What makes a writing portfolio stand out? What are you looking for when going through one?
Finally working on my portfolio and, boy oh boy… I got only my gut feeling to guide me!
Replies7
- @Evan Brown @DJ Payne @Elliott Starr (he/ him) @Daniel AgnewThank you all for taking the time to answer to my question, I truly appreciate it. Your input is extremely valid and it will definitely help me during the re-iterration of my portfolio's first draft. Let me know if you would be willing to take a look at it. Finally going after my passion and what drives me (writing) is all kinds of things: exciting, overwhelming, scary... Thank you for providing guidance and I hope I can return the favor some day!
- Two things: Demonstrate the ability to write. It's amazing to me how many copywriting books I see where there is little to no writing. it's important to have a great idea but if you can't execute it with your discipline, it doesn't help your case.The second thing is variety of tone. Unless you know you only want to focus on writing comey, it's. better to have a variety. Make me laugh, but make me cry, show me some insightful smart writing as well. Variety isn't only the spice of life but sometimes it's key because it means you know how to adapt.
- Nothing works better than...comparisons! If possible, try to find a piece of writing that is in some way similar to your own (...without inadvertently advertising someone ELSE's work!!!). And then show how YOUR work improves on any perceived failings which you will - naturally, take great pains to point out to the prospective employer! Good luck...
- Hey @Danae Papadaki , just some thought-starters below:-are you willing to try and think visually? Yes, you might be a writer. But if all you've got is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.Writing isn't always the answer. Writing is a tool to solve a problem.Visual thinking in your portfolio shows you're the sort of person who takes time to understand the problem first, then works at a solution.(Check out the desert island analogy here - CMND/ CTRL + F "island"https://medium.com/want-a-creative-job/the-future-of-portfolio-26fdf4e6403c)-Can you write long?-Can you write short?-Can you write funny?-Can you inspire me?-Can you make me feel something?-Can you make young, trendy, and ambitious people relate via writing?-Can you make the aspiring family person relate via writing?-Can you make the older, more comfortable, more conservative person relate via writing?-Can your writing shock?-Can your writing provoke?-Can it be poetic?-Can it be blunt?-Can it be to the point?-Can you say less than is tempting?-Can you say less than is necessary?-Can you write in the way that tells the story of your idea - a logical, but tone-laden flow that explains an insight, an idea, an execution. --Could you write a great case study for an idea, once it had happened?
- @Danae Papadaki My pleasure! Your front page is visually striking - sharp, elegant, and holds your eye. It's really good. I need to work on mine!Obviously, you want them to read and love your writing, so don't have too many tabs, and only showcase your best work.Keep them wanting more. I made the mistake of including too many pieces of work, which made my portfolio cluttered, and people simply aren't invested at this stage.I think having a visual identity that you can transfer to social and your email signature would be enormously helpful even as wordsmiths.
- Hi @Daniel Agnew ,Thank you so much for your response. It is the first time I am working on a portfolio and, needless to say, I am overthinking everything, which results to me becoming extremely stressed and second guessing whatever I do.Your recommendation to dedicate energy to a visual identity is definitely eye-opening. My approach so far has been to keep my portfolio aesthetically minimalistic, hoping that my writing would draw the attention and would keep readers engaged. What do you think?Again, thank you for your response, I truly appreciate it.Best,Danae
- I've often thought about this as my writing portfolio is editorially-driven and screenshots look clunky.If it's possible, having strong visuals alongside a sharp concise tagline will help. It's all about giving the reader confidence that you're gifted and smart.People just scan things online and rarely read anything, so if you can reassure them aesthetically you'll be in a good place.Always leave them wanting more.
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