Putting together your graphic design portfolio can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry, you’ve got this. Think of it as your highlight reel: a place to show off what you can do, how you think and what makes your style unique.
Employers and clients in Australia want to see the real you, through your work. This guide walks you through how to make a graphic design portfolio step by step, with easy advice, local resources and real examples to inspire you.
Why your design portfolio matters in Australia
The graphic and digital design world here is competitive and your design portfolio often speaks before you do. A strong one can grab attention fast. Employers are usually looking for:
- Quality over quantity: 6–10 solid projects that show range and skill.
- Problem-solving ability: How you understood a brief and made it work.
- Local relevance: Work that connects with Australian audiences, brands, or trends.
- Your story: Pretty pictures are good, but how you got there will help you stand out even more.
According to Payscale, early-career graphic designers with 1–4 years’ experience are earning around AU$58,000 a year on average, based on hundreds of reported salaries. That means there’s real money to be made once you get your foot in the door. And a strong, authentic portfolio can help you get there faster. Check out our complete guide to graphic designer salaries here.
How to make a graphic design portfolio, even if your experience is limited
1. Choose the right format
The best format depends on who’s looking at your work:
- Online portfolio: Great for job applications and freelance gigs. Try The Loop Australia, Behance, or a personal site built on Squarespace or Adobe Portfolio.
- PDF portfolio: Perfect for quick email shares or attachments.
- Printed portfolio: Useful for in-person meetings or showing off print-focused projects.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Busy recruiters won’t wait for slow pages.
2. Pick your best work
Less is more. Aim for:
- 6–10 of your strongest projects.
- Work from uni, courses like Monarch Institute’s, freelance gigs or personal projects.
- Pieces that reflect the kind of jobs you want next. Whether that’s branding, UX, packaging, whatever lights you up.
Avoid padding your portfolio with anything you’re not proud of. A smaller, sharper portfolio always wins.
3. Tell the story behind each project
Employers here want to know how you think. For each project, share:
- The brief or challenge you tackled.
- What you did: your role, tools, and approach.
- What changed: the results, feedback, or improvements you made.
Using a case study format brings your portfolio to life. It shows your creative journey, celebrates your problem-solving skills and makes your work feel dynamic and full of potential. Way more than just a flat gallery of images.
4. Present it well
Your portfolio is a design project in itself. Keep it:
- Clean and simple: no clutter or tricky navigation.
- Consistent: same grid, fonts, and colours throughout.
- Personal: include a short About Me, your style, and what you love to work on.
- Easy to reach you: add your email, LinkedIn and socials.
A short intro video or a friendly welcome note can help people feel like they already know you.
5. Handy tools and platforms
| Platform | Cost | Best for |
| The Loop | Free | Local networking and job hunting |
| Behance | Free | Global exposure and inspiration |
| Adobe Portfolio | Free with Adobe CC | Polished, pro look |
| Wix/Squarespace | Paid | Full design control and SEO options |
| Canva Website | Free/Paid | Fast, beginner-friendly setup |
6. Get your portfolio seen
Once it’s ready, share it:
- Optimise your project titles and add alt text (e.g., “Logo design for Melbourne café”).
- Post it on LinkedIn, The Loop, or local Facebook design groups.
- Go to Australian design meetups or AGDA events to network. Join their Facebook group here.
7. Keep it fresh
Your portfolio isn’t a one-and-done thing. Update it every few months, swap out older work, and add new projects or testimonials from happy clients.
FAQs
What should I include if I’m just starting out?
If you’re building your graphic design portfolio without job experience yet, don’t stress. This is your chance to shine. Use student projects, mock briefs and personal passion pieces to show off your creativity, problem-solving skills, and unique style. Every piece you create tells your story and proves you’re ready to take on real-world design challenges.
How many graphic design portfolio projects is enough to show in my portfolio?
We recommend showing six to ten strong, well-presented graphic design portfolio pieces.
Can I use coursework from Monarch Institute?
Yes you can absolutely use your course work and and portfolio examples from Monarch Institute. Just label them clearly and show your process.
Is there a free way to make a graphic design portfolio?
Yes, The Loop, Behance or Canva are free to make a graphic design portfolio (some with pricing tiers) and quick to set up.
Ready to turn your passion for graphic design into a career?
Build the skills, confidence and portfolio you need with Monarch Institute’s Diploma of Graphic Design. Study flexibly online, learn from industry experts, and create real-world projects that make your portfolio shine. Your dream design job starts here.
