’re looking for work and include contact information so people can reach out to you. 

This section of the writing portfolio will help strengthen your writing abilities. Being able to promote yourself is an essential skill, especially if you’re interested in freelancing. Stay true to yourself, and you’ll be able to see results in no time.

5. Determine What Pieces to Present

Now it’s time to select which pieces you want to present in your portfolio. The most important thing to keep in mind while doing this is quality over quantity. Only pick the best of the best. If you’re having trouble narrowing things down, ask a friend or a fellow contemporary to read through your writing. Getting a second opinion can make all the difference.

“Your pieces should be diverse and showcase the various tasks and projects you can take on as a writer. You want to include your strongest pieces across a wide variety of areas. Your pieces should also showcase different publication types and styles. This will be constantly changing as you grow as a writer and write new pieces. You want to make sure you tailor your pieces to your specific area, but keep diversity in mind.” Emilee Calametti

Don’t be afraid to go in and revise some of your older works as well. This will not only give you the chance to enhance your editing skills, but it’ll allow you to see how much progress you’ve made. At the end of the day, you should be proud of what you put on your portfolio, so taking the time to revise and edit should provide insight into how far you’ve come as a writer.

6. Organize for the Best Presentation

After you’ve picked out your best pieces of writing, now comes the time to dig into organization. A great way to showcase your writing is by dividing your work into genres. Whether it be copywriting, creative writing, or academic writing, you’ll want separate sections that represent each type of writing. This will help people and potential clients navigate your portfolio with ease. However, you can choose to put your best samples on the front page of your portfolio, rather than dividing everything into individual sections.

“I like to put my best pieces first and also add the pieces that show my niche. Since the samples you choose should be diverse and show a variety of areas, I like to mix them up and sprinkle different things here and there. You can also have things very organized though and have different sections for each style. I think this goes into representing who you are!” Emilee Calametti

There are many ways to organize your writing portfolio. If you like things to be more structured, dividing your work into sections might be the better option. But, if getting your best samples out there is at the top of your priorities, then making sure your niche is known will be the best direction to take.

You can also have a mix of both to diversify your portfolio. Remember, as long as your portfolio is a representation of yourself, you’re on the right track.

7. Keep Revising

As writers, we should always be going back to older pieces and seeing how we could improve. The same goes for your portfolio. As you progress in your career, you want to keep adding to not only the work you’ve done but also to your accomplishments. The more experience you gain, the more that should be presented. Revising your portfolio will make your writing samples even more relevant, and people will keep coming back to your work, hoping to see new additions.

“It is always going to be changing and so are YOU! The beauty of the portfolio is you can and should update it frequently and that can go for the design also. Have fun with it and let it be a showcase of who you are and what you bring to the table.” Emilee Calametti

As you grow and change in your career, your portfolio should reflect that same amount of progress. Just like going back and editing older pieces of writing, this will be a great way to see how far you’ve come. From the first portfolio to your most current one, you’ll be able to see just how much work you’ve put into becoming a successful writer.

Now, start creating!

A writing portfolio can be a great resource for writers of all different genres. Whether you’re trying to gain a clientele or just want a place where all your writing is presented, the writing portfolio can help in many regards.

Now that you know the most important aspects of creating a writing portfolio, it’s time to get started! Just remember, don’t be afraid to showcase who you really are. Authenticity is everything, and being open about who you are as a writer is bound to make you go far in this career. 

For more insight into the writing industry, you can check out our Bookstr Blog by clicking here!

To find out more information on the publishing process, click here!

FEATURED IMAGE VIA CANVA

• Photo Books
• Layflat Books
• Trade Books
• Notebooks & Journals
• Pricing Calculator
• Shipping Calculator
• PDF To Book
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Lightroom
• Adobe Photoshop
• BookWright Templates
• Blurb Bookstore
• Large Order Services
• API Printing
• All Categories
• Photography
• Biographies & Memoirs
• Children’s Books
• Business & Economics
• Literature & Fiction
• Help Center

CAN I SEE YOUR WORK?

It’s the first question you’ll hear when you go after a new job or client.

That’s why a portfolio is a must for anyone working in a creative field. Whether you’re a graphic designer, photographer, writer, or artist, your creative portfolio is a self-branding tool that lets you tell your professional story. And for creatives, it’s much more important than a resume.

Today’s portfolios come in many forms. Digital portfolios, or e-portfolios, have become trendy in our remote world for their accessibility, affordability, and shareability. But physical portfolios, like perfectly bound print portfolio books, remain timeless and effective tangibles that wow those in face-to-face meetings.

Beyond format, you need to figure a lot out to land on a creative portfolio that captures both your work and your unique brand. This handbook has everything you need to effectively sell your skills—chock full of research, tips, and case studies.

Table of Contents

1. Panel: Your creative contributors

2. Introduction: What is a creative portfolio?

3. Research: Why you need a portfolio as a creative

4. Perspective: What to consider before you begin

5. Execute: How to create your portfolio

6. Pitch: Using Blurb to get started

1. PANEL Creative contributors

Leading creatives contributed their advice and personal stories on creating an effective portfolio.

J. Nordberg Senior director of brand and creative

Susan Tanabe Senior copywriter

Jenny Ackerman Senior art director

Dakota Brinkert Designer and social digital creator

Dan Milnor Creative evangelist and photographer

John Zilly Creative director

Written by Aer Parris

2. INTRODUCTION What is a creative portfolio?

Anyone in any industry can create a portfolio to document and share their work. But when creativity is your profession, it’s essential to have an inspiring, organized, and imaginative portfolio demonstrating your originality.

By definition, a portfolio is a unique collection of work samples, methods, and other materials that provides an overview of your skills, capabilities, and qualifications as a creative. It's way more than a resume; your book offers tangible evidence of your proudest projects. So it should be highly curated and tailored for the job you're going after—while remaining true to your brand.

There are no hard and fast portfolio rules. But the underlying purpose remains consistent: to showcase your talents, experience, and accomplishments comprehensively. And do it creatively.

An essential tool for all types of creatives

In nearly every creative discipline—content writing, fashion design, photography, or architecture—prospective clients and employers want to see samples of your work before hiring you. And in today’s competitive landscape, providing this proof of work is a benchmark requirement.

A portfolio is an essential tool for creatives because it enables prospects to gauge your skills, previous work experience, and how well your abilities align with the creative direction behind their needs.

When a high-profile clothing brand needs to hire a freelance photographer for a shoot, they want to see candidates with a book full of remarkable examples of catalog and fashion photography. So, if you share a creative portfolio highlighting your experience, skills, and eye for photography in those genres, plus a unique personality, you’ll stand out in the pile of applicants.

3. RESEARCH Why you need a portfolio as a creative

"If the word ‘creative’ is used to describe the work you do or want to do, you need a portfolio," says Susan Tanabe, Blurb’s senior copywriter. "This goes for photographers, makeup artists, interior designers, visual artists, copywriters, and the like."

But why must creatives have one? We’ve compiled research findings and case studies that underscore your need for a well-curated portfolio.

83% of employers want you to show (rather than tell) your skills

We've all heard the writing adage you must show rather than tell. Unsurprisingly, it's true while job hunting in the creative industry, too. Samples that put your work on display say more about your abilities than words on a resume can.

In fact, a survey conducted by Hart Research Associates revealed that an astounding 83% of employers surveyed thought portfolios accurately represented a potential employee's capability and aptitude. So, five of six businesses use portfolios to make hiring decisions.

For many employers, relying on portfolios over resumes is especially true for recent graduates. After all, a 4.0 graphic design student may be good at completing class projects but not good at thinking outside the box—or a fine art student might be fantastic at lifelike portraits of celebrities at university but terrible at cartoon dogs for high-end pet brand paid work.

"Portfolios continue to be the ultimate purveyors of creative potential," according to research by Blakeman & Hoy . "For students, their portfolio tells the story of their passion for the craft of advertising (design or copywriting), highlights their conceptual and strategic abilities, and promotes their knowledge of design and copy use within diverse mediums."

