We recently ran a LinkedIn Poll asking creatives how often they update their portfolio. The results were pretty telling, with over half (56%) admitting they only update their portfolio when they’re job hunting.
We get it. When you’re flat out with projects, deadlines, and client feedback, updating your portfolio while moving on to the next freelance booking is the last thing on your to-do list. But keeping it fresh doesn’t just help when you’re looking for a new role; it can make a real difference to your career all year round.
The problem with waiting
Leaving your portfolio until your job hunting can mean:
- You might have forgotten the details – the brief, the challenges, and the clever little touches that made the work great.
- You end up rushing to pull it together, and your strongest projects might be missed.
- Your portfolio doesn’t reflect your current skills, tools, or creative style.
By the time you’re ready to share it, you might realise the work that best represents you is buried in a folder somewhere or never made it past the concept stage.
Why it’s worth keeping your portfolio up to date
Think of your portfolio as a living thing, not just a static collection. Regular updates show your growth, adaptability, and creative range. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- You’ll always be ready. Opportunities pop up when you least expect them, whether it’s a freelance brief, a new client pitch, or your dream role landing in your inbox.
- It shows your progression. Hiring managers and clients love seeing how your work has evolved.
- It helps you reflect. Updating it regularly lets you spot patterns: the kind of projects you love most, the tools you reach for, or where you want to develop next.
- It boosts visibility. Sharing new projects on LinkedIn, Behance, or your own website keeps you visible to your network and reminds people what you do best.
How to make it manageable
You don’t need to overhaul your portfolio every month; small, consistent updates can make a big difference.
- Set aside time once a quarter to review and add new work.
- Save screenshots, mock-ups, and notes from each project as you go.
- Jot down short project summaries while it’s still fresh in your mind.
- Refresh one or two projects at a time; it’s much easier than a full rebuild.
Keeping a running list of projects, visuals, and client feedback throughout the year makes updating your portfolio quick and painless when the time comes.
If you’re a freelancer, think of it as part of your business admin – just like sending invoices or updating your CV.
The takeaway
Your portfolio isn’t just a job-hunting tool; it’s your creative story. Keeping it current helps you attract new opportunities, showcase your best work, and see how far you’ve come.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Our creative recruitment team reviews portfolios every day and can share what hiring managers and creative directors really look for.
Need a fresh pair of eyes on your portfolio? Drop us an email at [email protected] or connect with our Creative team – we’d love to help you put your best work forward.