About this Event
This workshop is designed for designers who are preparing to enter or re-enter the job market, pursue new opportunities, or reposition their work for what’s next.
Whether you’re an experienced designer feeling stuck with an outdated portfolio or an emerging professional preparing for your first full-time role, Kickstarting Your Design Portfolio focuses on clarity, strategy, and storytelling, not starting from scratch or learning design fundamentals.
The session is built to help you understand how portfolios are actually reviewed, what hiring teams look for, and how to position your work in a way that clearly communicates your thinking, decision-making, and impact.
Who This Workshop Is For
This workshop is intended for designers across disciplines in Interaction Design, including:
- User Experience (UX) Designers
- User Interface (UI)
- Graphic Designers
- Print Designers
- Design Strategists
- Product Designers & Multidisciplinary Designers
It is well-suited for:
- Designers with professional experience preparing for new roles or opportunities
- Designers preparing for their first full-time role in the industry
- Designers returning to the job market after a pause
Participants should have some body of work to discuss (professional, academic, freelance, or personal projects).
This workshop is not a design fundamentals class.
What We’ll Focus On
- How hiring managers and recruiters review portfolios
- Clarifying the roles and opportunities you’re targeting
- Aligning your portfolio with those goals
- Structuring strong, clear case studies
- Communicating thinking, process, and impact, not just visuals
- Breaking portfolio updates into achievable, realistic steps
This is a working session where you’ll actively assess, write, and refine your work during the workshop.
What You’ll Leave With
- Clear direction on how to move your portfolio forward
- Greater confidence in how you present your work
- A practical plan tailored to your career stage
- Tools to support job searches and opportunity-building
What to Bring
- Laptop with access to your portfolio or work samples
- Notes on roles or opportunities you’re targeting
- Openness to feedback and reflection
Note: If you are a student or an emerging designer, don't hesitate to get in touch with us for discounted pricing at [email protected]
Agenda
Welcome & Framing
Portfolio Audit & Self-Assessment
Info: Guided evaluation of your current portfolio and identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities
Case Study & Storytelling Strategy
Info: What makes a compelling portfolio today and common pitfalls and how to avoid t
Hands-On Working Time
Info: Writing or restructuring a portfolio section where optional peer discussion and facilitator feedback is available
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Info: Creating a clear action plan, leaving with resources and suggested timelines to hit identified goals
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Kasher Gallery & Studios, 19 Scudder Avenue, Northport, United States
USD 65.00