Let your work speak for itself in a portfolio that shows exactly who you are as an artist or creative professional. A well-conceived portfolio speaks volumes to prospective employers and clients about your skillset, capabilities, and experience. And it can be the deciding factor when choosing between you and someone with similar qualifications on paper.

Case study: graphic design program portfolio

Shundiin Nakai, an Albuquerque-based creative and member of the Navajo Nation, created a print portfolio to showcase her work at the end of her graphic design program at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.

"This book started as an assignment in one of my last classes," Nakai says. "I wanted to give readers insight into who I am and the type of design work I want to do."

She didn’t stop there. Nakai pushed herself to create a brand identity that truly displayed herself as a designer. "The personal aspect of this project, who I am and the type of work I want to do, was the hardest for me," she shares. "The time spent on this book ultimately gave insight into how I find solace in creativity."

It is a gorgeous book that shows off Nakai’s talents as a graphic designer—allowing employers to understand what is unique about her process and what she brings to the table, even without paid experience. Explore her book, Solace , now.

Convey culture fit and communication style to 9 out of 10 employers

Recruiters and hiring managers are searching for applicants who can bring more than just a good resume (or good grades) to the table. According to a 2021 comparative study , employers want people that can fit into their company culture and display innovative skills, neither of which can be easily determined from a single-page resume.

The same study found that 9 in 10 employers who participated in a survey (180 businesses total) indicated that digital portfolios were "somewhat useful" or "very useful" during the hiring process. That's because portfolios provide not only a snapshot of your work experience and creativity, but also insight into your strategy, organization abilities, and communication skills.

Portfolios are more than just pictures of your project samples—they're your chance to build a narrative about your work and your own identity as a creator. They show how well you can sell yourself and share a vision.

Case study: professor’s portfolio on identity

Artist and graphic design professor Chen Gao creates a portfolio every few years. In her latest edition, My Design Narrative , she explores her identity as a Chinese immigrant and its impact on her work.

"The feelings [in this portfolio] are represented in a first-person narrative that depicts my background and experience," she shares. "It illustrates the person (myself) who lived outside their homeland for several years and shared feelings about being distanced and lost in the conjunct place."

In her classroom, she does the same work, teaching her students how to use Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, but also how to provide and receive constructive feedback from peers. It’s this last piece, she believes, that allows them to explore and share their own identity in portfolio form.

"Giving critical responses to peers is also a process of thinking clearly about themselves," Gao explains. "They will gradually discover their interests and find ways to solve problems. Then creating portfolios even after graduating is no longer a big thing."

We talked to Gao about her portfolio, teaching, and print's importance in a digital world. You can read the interview here .

Get discovered in an increasingly competitive global industry

The creative industry is growing rapidly, and to keep up, you need a portfolio that will make you stand out. Whether it’s for landing a gig or securing a freelance job, having an impressive portfolio—that can be found online—can help you get discovered by the right people.

Let's look at the numbers. The sheer number of freelancers in the United States continues to climb, contributing $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022, according to Zippia . Freelancers comprise a dominant portion of the workforce for many industries, including 75% of the arts and design industry's total workforce. Additionally, 82% of all freelancers in the U.S. fall into the category of freelance writers.

Add to the freelance economy the gig economy and the competitive nature of the creative industry comes into focus. Experts project wages in the global gig economy will go from $134 billion in 2018 to $298 billion throughout 2023 , a considerable 122% increase. Similarly, they anticipate global gig workers will rise from 43 million in 2018 to 78 million in 2023, an 81% jump!

So why a portfolio? The answer is simple: a website or digital portfolio with the right keywords included is a reliable way to get found in a sea of creative options. As a freelancer or gig worker, you want to build your portfolio to rise to the top of searches. Just imagine how many jobs would roll your way if a prospective typed "Seattle portrait photographer" into Google and your name popped up.

Case study: lessons from a digital portfolio

Dakota Brinkert was hired by Blurb a year ago, thanks in large part to his fine-tuned digital portfolio. Brinkert built his website to collect granular user data that informed his design and interview strategies. He used Google Analytics to see which pages each potential employer visited, how long they were on each page, and their user journey. From there, he made changes to help guide hiring managers through his portfolio to make a bigger impact.

He also shaped his interviews based on this information. Brinkert even went so far as to create landing pages specifically for each hiring manager, attempting to answer every question they may have had in an easy, eye-catching way. Want to do the same? He suggests using human-centered design principles:

  • Understand what your audience needs and then serve it to them effortlessly.   • Track the user journey through your portfolio site and then make changes based on where visitors get tripped up or drop off.

"Creative work is problem-solving work, and (good) employers will want to know your approach and the thought process behind your solution," he goes on. "Provide case studies that show you’re capable of understanding a problem and that you’re strategic in your efforts to solve it. Walk your user through your creative execution and provide proof of its success in the real world. Oh, and don’t forget to show a bit of who you truly are."

"Designers, photographers, illustrators, artists, art directors, writers ... you must have a portfolio. No one cares about a resume."

Track your creative progress

We've talked about portfolios to pitch yourself to others, but they can also be just for yourself. "A career portfolio gives you a unique professional identity that evolves alongside you," writes April Rinne for Harvard Business Review . "It’s naturally aligned with lifelong learning and meant to help you expand your professional community and access to leadership opportunities."

Looking back at your career can help you make sense of your journey and build a professional narrative. As Rinne explains in her think piece, rather than expecting a linear step-by-step toward the apex of your creative career, you can embrace your varied roles and find connections between them.

Try constructing a creative portfolio that celebrates diversity—the same way you would your financial or investment portfolio. By tracking your creative progress in multiple formats and industries, you can take stock not only of where you are today, but also of the growth and learning opportunities you might want to explore in the future.

Case study: four decades of embroidery

Fiona Almeleh, a Devon-based embroidery artist, painter, and writer, created a comprehensive catalog of the hand-embroidered pieces she’s developed over her career. By looking back, she rediscovered what a life of artistry means to her.

"My work is always unplanned and organic in nature, inviting a conscious, creative involvement with the flow of life," she writes. "Committing to this process daily brings me great peace and joy."

Her portfolio features a preface explaining her journey into this embroidered, threaded, and sculptural work, followed by photographs of each of her pieces. True works of art standing alone, her art demands even more attention when gathered together.

Explore Almeleh’s body of work here.

4. PERSPECTIVE What to consider before you begin

Research shows that creatives require portfolios to find full-time roles or one-off gigs. But what do you need to know before you begin? Here we'll cover the never-ending debate between digital and print portfolios as well as industry-specific considerations.

Should you create a digital or print portfolio?

Ultimately, your portfolio should be reflective of your style—as well as what prospective clients or employers expect or ask for. And like most complex questions, there is a nuanced answer.

"It really depends upon your medium and industry," says J. Nordberg, Blurb's senior director of brand and creative. "But a good rule is to make the portfolio in the medium you work—or want to work."

For digital roles like UX designer, you'll absolutely need a web portfolio with mockups, motion graphics, and even code samples to demonstrate your skills. And if you are a creative professional working in photography, you may want to consider a print portfolio that provides tactile visuals and controls for improperly calibrated monitors.

That said, the overwhelming majority of the Blurb creative team agreed that creatives should create both digital and print portfolios to truly show their skill.

Digital portfolios .

The internet opened the work world; gone are the days of geographic limitations in job hunts. Digital portfolios like websites, social media feeds, and blogs are easily accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and help you get discovered via search. Plus, they offer greater flexibility in the format and media types you can share. After all, if you’re a videographer or TikTok creator, you won’t be able to show motion in print form.

"It’s far more efficient and cost-effective to use a digital portfolio when looking for employment," says Brinkert.

"I had to compete against hundreds of other applicants for each job I applied to on my last job hunt," he continues. "Would it make sense for me to pay for printing and shipping and expect the potential employer to take the time to wait for the package, check the mail, open it, look over it, and connect my work in print to my digital application? Not really."

