Building a Portfolio using Reddit

I've been using the graphic design market on Reddit to inform how I build Synsira; my 2-person graphic design portfolio. I’ve even let it inform what new skills to invest in learning. Whether or not I get an offer, get hired, or even apply, my portfolio and skillsets are increasing each time I have even the desire to apply. If you are navigating the market and growing a portfolio as you work, this is the practice that has helped me more thoughtfully curate my portfolio and get more approvals & offers as a result.

Before there was the pressure of being public, I made a small base portfolio. I identified the kind of work I could do most reliably, then after developing a solid 20 examples I began applying for gigs. Logos, cover art, t-shirts, and so much more. Over time, I found a subset of jobs were such that even though I could technically do many of the things they needed, I didn’t have relevant examples of my ability to. Because of this I couldn’t give a realistic timeframe needed for their project either. Consequently, I was often tempted to rush out examples- but it doesn't need to be a rush. It can be a learning experience and a very fun game at that.

Each time I encounter a listing I don’t feel confident about applying to, as far as my sketch app is concerned, I got the job. Now I need only design- not just one example but 2-5. It put me in the headspace required to follow through with work I wasn't used to doing. I learned what I was good at enough to advertise, and what I still needed to develop first before displaying.

The benefit of real listings as opposed to generated briefs is that listings more accurately represent the needs of your target market. Each post is giving me organic feedback on what people need, how much they tend to pay, and what skills I might need to learn to keep up with demand.

Since I started designing more than ten years ago there are entire new media formats that require a designer's skillset. I would never have known that without checking real-time listings every day to see what is in demand. Many listings share examples of what they consider professional references which always leads me to invaluable rabbit holes of information. For example, I learned how to best display my services and artwork for my audience by just looking at the portfolios of the most relevant specialist!

Any site with observable job listings works, but the benefit of Reddit is its unique niche communities and rating system. If there is any specific aesthetic one might hope to find, there is a high chance a Reddit community already exists for it. For Synsira, cyberpunk and synthwave enthusiasts have given us priceless feedback. In those communities are the very people who are most likely to share your work and recommend you to others, because they’re already doing it! Sharing in these communities can help others begin to associate your artwork with the aesthetic they’re based around. It will also give you needed feedback if you still have things to learn.

In the end, it is the very same community wisdom that reminds everyone it is perfectly natural for most gigs to not suit you, especially in such a varied environment. Your skills won’t be applicable to every job. Your value may not be compatible with every budget. But you can still gain insight about the jobs you will one day take- sometimes, especially from the jobs you don’t.