What do you do if your mid-career in graphics needs a strong portfolio?

While it’s important to show flexibility and range as a designer, when it comes to your portfolio, and standing out, quality almost always trumps quantity. Rather than worrying about representing everything you’ve ever done, focus on 2-3 of your strongest projects, ones that you are most proud of, and go deep. Take a step back and think through the story you want to tell.✨

How strong is your portfolio? It's a simple question of power scaling. Could it beat a duck in a fight? How about a dog? A wolf? A bear? Follow these logical questions to understand what it could and couldn't beat in a fight. Then ask yourself, what would it take for it to beat a tiger in a fight? Now you know where to start.

I know it can be difficult, but taking a long, hard look at yourself in the "Artistic" mirror is the TRUTHFUL thing to do! Ask yourself if, for instance, are you lacking & so far behind in the "tools", that you probably never used or knew they existed, but could definitely give your "Grafix" just the right shot in the arm it needed! Well? Are you looking for those "tools"? Ask yourself if your current direction in Grafix is viable! Be honest. Be TRUTHFUL! And if you CAN'T admit to yourself that you NEED to invest time to search, hunt, look for, & discover[!!!] new(to you!) Artistic tools for improvement sake...well, then yer' a schmuck! And you'll end up flipping burgers at "Burgers-R-Us"! TRUTH...!!

Initiate personal projects that align with your interests and showcase your creativity and proficiency. These projects can demonstrate your ability to work independently and your passion for the field.

In my opinion taking part of online contests (there are many) and volunteering projects will help you building your profile and portfolio,

Personal projects are important. I started a project which was a reimaginging of Taxi Driver, but anime style. Where Travis Bickle has a rusted katana and the young sex worker character also had latent psychic powers. It was pretty cool. Sadly I lost steam. I blame the ADHD, but I did make some fun art in the process.

Say weird things on LinkedIn. Maybe make that your thing? Who knows if it will pay off? it probably won't. But who cares. No one will remember you, what, 3 generations after your death, it's fine.

While you're living in the gen z or digital age it is your best chance to showcase your skills to the vast audience of your graphic designing skills. Make an attractive website and put the stuff (projects). There are many tools available like wix studio, behance, canva etc. There are many ways to create an amazing and catchy portfolio just make sure it looks very minimalist not so over hyped just a simple and catchy that's what it gets more likely to be proper presentation.

Getting Constructive Critiques of your Artwork should ALWAYS be considered advantageous & goes w/out saying, or at least it should be received as a learning exercise & a "TOOL" by which to GROW Artistically! Think about those times while in Art School, for instance, when your Instructor(s) made Artistic "suggestions" about one of your Grafix assignments. How'd you take it? Were you hurt(boo•hoo!!) or did you take what was said and "apply•it•to•improve•it!" So now that you're out in the RealWorld of Commercial Art, if an Art Director tells you to change something here or there, take that comment(s) & apply it to improve the job. And, ultimately to lock it away in your mind & mature as a Graphic Designer! 0k? Sound like a plan? Good!! Smile!!

Think of your portfolio as your signature dish. Showcase your best flavors, but don't forget to add some new spices to keep it exciting. Now, if you're disagreeing with your portfolio's current flavor profile, remember: it's never too late to add a new recipe to your cookbook. Experiment with different projects, styles, and techniques. Who knows, you might discover a new culinary masterpiece! Imagine you've been known for your savory logos, but lately, you've been itching to try your hand at illustration. Go for it! Whip up some digital art, sprinkle in some animation, and voilà! You've added a whole new dimension to your portfolio feast.