At the same time, digital portfolios often require some technical skill to create and maintain—not to mention the upkeep cost.

Print portfolios .

"Digital is table stakes these days," says Jenny Ackerman, Blurb's senior art director. After all, you can't even apply to many jobs without a link to your website. "But if you want to make a lasting impression, there is something undeniably special about a printed piece you can hold and present in meetings," she adds.

Printed portfolios can be far more easily shared in person, making them a compelling option for interviews and meetings. They provide a more engaging experience, as readers can flip through pages to see examples of your work.

"If you meet in person with potential clients or for interviews, a print version is essential," states John Zilly, creative director at Vimazi . "It's also nice to have a printed leave-behind portfolio," which can keep you top-of-mind as clients see your work on their desk rather than buried in an email.

However, printed portfolio books can be less practical for certain types of creative work, like animations, music, or video. They're also not as easy to update and duplicate on the fly.

Both print and digital portfolios .

We think creatives should have both a print and digital portfolio, each having its purpose and helping to tell a unified story. "In virtually any creative discipline, you really should have both," says Tanabe.

"Your online book is a must," she explains. "It better look good, be responsive, and be free of typos or dead links. As for a tangible copy of your book, it’s helpful to have two things:"

   1. A large, gorgeous, printed book for those times you are face-to-face and want to impress.    2. Several smaller, more condensed versions to mail to prospective clients and employers.

But, as Nordberg mentioned at the top, picking your format depends on your industry and goals. Let's dive in to industry specifics so you can make an informed decision.

"I’ll know in 10 seconds if a portfolio has potential. If it passes, I’ll probably spend another five minutes taking a closer look to see how it aligns with my project’s vision or team’s needs."

Creative professions that require great portfolios

In some creative professions, a portfolio is a must-have, making standalone resumes virtually obsolete. Zilly clarifies: "Designers, photographers, illustrators, artists, art directors, advertising writers, non-advertising writers, architects, contractors, and builders. In these fields, you must have a portfolio, and no one really cares about a resume."

After all, for creatives in highly-competitive roles, a great portfolio is the cost of entry just to get noticed. And making a solid first impression means everything.

"I’ll know in 10 seconds if a portfolio has potential," says Ackerman. "If it passes the 10-second scan, I’ll probably spend another five minutes taking a closer look to see how it aligns with my project’s vision or team’s needs."

But what do the top industries look for in that 10-second scan? Let's get into the specifics.

Photographers

As a photographer, your portfolio is your chance to tell your story and your way to get more work. You'll want to showcase your unique professional angle and execution capabilities, including specific techniques, photo editing skills, and genres of interest. Blurb creative evangelist and photographer Dan Milnor gives his suggestions:

  • Put your best work first. Most viewers decide within the first few images. Start with a bang.   • Edit. You get very little time to make an impression. Make sure you show off not only your imagery but your ability to edit, sequence, and present work.   • Craft an elevator pitch. "I start portfolio reviews by asking why they are there and why they’re sharing this particular body of work." Milnor says. "And when they add a little humor, it never goes unnoticed."

Learn more about how to create a photography portfolio .

Graphic designers

Brand identity, ads, social graphics, or web design—to stand out in a saturated talent pool, a creative portfolio is essential in displaying your unique design skills, experience, and ability to communicate. Ackerman, Blurb's art director, shares her top advice:

  • Be consistent. If there’s a gap in quality from piece to piece, it either says you don’t care or don’t know the difference.   • Give context. Guide the viewer through what they are looking at. Don’t forget to provide details about each project, like the goals, challenges, and your role in bringing it to life.   • Show the work you want to get. Keep your book focused on the story you want to tell and represent the type of work you ultimately want to attract.

Ready to go deeper? Here's how to create a graphic design portfolio .

Interior designers

Interior design demands a professional portfolio, ideally, a tangible book to share and leave with prospective clients. You'll need to showcase your most impressive projects and the details of each job. This will help your viewer understand the final outcome and your process for getting there. Three things you can't go wrong with are:

  • Show your process. How you got to the finish line matters. Don’t forget to include before-and-after images, sketches, and mood boards.   • Include the details. Tell the story of who you worked with, the challenges, and most importantly, how you resolved them.   • Tailor your work. Make sure you show what your client is looking for. Each client is different, and thus you'll need to match your past work samples to who you're pitching.

Related reading: Here's how to make an interior design portfolio .

If you are an ideator, marketer, copywriter, blogger, storyteller, scriptwriter, or some other type of wordsmith, you must use your well-curated writing portfolio to prove you can tell stories, evoke emotion, and convey ideas. Here are tips from Burb copywriter Tanabe:

  • Show variety. Don't get stuck on one voice. Provide tone versatility with humor, thoughtfulness, and intelligence.   • Marry great copy with great art direction. You need both words and visuals to create an irresistible tale.   • Proofread. This is obvious, but many people forget it! Don't let typos get in the way of great writing.

Explore the nitty-gritty of how to create a writing portfolio .

5. Execute How to create your portfolio

It can be nerve-wracking or overwhelming to begin making your first portfolio—or even updating the one you haven't touched for a few years. The first thing to remember when building or editing your portfolio is that you already have one, even if you don’t realize it or haven’t earned paid experience in your craft.

If you don't have much client experience or tangible project examples, invent your own brand or mock projects for your favorite companies. Just be sure to label them as such.

So take a big sigh of relief. You’ve done the work; this is just about showing it.

We offer a tried-and-true process for building a portfolio that works, no matter your industry. Ground zero for all creatives is identifying who it’s for and what’s in it. That's where we'll start.

1. Identify your audience, intentions, and tone

One of the most critical questions to ask yourself is: Who are you creating your portfolio for?

Knowing your audience—whether it be clients for contract gigs, art directors seeking in-house talent, or college admissions officers looking for student applications—informs your portfolio's purpose, structure, and content.

For example, your graphic design samples will definitely change if you pitch yourself to clients as a freelance designer, apply for an agency job, or seek admission into a post-graduate program. That's because what your audience expects of you is different.

Identifying your audience and the purpose of your portfolio can also help shape its overarching design theme, format, and aesthetics. You'll want to align your portfolio's mood and style to best reflect your personality and demonstrate you can do the work the hiring manager or client wants from you. Empathize with what your audience wants and design your portfolio accordingly.

2. Seek inspiration from other portfolios

Understanding your visual and creative vocabulary is a key part of the portfolio-building process. That's why seeking inspiration from other portfolios, whether in the same field or even completely unrelated, is invaluable.

A great way to start is by checking out online galleries like Behance or Dribbble (or even the Blurb Bookstore) and taking notes or bookmarking the portfolios that stand out.

This exercise can provide you with a runway of ideas for different portfolio styles, structural layouts, and formats you like. Take elements that you admire from these examples—perhaps a minimalist design layout or clear and vibrant typography—and use them to inspire your concepts.

Consider specific components to include in your portfolio as well, like a personalized introduction, use of project briefs, unfinished project sketches, and before-and-after case studies.

"Only include the sorts of projects that you want to work on. Making a portfolio is your opportunity to be ambitious."

3. Distill your work into your best examples

One of the greatest challenges in building your creative portfolio is diligently selecting your best work examples to include and weeding out what doesn't make the cut. It can be difficult to eliminate a piece that you really like. But if it doesn't fit the theme, then chop it.

Think back to your target audience and your portfolio's purpose. "You want someone to stop on every page and say 'wow!'" says Zilly. "Remove anything that people may just page past."

Milnor agrees. "If I see a portfolio has fifty or more images, I know the photographer hasn’t done their job," he shares. "But if I see ten to twenty-five images, I know they are on the right track and have put some real thought into what made the cut."

Remember that not everything needs to be a successful client job—you can include personal projects, too. Just think about work that captures your skills and demonstrates the type of work you’d like to earn more of in the future.

