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The Ultimate Guide to Academic & Professional Creative Writing Portfolios

Building a creative writing portfolio that gets you accepted into your dream writing program is a challenge in itself. But did you know that when you graduate, you’ll have to throw everything you know about portfolios out the window and start the process all over again?

Whether you want to get into a great school to work on your craft, or you’re freshly out of school trying to land your first job, this guide has all you need to know.

We’ll review how to build a creative writing portfolio for a course or degree program and what career paths you can choose from once you graduate from it. Then we’ll show you how to create a professional creative writing portfolio and show you a tool that makes it super quick and easy.

Creative writing portfolio for college and university

Let’s go in chronological order. Before you go after a full-time writing job or try to land some freelance clients, you’ll probably want to study writing. It would be a little harder to become a writer without mastering the craft of writing, after all.

And when it comes to writing programs, whether it’s a creative writing course or a full-on degree program, most schools expect you to hand in a creative writing portfolio alongside your application.

Always check the guidelines

The very first thing you’ll have to do is checking the creative writing portfolio requirements that your desired program has. They tend to be very specific about the format, length, and contents of the material, so make sure you get it right. Let’s check some examples to see what you can expect when looking at these guidelines.

Creative writing portfolio requirement examples

Example for creative writing portfolio requirements

University of the Arts

When you apply to the Creative Writing program at the University of the Arts, you’ll have to submit a portfolio of your original writing and an essay that answers a creative writing prompt. They give the following requirements for these two:

• Portfolio : 10-15 pages in length, including at least two different pieces. It could be short stories, creative nonfiction, poetry, or excerpts from novels.
• Essay : 150-200 words in length with the topic of describing an important window.

University of Portsmouth - MA in Creative Writing

“We don’t prescribe an ideal portfolio,” they write at the requirements for this program. There are still some requirements that applicants have to follow though:

• Maximum 4,000 words in length
• No more than 3 pieces of writing
• Except for poetry-only submissions, there they recommend about 5 poems
• You have to write a short description of each piece

Apart from the portfolio, you’ll also need to submit a personal statement, talking about your ambitions and your writer’s journey so far.

Belhaven University - Creative Writing BFA Program

For applying to the Creative Writing program at Belhaven, you have to send your application via email with the following:

• Portfolio: Minimum 12-15 pages of creative writing (fiction, poetry, scripts, or creative nonfiction)
• Essay: 3-4 pages, discussing your history as a writer or reader OR explaining why you want to study creative writing
• A cover letter

Tips for your academic creative writing portfolio

Once you have the guidelines for your portfolio, it’s time to actually sit down and put it together.

Pick your writing pieces carefully

It goes without saying, but your choice of writing pieces will make or break your creative writing portfolio. Don’t be afraid to spend a longer time rereading your work and evaluating if the pieces hit the standard you want your portfolio to have.

It’s also a good idea to choose the ones you’d like to add, then put them aside, wait a few days, and assess them again. When you’ve been focusing on something for hours on end, it gets harder to see them clearly, so a little break can help a lot.

Once you’re done selecting them, double-check it with the requirements again and read through them one more time.

Get someone to review your portfolio

Another tip to make sure your portfolio is as good as it can get is to get someone to review it. It can be another writer or an avid reader who can evaluate your pieces from a literary point of view, or even just a friend or family member to check it for typos and other grammatical mistakes.

Similar to picking your pieces, when you wrote something and have read it a hundred times already, your mind will slip over typos naturally, knowing what you intended to write there. So giving yourself a break and getting someone to help can make sure there are no mistakes left in it when you hand it in.

Because as an applicant to a writing program, you really can’t afford to have typos and grammar mistakes in your creative writing portfolio.

What can you do with a creative writing degree?

When you’ve been obsessed with writing all your life, deciding to go for a creative writing program is a no-brainer. You’ll probably have the time of your life getting your degree too. But what happens when you graduate and actually have to figure out what you want to do for a living?

It might take a little more thinking than choosing your education, as you have many more options for a writing career , so it’s not as straightforward. We’ll quickly review the different career paths that are all open for you, once you graduate with a creative writing degree.

Publish books and become an author

Becoming a published author or poet is probably what most students with a creative writing portfolio dream of. It’s definitely a logical and super suitable direction, but unfortunately, it’s not as easy as one might expect. You’ll have to do a lot of pitches to get signed with a publishing house. Alternatively, you can set up a site using an author website template and publish books on your own.

Choose marketing or advertising, become a copywriter

A field that’s easier to get into for writers is marketing and advertising. More specifically, copywriting. Creative directors often emphasize how important it is for copywriters to master the craft of writing. So much so, that they would rather recommend taking a creative writing course than going to a portfolio school.

Copywriters can work freelance, in-house, or at agencies and they write advertising and/or marketing materials. It can be anything from slogans for advertising campaigns, TV and radio spots, copy for Facebook and Google ads, or even complete email marketing campaigns.

The career path in this profession is usually the following: junior copywriter, copywriter, senior copywriter, associate creative director, creative director, global creative director

Write long-form pieces as a journalist or magazine columnist

If selling products and services is not your thing, writing for newspapers or magazines could be another option for you. It probably won’t pay as much as a job in advertising, but you get to write longer pieces about topics you’re (ideally) interested in. And after all, no matter what happens, we’ll always need and want to read about what’s going on in the world.

Interested in this field? Read our tips for creating a journalism portfolio !

