UPWORK

Building a Portfolio

Building a Portfolio

Aug 27, 2024

Orange Flower
Orange Flower

🚀 You don’t need clients to build a portfolio.


If you're just starting out as a freelancer with zero real-world projects, you can still create a compelling portfolio from scratch. Here’s how:

01 .

Clients want to see proof of what you can do.

Most won’t take a chance on someone with no work to show—even if you offer to do it for free. So instead of waiting for opportunities, create them.

02 .

🔹 Pick an existing website
🔹 Identify a problem
🔹 Come up with a solution

For example:

🦷 A dentist's website with a cluttered landing page → Redesign it to improve UX & increase appointment bookings.

📱 An app landing page with poor visuals → Optimize it for better conversions & downloads.

Treat these as real client projects. You could even reach out to the company and pitch your redesign.

03 .

Once you have at least two solid projects, showcase them.

Don’t overthink your portfolio—just launch it and refine it over time. The sooner you put yourself out there, the sooner you’ll attract real clients.

04 .

Action beats waiting. Start building today. 💡


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