"Some people say to only include the sorts of projects that you want to work on," says Zilly. "So making a portfolio is also your opportunity to be ambitious."

4. Determine your portfolio's format types

Again, the great debate between print and digital resurfaces. It’s time to decide which format makes the most sense to you, your craft, and your audience.

To recap: There are pros and cons to digital and print portfolios. Sure, digital formats are easier to create, edit, and share. But they might not be as engaging during an in-person interview. Print portfolio books tend to be more tactile and engaging—plus, they make a bigger impression since fewer people make them. But they can be time-consuming and costly to edit and print.

Before committing to just one particular format, like a digital portfolio website, don't discount the value of diversifying your deliverables. Weigh all possibilities in having a print version that you can hand out to your prospects or a digital version that you can easily share via an email or online application.

To help guide your decision, you can learn more in our blog: Portfolio Book or Digital Portfolio Website?

Just remember that no matter what your format, be creative. Your portfolio is your chance to tell your story and to try out an experimental use of materials. Print doesn't have to mean perfectly bound—it could be a DIY zine, pop-up book, or poster. Digital doesn't equal website—try a video presentation, Instagram grid, or video game. What reflects you best?

5. Organize and lay out your work cohesively

Without a well-thought-out structure, your portfolio could easily come across as disorganized and jumbled. Not a good look. Instead, spend time getting organized.

When structuring your portfolio layout, consider how you want to present yourself and the stories you want to tell about each piece and project. Don't forget your all-important target audience, too. What are they expecting?

First, segment your work. Design a navigation menu or table of contents and sort through the different buckets of samples you want to include. Figure out if you're grouping your work by medium or format, genre, industry, or tone—your options are limitless. This will give your portfolio a nice organizational hierarchy and an easy way for viewers to find what they want quickly.

Now that you have your samples in segments, arrange your work within each. Be sure to put your best work first. Many clients and hiring managers spend just three minutes on a portfolio . And if you have experience working for well-known brands, consider including these work examples at the forefront of your portfolio. Name recognition goes far!

Next, establish a visual hierarchy for your portfolio elements: titles, headers, subheaders, body copy, and images or video. To keep your visuals consistent, you can rely on premade templates if you're not a designer. Then add layouts for sections that make sense for the type of work you’re displaying (like featured work, case studies, client list), as well as elements like your bio, resume, and contact information.

Lastly, consider how viewers will interact with your portfolio. Before finalizing your design, think through the user experience. How will they move through your work? Are you creating an interactive portfolio that people can click through and explore? Or is it a more linear experience—one page flipping to the next? Help guide your audience to keep them engaged and intrigued.

"Keep your portfolio current. You never know when an amazing opportunity will present itself, and you won’t want to miss out!"

6. Add your branding and context

If you've perused the work of other creatives for inspiration, you've probably noticed how each portfolio is drastically different based on industry, style, aesthetic, and discipline. An ad creative's book is probably way more casual than an architect’s. They even differ within industries—a graphic designer who creates for punk-rock bands will likely have a much rawer feel than one specializing in luxe jewelry.

The key point is to ensure your portfolio—including layout, typography, background, and format—reflects who you are as a creative. Spend time figuring out your professional brand and reflecting it throughout your portfolio. Your font, color scheme, and tone of voice in your intro and statements should all match who you are selling yourself as, even if your samples are all over the place.

Milnor qualifies the above statement: "Over-branding or over-packaging often ends up overshadowing the work or is done as a substitute for subpar imagery." So express your brand while keeping the focus on your samples, above all.

You'll also want to provide context into your work and who you are. The golden rule with any portfolio is "show, don't tell," but there's still merit in describing your creative process. Every creative employs a unique methodology when bringing ideas to life.

Articulating your creative approach adds color and credibility to your projects. This background gives readers a sense of how you handle challenges and client demands and whether you can manage the scope of their project.

7. Keep your portfolio relevant and up-to-date

As you grow as a creative professional, new projects are an asset to your portfolio. View your book as a dynamic, fluid collection subject to change as you evolve.

It can feel silly to update your portfolio when you’re happy with your current company or flush with client work, but it’s smart to do just that. "Keep your portfolio current. You never know when an amazing opportunity will present itself, and you won’t want to miss out!" exclaims Ackerman. "A strong portfolio can make all the difference."

In addition to keeping your portfolio up-to-date with your most relevant and impactful work samples, you may want multiple portfolios or different versions for specific audiences. If you're a well-versed architect with multifaceted experience, having portfolios dedicated to commercial and residential projects for different potential clients may be a great approach. Clients can see their needs reflected more clearly without examples that aren’t relevant to them.

Milnor even suggests customizing books for a dream client or perfect job. Creating a single edition portfolio is possible with print-on-demand and landing pages.

Finally, consider creating another format if you already have a website or print portfolio. You may find a digital portfolio useful for quick updates and new additions, while a printed portfolio book is ideal as the hallmark of your trade when meeting high-profile prospects.

6. Pitch of our own

Using Blurb to get Started

If having a high-end hardcopy book is part of your strategy, Blurb’s here for you. Here’s why we’re a great choice.

Print-on-demand

Professional formats, free bookmaking tools, integrations.

Print a Portfolio

13 mins read

Writing Portfolio 101: What It Is, What It Should Include & How to Build One Really Fast

Are you creating your first writing portfolio? Or, updating it to meet current trends & impress modern clients? Either way, this article has you covered.

Shreya Bose

Written by Shreya Bose , edited by Protim Bhaumik , reviewed by Eric Hauch .

24. Jun 2023 , updated 20. Nov 2023

Writers, I’m not going to pretend you don’t know that you need a portfolio. Unless you are literally starting out with your writing career (and you've been chilling under a rock so far), you know a writer is defined by their work... and a professional writer shows their work in their professional online portfolio.

But not every portfolio is equal. Some don't make the cut when potential clients are evaluating them, and their failure is only sometimes because the actual work in the portfolio is sub-par. Sometimes, the portfolio design, its non-navigability, or the lack of relevant information disqualifies the portfolio and its owner.

So, in this article, I'll detail the essential elements of an online writing portfolio that actually gets you hired. I'll also throw in some writing portfolio examples, and introduce you to a tool that lets you collate your writing samples into an industry-best portfolio website within minutes.

So, what should go into your writer's portfolio?

A succinct but comprehensive introduction.

Keep things short, unless you're a winner of multiple major awards or you've studied in two different Ivy League schools. Otherwise, briefly mention what you do, who you've worked with, and any outstanding achievements (awards, Guinness Book Record for deep ocean diving, etc.).

If you're a freelance writer or you run a freelance writing business, you can include a line or two from a notable client testimonial.

ALL your work in ALL formats (text, audio, video)

This is the heart of all portfolio sites. If you're a writer or journalist, showcase your articles. If you're a photographer, display your best photos. If you're a graphic designer, exhibit videos, websites, animated elements, and still images you've worked on.

If you've produced content across different formats (text, audio, video), include all of it in your own portfolio. This is especially true if you have a creative writing portfolio. It indicates that you're comfortable working with multiple content avenues and makes you an asset for companies looking to expand their presence on numerous social channels.

A portfolio builder like Authory lets your import your work in different formats (text, audio, video, and social media posts).

Potential employers want to see writing portfolio sites showing off that you stay good at your job over time and aren't just a one-hit-wonder. The fact that you've written one great article a year isn't as great as writing one great article each month or week

Your digital portfolio should display this, and the best way to do so is to import ALL (or most) of your work in ALL formats — and display them accordingly on your portfolio.

Read More : Why your portfolio should include ALL your work in ALL formats (audio, video, text)

Real-world results

Nothing speaks like real-world results. Writing portfolios that showcase some real-world results are usually the ones that get more attention.

If you've got a few years of experience, you should have some numbers to indicate your competence. Have you written 50 articles in a year, perhaps? Have these articles driven organic traffic up 34% during that year? As a content marketer, have your skills driven greater engagement with a site or an even higher number of signups or purchases?

