Build a portfolio that showcases Aurora’s expertise clearly while feeling like an extension of her personality. It needed to stand out from generic template-based sites by leaning into the small, personal details that make her work feel authentic.

Most design portfolio templates check the boxes for showcasing work and services, but they lack the “human touch” that helps clients connect with a designer beyond their deliverables. Aurora’s initial site also fell into this trap; even with basic service previews, it didn’t feel like “her”.

To bridge the gap between professional functionality and personal authenticity, I centered the entire design around Aurora’s unique personality and daily joys. The core approach was to translate her lifestyle, hobbies, and creative energy into a cohesive visual language that felt intentional, not forced.

Every design element, from scrapbook-style layouts to hand-drawn icons, worked together to move beyond generic portfolio tropes, creating a space that felt like an extension of Aurora while keeping her expertise front and center.

Instead of lengthy “who I am” text, I crafted a scrapbook-style layout featuring photos that reflect her lifestyle, paired with playful emoji stickers. This layout invites the audience to lean in, as if they’re flipping through her personal notebook.

The first draft of the service section was a basic list paired with a generic photo, leaving Aurora’s offerings feeling vague. I revised it into stacked, layered cards that outline concrete deliverables for each service. Each card got paired with hand-drawn icons, which blend personality with clarity while tying into the site’s playful vibe. These touches keep the design cohesive while making details easier to parse, so the interaction supports the content rather than distracting from it.

The project detail pages are built with CMS to maintain the site’s cohesive aesthetic while simplifying future updates and maintenance. Conditional visible settings provide room for each project to vary in presentation, letting unique details shine without disrupting the overall design. This balance ensures consistency across the portfolio while giving individual works room to stand out on their own.

The footer delivers essential sitemap functionality and elevates it with a scrolling work preview loop. By keeping Aurora’s work stays top of mind as visitors reach the site’s closing, it extends engagement beyond the main content sections. Subtle font animations add a playful, lively energy, and links boast a hover effect that emulates hand-drawn highlight notes, reinforcing the personal touch while keeping the footer intentional and cohesive.

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