During the initial phase, I engage in comprehensive discussions with the client to understand their objectives, preferences, and target audience. This involves gathering detailed requirements for the portfolio showcase, including the type of creative work to be featured and any specific functionalities desired. Based on this input, I conceptualize and design mockups for the website, focusing on creating a visually appealing layout that effectively showcases the client's portfolio while ensuring usability and functionality. This phase sets the foundation for the development process, ensuring that the final product aligns closely with the client's vision and goals.