What to look for in your ideal portfolio builder

No matter what domain you work in, your portfolio page builder should come with the following essential elements:

1. Easy to set up & use

Writers need a portfolio builder that's super easy to set up and maintain because our focus needs to be on the actual writing. You cannot spend days copy-pasting links to your published work, and structuring headers, footers, section descriptions, and adjusting imagery for your portfolio.

For example, Authory’s setup process is exceptionally low-effort. All you do is enter the URLs of the sites on which your work is published, and Authory will find & import all your bylined content to its own database. That way, you have a complete repository of all the work you've ever done, at your fingertips.

2. Should look good

A portfolio showcases your best work, and it needs to look amazing. It also needs to load quickly, be searchable, navigable, and look great on any device, desktop or mobile.

You don't need award-winning designs gracing your portfolio, but your portfolio should be easy on the eyes and easy to look through.

Your portfolio should also look great on desktop and mobile screens, so pick a portfolio builder like Authory that automatically makes all portfolios responsive.

3. Should allow categorization

Typically, writers work for various organizations, publications, and clients. Since a prospective client is unlikely to go through work unrelated to their industry, it makes sense to share only what's relevant.

For example, let's look at Marijana's freelance writing portfolio: authory.com/MarijanaKostelac

Marijana is a content marketer who has written for different domains, all of which are on her portfolio. In order to showcase her work in some sort of order, she showcases them in different Collections: e-commerce , creator economy , email marketing , content marketing , and video marketing . She can share each of these Collections separately so that the client only sees what she has achieved within the relevant field.

4. Should support different content types

Creators produce content in many formats, and a good portfolio builder should be able to include all of them. Your portfolio should be able to flawlessly showcase content in text, audio, and video formats, as well as from different platforms like podcast sites, social media platforms (like LinkedIn and Twitter), etc.

5. Should be up-to-date

Keeping your portfolio up-to-date is extremely important, as recent work is usually the most relevant to your audience. As a writer, more often than not, my portfolio site is a little dated because I am more focused on my day-to-day rather than updating. But this oversight always impedes my ability to get more work as potential clients miss out on my latest pieces.

And that's why a self-updating portfolio — a portfolio that automatically updates itself with your new work — is a game-changer.

Authory, by default, offers you a self-updating portfolio. Once you add your sources (URLs of sites where your work was published), Authory automatically updates your portfolio whenever you publish on those sites again. So, anytime a new bylined piece shows up on any one of the sites you previously fed into the system, it'll show up in your Authory database (and you'll get an email notification notifying you every single time).

6. Should back up your content

Sites go down, files go missing. But, as writers, few things are as bad as losing our writing, published or unpublished. While a portfolio doesn't necessarily have to act as a backup tool, your professional life will be so much easier if it does.

Losing my work is something I've dealt with more than once, and I do not recommend the panic I felt every time I realized that work I've done for a client was taken down from their website. And... I hadn't backed it up.

Authory backs up your content automatically. Just add your sources, and anything Authory imports will be automatically backed up. The original site may go down, but you'll always have your copy on Authory.

How to efficiently create a portfolio with ALL your work (and very little effort)

Authory is a dedicated portfolio-building platform, which allows users to create a professional work portfolio in literally a few minutes. To create a portfolio with ALL your content (in different formats), follow the steps below:

• Sign up for Authory (for FREE) using this link .

Once I choose “Continue with Google” and enter my email ID, the tool automatically fills in the fields for my name (taken from my email data).

• I chose my profession as “Writer” and then click “Next Step.”

In the next screen, I see that Authory has already automatically found the “sources” — websites where my bylined articles are published ( nytimes.com & washingtonpost.com , for example). Of course, if it has missed a source, I can add it manually (just the site URL), OR I can choose to add all my sources manually.

• Click “+ Add.”

Authory will take up to 48 hours (often less) to import every bylined article to its database. Once the process is complete, you can segment your articles, videos, podcasts, audio files, and social media posts into relevant “Collections” — think of them as folders within your Authory database.

Creating a Collection on Authory

Once all your work has been imported by Authory, go to the “Collections” tab on your Authory dashboard.

• Click “+Create Collection.” You’ll see that I already have a set of Collections in the mix.

• Add a name and description to your new Collection. Click “Add.”

• You’ll be taken inside your new Collection. Click “Go to Content” next to the “Manually” option.

• Once you click “Go to Content,” you’ll be taken back to your main content dashboard. Since Authory has already imported your pieces, you can select the ones you want to slot into this particular Collection.

• Select the relevant files (articles in my case), click “+ Add to collection” to the bottom right (highlighted above), find the name of the Collection you created, and click on it.
• Go back to the “Collection” tab you clicked before on the dashboard. You’ll see your new Collection.

Adding your Collection to your Authory portfolio

• Now that you’re done creating a Collection(s), it’s time to add it to your portfolio. Go to the “Portfolio” option on your dashboard.

• Click the “Content” drop-down to the left. Click “Add collection.”

• Choose the Collection you just created — “New Collection,” in my case.

• And voila! Your new collection has been added to your portfolio.

• To check the final product, click “Go to portfolio” on the left.

• You’ll be taken to your portfolio in a separate window. This is what clients will see when you send them your Authory portfolio.

If you’d like to explore this example portfolio, feel free to do so: https://authory.com/shreya-bose

Writing portfolio examples that deserve your attention

David pogue.

David Pogue is a six-time Emmy winner, a New York Times bestselling author, and a five-time TED speaker. He is also a correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning", a periodic host of "NOVA"; as well as the host of the “Unsung Science” podcast.”

Erin Rupp writes about productivity, well-being, and self-development. Her work stands out because of her depth of research, as well as insights from her own experiences.

Alex Hargrave

Alex Hargrave is a Reporting fellow at E&E News. Her portfolio page showcases a number of impressive writing samples (some of them in PDF).

Mary Ann Gwinn

Mary Ann Gwinn is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and book reviewer for the Los Angeles Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Seattle Times, Kirkus Reviews, and other publications. She is also a Pulitzer jurist.

Why use Authory over other portfolio builders?

As demonstrated above, Authory doesn’t just give you the space to copy-paste links and assemble a digital portfolio. It literally does over half the work: finding all bylined content you’ve ever published, importing it automatically, saving it permanently (again, automatically), and enabling you to organize your pieces into different collections.

A self-updating portfolio (no need to keep adding new work manually)

Authory will AUTOMATICALLY import a copy of every bylined piece from every site into its own database.

These sites are called "sources." You add as many sources as you want, and every single bylined piece from every single source will be imported automatically.

You don't have to track down links to your published work (especially older pieces). As long as you remember the URL of the site where your work exists, Authory will collate all your content for you in one dashboard.

Authory can import content from behind most soft paywalls (as long as it is a bylined piece) and some hard paywalls. However, it cannot be used to import copies of articles, podcasts, and videos you haven’t created or featured in.

There isn’t any need to manually upload/copy-paste your content. That said, if you happen to have any non-bylined content, you can always do so manually in those cases.

Automated backups (never lose your content, ever)

All the content that Authory imports from different sources is saved permanently. You'll never have to worry about losing any of your published work. Even if the original website where it's published goes defunct for any reason, you'll always have a copy safely stored on Authory's server.

All backups are in the original format — text and/or media. No screenshots. This is super important because it lets you search through your content database, making it a valuable research tool.

Continued importing of past and future content (less effort for a 100% updated portfolio)

Once you enter a source, Authory won't just import your existing publications. Anything you publish on the same site (after you've fed its URL into Authory) in the future will also be imported automatically. In other words, Authory will import your past and future content.

Authory also sends email notifications for every new piece it imports, so you'll always know if something you submitted has been published.

Many Authory customers have also observed that Authory notifications reached their inboxes faster than Google Alerts .

