Creating a portfolio when your work is restricted by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
If you want to showcase your skills and creativity while respecting confidentiality agreements, here are some strategies to build a strong portfolio without breaching NDAs:
Focus on Process, Not Product
While you may not be able to show the final product, you can emphasise your design process. Share your approach to problem-solving, how you conduct research, create wireframes, and manage client feedback. Break down how you tackled challenges without revealing specifics about the final result. Potential employers often value your methodology as much as the end product.
Create Generic Case Studies
You can craft case studies based on projects without naming the client or showing specific design assets. Talk about the project scope, your role, the goals, and the outcomes, using generic or hypothetical visuals to represent the work. This allows you to highlight your impact while protecting confidential details.
Personal Projects & Side Gigs
Develop personal projects, concept designs, or hypothetical redesigns to fill in portfolio gaps. These projects allow you to showcase your style, versatility, and creativity. You can also collaborate on side gigs or open-source projects to generate content for your portfolio that doesn’t fall under any NDA.
Seek Permission
In some cases, clients may allow parts of the work to be shown in your portfolio under certain conditions. Ask for permission to use specific assets, anonymise the details, or show parts of the work that are less sensitive. Be clear about what you intend to display and ensure you respect their boundaries.
Leverage Testimonials
If you can’t show the work, having strong reviews from clients or colleagues can help. Client testimonials and recommendations add credibility and give prospective employers confidence in your abilities, even if they can’t see the designs themselves.
Create an NDA-Compliant Portfolio Section
If you need to share restricted work, consider creating a separate, password-protected section of your portfolio to share only with trusted individuals or during interviews. This allows you to control who sees the content while staying compliant with NDA agreements.
By focusing on your approach, creating generic representations, and supplementing with personal projects, you can still create a powerful portfolio without violating confidentiality.
If you’re struggling with building a portfolio under NDA restrictions or need further advice on showcasing your work, feel free to reach out to me on Sheetal Shah at [email protected] for personalised guidance and support.
