Rebuilding a portfolio when you don't believe in your own work is a challenging task, especially for a 32-year-old graphic designer who's a new dad with limited time and energy. In this article, I'll offer my perspective on how to approach this conundrum and provide actionable advice. Firstly, it's crucial to recognize the value of in-house projects, which often have incredible worth. By highlighting the problem you solved, the constraints, and the key challenges, you can showcase your problem-solving skills and real-world impact. This is particularly impressive in interviews and can open doors. For older work, simple tweaks can elevate your portfolio. Revisit your storytelling approach, ensuring your projects are presented with confidence. Invest in high-quality mockups to enhance the visuals, as a well-presented project can make a significant difference. Additionally, look for opportunities to add value, whether by incorporating motion or tagging on campaign ideas. The key is to make each project 20% better, even if it's just a small improvement. This could be achieved through incremental changes, such as spending 15 minutes on your lunch break or starting an hour earlier on Wednesdays. Remember, careers are not linear, and your portfolio can be a stepping stone to your dream role. Lastly, give yourself grace. Rebuilding a portfolio is a challenging task, and any time or energy dedicated to it will help. It doesn't have to be perfect, and you can always improve it for the next step in your career journey.