Apart from these, you also get a slew of miscellaneous but necessary features:

• Ability to search through both your portfolio and your content database to find articles/audio/videos based on keywords . Prospective employers and hiring managers can use this to look for topics on your portfolio, and you can use it to find specific pieces within your Authory content bank.
• Ability to create a custom domain with a click.
• All imported content can be downloaded as high-res PDFs or exportable as HTML files — no lock-in period.
• Get a custom domain and personalize your portfolio even further.
• Multiple, low-effort options for customization to make your portfolio visually appealing and easy to navigate.
• In-built analytics that provides real numbers on content performance (engagement, readership) across the web and popular social media sites every 30 days . You get to see how your readers/viewers are responding to your work.
• Allows creation of newsletters with a couple of clicks. After setup, Authory will automatically send your newly published content to subscribers.
• Widgets to display your personal portfolio on other sites, such as your personal website (if you have one).

Authory has been chosen by quite a few well-known names in my domain, people who could have picked any tool in the world, but decided that Authory best met their needs. There's 6-time Emmy award winner David Pogue , Steven Levy, Editor at Large, WIRED , and Brian Fung, a Technology Reporter at CNN , to name a very few.

Get started with Authory for free and see for yourself what works for you!

Seasoned writer & editor working with B2B & B2C content since 2017. Writes about music on weekends. Trying to overcome caffeine addiction.

More articles

The ultimate guide to creating a successful writing portfolio.

Step-by-step guide to creating your writing portfolio. Tips, examples, and everything you need to make a writing portfolio clients will love!

Protim Bhaumik

over 1 year ago

10 Journo Portfolio Alternatives for 2024

A list of alternatives to Journo Portfolio that you can test out before building/upgrading your next incredible portfolio!

about 1 year ago

This Executive-Turned-Journalist Has Written for 54 Different Publications — Yet Keeps His Work Perfectly Organized

Howard M. Cohen has written for considerably more publications than the average journalist. That’s why finding a solution for how to present and protect his work has been vital for him.

over 3 years ago

Freelance life is a hustle — here’s how journalist Jeanette Beebe learned to handle it

In this interview, healthcare and tech journalist Jeanette Beebe shares how she keeps track of her articles, connects with readers, and puts public interest reporting at the center of her work.

almost 5 years ago

Clippings Portfolio — Pros, Cons & Alternative

Does a Clippings portfolio work for you? Here's a detailed review of Clippings, a look at its pros & cons, and a look at Authory as an alternative.

Top 7 Contently Portfolio Alternatives: Contently Alternatives for Writers

Learn what the top 7 Contently portfolio alternatives are and which one you should choose to build your portfolio.

• Collections
• Journalists
• Content Marketers
• Thought Leaders
• Partner Program
• Writing Portfolio
• Journalism Portfolio
• Writing Backup
• Content Marketing Portfolio
• Social Media Portfolio
• Best Portfolio Builders
• Portfolio PDF Examples
• Twitter Archive
• Portfolio Creator

How to Create a Writing Portfolio

I’ve seen a lot of people starting up freelance recently. So, I thought I would make a post on how to create a writing portfolio with all the things I’ve learned about portfolios in hopes that it helps people who are just starting out. I do want to let you all know that I am not a professional and I am coming from a copywriting background, but I still think these tips should help out people who are starting a writing portfolio for the first time.

Practice Content

If you are wanting to get into advertising or you are just currently unpublished, I recommend doing practice content. What I did was I created a “practice” tab, full of all the work that I did for fun.

So, you’re probably thinking, “what should I practice on?” I recommend taking a topic you care about then creating something from there. For example, I did a practice post for the World Wildlife Foundation. Essentially I made a flyer for them trying to urge people to donate. This was something that the WWF has absolutely no idea I made, but I love that I made it. You also have the option that if you want to showcase your writing talent, you can write something that you care about and do a highlight about that post. For me, I did a fun long-form story about Halloween Hallmark cards.

I think that this is a fun way to flex your creative muscles. Just make sure that people who look at your portfolio know that this is unpublished work but you’re incredibly passionate about it anyway.

For any freelance writers, I highly recommend trying out blogging. Blogging is a great way to showcase your writing ability. Also, if you find freelance opportunities with companies who want blog posts it’s always good to showcase that you have your own and that you have the ability to write that type of content.

In my own portfolio, I have an entire page dedicated to my blog. On that page, I have a small reason as to why I started my blog, a link to the blog itself, and some of the social posts I’ve created for it on Instagram. For copywriting especially, I really like having my blog just from the standpoint that I do all the advertising for my blog and I have the ability to showcase that. Plus, this blog is a lot of fun and it pushes me to write more.

Published Content

If you’re just starting out, you probably do not have a ton of published content. So, if you need some published posts, you could try and do some guest posts on other people’s blog or on bigger platforms such as Medium.

Keep in mind, though, that you may have published content you didn’t realize you did. In college did you contribute social posts to a club? Put that in there. Possibly edit someone’s website? Put that in there. The only thing I try to do is not put anything that I actually own in the published category. These should always be things that you’ve done for people besides yourself, that an outside force had the option to deny what you created, yet they approved it.

Pitched Content

We’ve gone through published and practice, but did you send something to a client and they decided to go in a different direction? It happens all the time but sometimes that work is still really great so I suggest still including it in your portfolio. The hard part with this content is that if you do it for a bigger brand there is a possibility that they may still use it. With that in mind, I recommend creating a password protected page for this type of content.

“Mine, Mine, Mine”

It’s scary to put your work out into the world, so make sure your settings are configured so that no one can download your stuff without directly asking you for it. Obviously, the way you do this depends on the platform you choose but a quick Google search on how to disable right clicks should do the trick and give you the security that no one will steal your hard work.

Portfolio Websites

For your portfolio website, you realistically do not need nearly as many features as you do for a blog, so you need a really simple site that’s incredibly easy to update.

For my site, I chose myportfolio, which, if you have the Adobe Creative Cloud, is completely free. I personally love it because I don’t really have to think about it and it looks good. However, if you don’t have the Adobe Creative Cloud something simple like Wix will do.

I hope this helps all of you make your own portfolio, even if you aren’t going into advertising and you’re pursuing a different type of writing. When you’re creating this make sure to have posts that vary in length, showing that you can write long-form and short-form content with ease.

Don’t Include Everything

Just remember that you don’t have to have every piece of work you’ve created. Try to look at all the stuff you have as objectively as possible and showcase the best of the best. After all, this portfolio is here to get you hired so you want to put your best foot forward.

I’ll try to update this as I hear more tips from other writers, but if you all have a tip you would like to share please comment it below! I am sure your fellow writers would be happy to hear it. Also, make sure to follow me on socials to hear all the latest and greatest. If you haven’t already, join the Readers and Writers group on Facebook, we would love to have you!

Did you know I have a bunch of tips and printables for writers? Check them out by clicking here.

Share this post:

Similar posts.

Two Quick Tips to Improve Your Writing

I am by no means a professional writer. However, I do a lot of things to make my life easier and for those of you just starting out or maybe just starting up again, I wanted to give you some quick tips to improve your writing.

What I Learned From Camp NaNoWriMo

I tried Camp NaNoWriMo last April for the first time and I have to say, I completely failed. I did not prep at all and I honestly had way too many exams so I didn’t get nearly as much writing done as I had hoped. I also didn’t outline my story at all.

How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Starring at an empty page is incredibly intimidating. You sit there, pen in your hand, and nothing comes to mind. Then, you immediately spiral into an existential crisis of trying to figure out if you can even call yourself a writer anymore. You, my friend, have writer’s block.

Readers and Writers Group

I am a part of a lot of Facebook groups, 20 Facebook Groups to be exact. Most are reading and writing Facebook groups, but I feel like my main problem with them is that they either get so big that my notifications are constantly going off or that all I see is self-promotion and it…

Printable Character Sheet for Writers

I love character creation. It’s like going on a first date with someone where you can ask deeply personal questions without them suddenly having to “go to the bathroom” only never to be seen again.

Camp NaNoWriMo Printable

Another month, another Camp NaNoWriMo! That means it’s almost time to start grinding out your novels. April was the first time I ever participated in NaNoWriMo and honestly, I didn’t do super well. So, here’s to hoping this month is even better!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Table of contents

• Made with Copyfolio
• Portfolio Tips

How to Build A Writing Portfolio Online & What to Include in It

You’re a professional writer. Or aiming to be one. If we met and you wanted to prove it, what would you do? Scribbling a witty line on a napkin wouldn’t be too impressive, would it?

Your best bet is handing over a link to your portfolio: a website that houses your best work and all the information someone would need to know about you.

If we asked for it right now, would you be able to send it over?

If the answer is no, either because you don’t have one or because it’s just not good enough, don’t worry.

This article is here to help. We’ll go over everything you need to know to choose the perfect writing samples and build a stunning writing portfolio . We will also show you a tool that will let you build a website in half the time.

What to include in your writing portfolio?

We always say: just get started! Start building your portfolio, get in the rhythm and you can always keep improving it. You don’t want to get stuck with preparing for too long.

But even if you don’t spend ages picking the samples beforehand, it’s good to know and think about what kind of writing pieces you could include when the time comes.

The kinds of writing pieces differ quite a lot based on what kind of writing you do, so in this article, we’ll separate the tips and discussion for:

• Copywriters,
• Content writers, and

Authors and creative writers

Feel free to jump to the section most relevant to you and skip the others.

The homepage of the Andrea Emerson's website

Copywriters

If your chosen niche is the industry you usually write for, it’s best to choose at least a couple of different formats for the samples that make it into your copywriting portfolio . Let’s review what these most common formats are.

Common copywriting formats

Copywriting samples you could include in your writing portfolio can be:

• Advertisement campaign headlines and copy
• Billboards and other ATL marketing materials
• Copy for websites and landing pages
• Email marketing samples
• Facebook, Google and other digital ads
• TV commercials or radio spots
• Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media posts
• Print advertisement for magazines, flyers and more

But if you’re specialized in one of these formats, let’s say email marketing, then you could turn it around and choose emails you’ve written for companies from different industries.

If you’re aiming for a position at a specific company, you should check what forms of copy they use the most. Are they active on social media, using Facebook ads all the time? Are they big on TV commercials and ads in magazines?

Try to tailor the samples and include the ones that are most suitable for your target clients or employers. One look at your portfolio and they will think “wow, they do exactly what we need!”. It’s a pretty good way to convince them you’re the perfect candidate, isn’t it?

What if you don’t have any copywriting experience?

You need work experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience. We’ve all been there, it’s a tricky situation. But luckily, if you’re a copywriter, there are some ways to get a few good samples in your portfolio without actually getting hired for a job.

• Use spec ads or projects from courses. If you’ve done any kind of copywriter training, there’s a chance that you had course projects to complete or had to write spec ads. Before getting a real copywriter job, feel free to use these in your portfolio.
• Simply makeup projects yourself. Who says it has to be a real assignment for it to showcase your copywriting skills? You can just make up a job and treat it as a real one. Write your own brief and work just as hard as you would do on a paying gig.
• Offer to work for charities or NGOs. When you’re just starting out, you can reach out to some local charities or NGOs you’d like to support, to see if they need any copywriting help. They often do but cannot afford to pay much for it. So they will gladly take you on board and let you use the pieces in your portfolio.
• How about friends and family? The same goes for people in your friend group or family members who own businesses. You can offer to write for them and will not only get samples but honest and constructive feedback too.

Content writers

For content writers, the content writing samples you include in your portfolio are typical long-form pieces. Think articles and blog posts. As the formats are not as diverse, here we’d like to focus on how to get samples instead of the formats to choose from.

Previous projects you’ve completed are on the top of the list of course, but there are a few other ways to add credible pieces to your portfolio. Even if you’re just starting out.

In these cases, where your piece was published can play a big role in how your portfolio is going to be perceived. If you can produce some big names (think blogs and publications) and great statistics, it will immediately establish you as a credible and professional content writer. Even if these are the only projects in your writing portfolio.

Self-publish articles on your own site

Although you’ll have to have your website set up already, publishing articles on your own is probably the easiest method. You won’t have to pitch to anyone and nobody will tell you what to write about and how.

The downside of it is that publishing a post on your own blog won’t give you the same credibility as doing it on a bigger, renowned blog. But you can compensate with statistics from Google Analytics.

If your articles have gathered a considerable amount of visitors, either from search or social shares, make sure to include the numbers. Even if it wasn’t published on a famous site, if you can prove that what you write performs well regardless, that should be enough.

Write on Medium

Another way is to write and publish your articles on Medium. It gives you a platform to work with (so no website needed) and a community that can make getting readers easier.

Not to mention that if your articles are good enough, you can even get paid for them through their Partner Program.

Another advantage is that you don’t need to pitch ideas here either - you can choose what you want to write about freely. And the downside? You won’t be able to customize the platform itself, and it will not run directly under your name, under your domain.

And even though most people are familiar with Medium, they also know that it’s just a free platform where anyone can publish. This means that publishing your article here won’t give it any additional credibility.

Try guest posting on well-known blogs

This third and last option can be the hardest to get but also worth the most.

When it comes to guest blogging, first you’ll have to find the publication you want to be featured in. That alone might take some time, as not all sites accept guest posting. It might take a few outreach emails until you find one that is both suitable for you and interested in publishing a piece you wrote.

Once you found one, you have to pitch some ideas and convince them that you have (or can produce) a piece that’s worth posting. They might ask for titles and drafts and it can take some back and forth emailing until you settle on a topic.

When writing an article, one more thing you need to pay attention to is their editorial guidelines. They vary for each blog and publication and it’s important that you follow them. It will make the process faster and easier and show them your professionalism.

The good thing about landing a piece in a well-known publication is that you can not only link to it in your portfolio but include a short author bio (with a link) in there too. This way it’s not going to be only you directing people to the article from your portfolio, but it will work the other way around too.

The pieces you include in your writing portfolio differ the most for authors and creative writers.

Book samples

A page about the book "milk and honey" on Rupi Kaur's website

When the bulk of your work consists of books, nobody will expect to be able to read any of them in full capacity as part of your portfolio. What you can do though is create a page on your author website for each book and:

• Write a short summary of what it’s about
• Feature reviews, especially if they were published in well-known places
• Add details such as genre, number of pages, and anything else you’d normally find on a vendor’s page, and
• Link to places where visitors can buy the book

Additionally, you can feature short samples of the book. Add just a couple of pages, so people can get an idea of your writing style and the overall mood of the book.

Shorter pieces

Books are not the only pieces of writings that have a place in your creative writing portfolio. If you have any shorter pieces like poems, which are still easy to read through, feel free to include them as well.

The important thing is to always consider your objective and target audience when selecting the pieces. Is it going to be of value for them, when they evaluate you as a writer? Is it something they will enjoy reading and will actually finish? If your answer is yes, into the portfolio it goes!

5 tips for building a writing portfolio

Next, we’ll review the most important tips to make your portfolio building experience as smooth as possible.

Homepage must-haves

The homepage of Elise Dopson's website

The most important page of your writing portfolio website is your homepage. This is where everyone lands and gets their first impressions after all. There are certain elements your homepage must have if you want it to have a good conversion rate.

A short bio and a photo of yourself

When someone visits your page, they should be able to immediately tell the basics of who you are and what you do. Are you a copywriter? Freelance content writer? Technical writer ? Bestselling author?

So including a short bio is the first step, when it comes to building your homepage. Ideally, you should add a picture of yourself too. We’re wired to be drawn to human faces, and seeing somebody’s picture makes it easier to build rapport and a more personal connection.

A navigation bar

Okay, this person landed on your website and found out who you are and what you do. Now they wanna go on and learn more. How do they do that?

You need to make it as easy as possible for them to find what they’re looking for. Add a navigation bar to the top or the side of your page. Also, add sections with call-to-action buttons leading to the most important pages on your homepage.

What are the pages you cannot miss from your navigation?

• Home - so they can go back easily from another page
• About me - so they can find out more about you after reading your bio
• Portfolio - so they can check out your work, and
• Contact - so they can get in touch with you

If you’re a freelance writer, you should also add your Services page to the navigation bar. Or if you’re looking for an in-house position, you can add your resume there instead.

A clear call-to-action

As visitors should be able to easily find what they’re looking for, it should also be clear for them what you want them to do next. And this is what a call-to-action or CTA is for.

Asking visitors to do multiple things on one page will only distract them. So as a best practice, you should choose one action you’d like them to take, and only feature that on your homepage. This could be asking them to:

• Check out your portfolio
• Get in touch with you
• Subscribe to your newsletter
• Download your free eBook
• Get a personalized quote or offer
• Book an appointment with you for consultation
• Check your services page
• Visit your about page
• Go buy your new book

Social media links

One more thing that shouldn’t be left out of your writing portfolio homepage is a section with your social media links. Use icons to easily link to your most used social media profiles.

Before getting in touch, a lot of people like checking others out there, so make it easy for them! Just make sure not to link to ones you haven’t updated in years. Sometimes less is more.

Only include your best pieces: quality over quantity

If you built your homepage well, visitors will easily navigate to your portfolio. We’ve already mentioned what you could include, but how many projects should you actually choose, from all the potential pieces?

Here’s how you should think about it. How much time does the person looking at it have to go through your portfolio? In most cases, it’s no more than about 5-10 minutes.

So depending on the length of your projects, include as many as they can check in that timeframe.

We recommend choosing 6-8 writing samples: only the best of the best. While you should be able to present a variety of writing projects, you need to make sure each piece you include is up to your highest standards.

Think of it like this: whichever piece somebody chooses to check, it should be one that you’re incredibly proud of. Always go for quality over quantity.

Don’t worry, having even just a few samples won’t make it seem like you don’t have enough experience. If they’re good enough, it will only show that you know how to select them well. And that you know they wouldn’t have the time to read through more anyway.

Make it visually appealing: use thumbnails

When you’re a designer or photographer and your work consists of images, it’s much easier to make your portfolio visually appealing. But if you’re a writer with samples of words upon words, it becomes a bit more challenging.

A great way to make your portfolio page easier to digest and much more good-looking is using thumbnails. What does that mean exactly?

Use an image for each of your projects and get the viewer to click on them to get to a separate page with all the details of that specific case. Make the thumbnail visually appealing and make sure they all go together nicely.

For the thumbnail, you can use the project name with a nice font on a colorful background, or you can use an image of the finished product. If your work is digital and you have a screenshot of how it looked live online, add it to a mockup and use that for a professional-looking thumbnail.

Write short case studies to provide insights

When it comes to showcasing each individual project, think about them as short case studies. Sure, they want to see and read the actual writing samples. But most often people are also looking for further insights on how they came to be.

This might be the most relevant for copywriters - but if there’s a valuable story behind the creation of your long-form or creative piece, you can add that too.

Always ask yourself: will this provide additional value to whoever is viewing my portfolio? Can it make an impact when they decide if they want to work with me or not?

Here’s what creative directors, potential clients, and hiring managers want to know about each piece:

• The background. What should they know about the company and the project? What were the business goals? What was the challenge or problem you were to solve with your writing?
• The process. What was your task exactly? And your creative process or thinking about and writing the piece?
• The solution. Show what you came up with and talk a little bit about how you solved the problem.
• The impact. This might be most relevant to copywriters and content writers, who can measure the impact of their writing. If there’s data on how your writing did, include the numbers!

Include social proof for a bigger impact

Don’t underestimate the power of social proof. Anyone can say anything on the internet, so seeing reviews and testimonials from real people helps us trust the person, product, or place we’re reading about.

This is the same in the case of your portfolio and your writing projects. If you have some experience already, ask for testimonials and include them in your portfolio!

If you have more general quotes about yourself, consider adding them to your homepage or create a separate page for them. But if you have testimonials for each project, add them to the end of your case studies.

You have your homepage and portfolio. What else will you need?

Your homepage and actual portfolio are the two most important pillars of your writing portfolio site. But there are a few more pages that we’ve already mentioned briefly, which you’ll need to make it complete. Let’s review them now.

The about page of the bestselling author Zadie Smith

Think about your about page as an extension of your short bio. Whoever clicked here wants to read more about you and your work history. So don’t restrict yourself to one or two sentences here.

Of course, it shouldn’t be as long as a Dostoevsky novel, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine.

Include your resume here

The about page can also provide a perfect home for your writer resume . Some people like to create a standalone page for it, while others prefer housing theirs here.

You can add a download resume button and link it there as a PDF, or simply write it as a section of your page.

If you’d like to read some more instructions on resumes, we’ve published an article about copywriter resumes you might find interesting and insightful.

Services page for freelancers

For writers working in-house, this page won’t be relevant. But for freelancers, a services page can be a great addition.

On your about page people learned more about you, and you proved your amazing writing skills with your portfolio. As the next step, your services page will tell them what they can expect from you.

Here you can detail the kind of projects you can be booked for, the process of working with you, and your rates (if you’d like to share them publicly).

A contact page to get in touch with you

When people visit your website and like what they see, they will want to get in touch with you, right?

Featuring your social media links in your navigation or on your homepage is recommended, but definitely not enough. Almost all websites have a dedicated contact page, so by now, we’re all expecting to find one, wherever we go online.

Apart from listing your email address and phone number here, there are a few more things you can do, to make this page more engaging:

• Include a contact form. This makes it even easier to leave a message, as people won’t even have to open their email provider’s site to do that.
• Feature your FAQs. If there are a few typical questions you get over and over again, it’s a good idea to add a “frequently asked questions” section to your contact page. It means less effort for your visitors and less repetitive answers for you.
• Tell them what happens next. If you’re a freelancer and the contact page is mostly for inquiries, write about your process. When are you going to get back to them? Will you ask for more information? Schedule a 15-minute consultation to discuss their project? Whatever happens after they send that message, just let them know. Knowing what to expect can be a perfect little nudge for someone that was hesitant to take that first step.

How to build your writing portfolio website

The website of bestselling author E.L. James

To present yourself professionally online, you should think about your portfolio as your personal website. It should be a customized platform for you to build your personal brand.

Although there are options like Contently where you can add your writing pieces to your account, your profile and portfolio will always be just another listing on their website.

Instead, what you should be looking for is a website builder. Even better, one that was designed for writers to help them build a stunning website and portfolio.

Sounds exactly like what you’ve been looking for? Let us introduce you to Copyfolio !

Build your writing portfolio with Copyfolio

Building a writing portfolio website with Copyfolio is incredibly simple. Here’s how you do it:

• Sign up and set up your account
• Choose a template, color palette, and font preset you like
• Create your homepage and add the sections we discussed above
• Craft your additional pages - they will be automatically added to your navigation
• Add your projects to your homepage and choose a good-looking thumbnail for each
• Write your case studies and don’t forget to include a photo or screenshot of your finished writing piece

And… that’s it. Don’t forget to share your portfolio link with everyone.

Click here or on the banner below and create your site now!

Dorka Kardos-Latif

Digital marketer & portfolio expert, the face behind all content on Copyfolio 👋

More articles like this

21 Social Media Portfolio Examples & The Guide to Build Yours

Check inspiring examples, learn how to navigate projects under NDAs, and find out how to create a social media portfolio quickly and easily with Copyfolio!

18 Marketing Portfolio Examples to Get You Inspired

We collected 18 marketing portfolio examples to give you some inspiration. Not only that, but we’ll walk you through why each of them is great, so you can learn while getting inspired.