Get into content marketing and SEO

If you don’t mind that you won’t be exclusively writing all day every day, content marketing and SEO (a.k.a. search engine optimization) would be a great option for you. You’d still be writing, namely long-form articles and blog posts that are preceded by thorough keyword research.

With SEO comes a more technical side of the job, but that only balances out the work and makes your daily routine more versatile. Not to mention that you’ll always have data of how well your content does, so you can measure your performance effectively.

Make writing impeccable as an editor or proofreader

If you’re the kind of writer that loves reading and is bit of a perfectionist, you’d make an amazing editor or proofreader. Although these professions don’t need you to actually sit and write a ton, the job couldn’t be done if you didn’t know all the ins and outs of writing.

How to make a professional creative writing portfolio

Once you graduate and decide which way to go, you’ll need a portfolio to get started. Not the kind of standard “15-page-document” they asked you to write for school. Oh no, nobody wants to read through that now. Instead, you’ll need something that stands out, something that’s easy to browse through while showcasing your excellent writing skills.

The best format for your creative writing portfolio

The best format for your real-life, professional creative writing portfolio is actually a website. Realistically, whether you’re applying for a job or looking to land freelance clients, you’ll get in touch with them online.

So handing over your good old “book” won’t be an option. Just like presenting them with a lengthy document won’t be either. Why? Because it’s essentially a big wall of text that would be way too overwhelming to read through.

A website on the other hand is easy on the eyes, has lots of visuals, and organizes all the materials you want to present nicely.

The three main essentials you need to have on your website are an eye-catching home page, a well-written about page and separate pages for each of your writing projects, whether it is advertising copy, poetry, or a published book.

The heart of it all: the home page

Your home page will be the most important page of your website. This is where everybody lands at first and thus where they get their first impressions from. To have a great first impression, turn it into genuine interest, and make your visitors convert, your home page will have to check some boxes.

• What website are they looking at? Looking at the home page, visitors have to be clear about what website they landed on. They should know at least your name and what you do by just looking at the very first page.
• How do they find out more? You should have a navigation bar that makes it easy for people to find what they are looking for: your work, your about page, your contact information.
• Who are you actually? Although you have your about page to elaborate on that, it's best if they can find out a little bit about you right on your homepage. Adding a photo of yourself and a short bio will immediately help them make a more personal connection with you.
• Why should they keep on reading? Now they know who you are and what you do, but they still need a reason to spend their precious time on your site and keep on reading. Feature your most impressive projects on your homepage to prove the quality of your work right away.

Crafting the perfect about page

The about page is your place to shine: it gives you a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself more in detail and get creative with your writing. What would be a better way to flaunt your storytelling skills than telling your own, after all?

But if possible, make sure it’s still not just a big wall of text: try to break it up with images to make it easier to read and to illustrate what you’re writing about.

The about page is also a great place to feature your writer resume . Some writers like to link to it as a PDF, some embed it as a picture, while others simply have theirs typed there as part of the page.

Project pages for books, poetry, and beyond

The way your project page should be structured depends a lot on the type of project you’d like to add to your creative writing portfolio. But there’s still a general formula you can follow to introduce the “behind-the-scenes” of your writing:

• What was the task you had or the reason why you decided to write this piece?
• What was your creative process of writing the piece? Did you face any challenges while writing? And if so, how did you overcome them?
• What was the impact your piece had once published?

These are pretty general questions, but it’s exactly because of that that they can be applied to many different forms of creative writing.

It’s also expected to feature the finished result so that people can actually read your writing and evaluate your skills. When it comes to shorter pieces like poetry, feel free to publish the whole thing.

But for longer writing like novels, nobody expects you to publish it from start to finish in your portfolio. You can add an excerpt - or if it’s been published and has received positive feedback, you can feature some quotes on what people said about it.

Build your creative writing portfolio with Copyfolio

If you want to create a beautiful website that has everything we outlined above… and you don’t want to spend hours upon hours figuring out the technical side of it… Your best bet is using a website builder or portfolio builder tool that was designed specifically for writers.

Don’t worry about coding or design

The good thing about using a tool like Copyfolio is that you won’t have to worry about the technical side of things. Or whether you can design it to look good or not.

Having the templates, palettes and presets makes sure you can build the foundations of your site in just a few clicks. And it will look good, no matter what you add to it.

Create professional images in the editor, with a few clicks

You don't need to have Photoshop or any other design program to have images that'll wow your site's viewers. Place your image into a magazine, laptop, or TV with a single click and have a portfolio that looks like it was professionally designed.

Get help with writing about your projects

Apart from the daily portfolio tips that you’re going to get in email after signing up, you’ll also find tips and prompts in the website builder itself.

Built with insights from successful freelance writers, hiring managers, and creative directors, we’re guiding you through the process to help you create a portfolio that has exactly what people are looking for.

Sign up today and create a stunning creative writing portfolio for free, in a matter of minutes!

9 creative writing portfolio examples

Joanna zhang.

Joanna created her portfolio using Copyfolio

Eve L. Ewing

Safia Elhillo

Tomi Adeymi

Ocean Vuong

Bethan Woollvin

Morgan Parker

Isaac Garza

Isaac created his portfolio with Copyfolio, using the "Billboard" template

Want to see more? Check out our article all about creative writing portfolio examples !

Dorka Kardos-Latif

Digital marketer & portfolio expert, the face behind all content on Copyfolio 👋

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WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

12 best writing portfolio examples and how to create your own

• Brandi Hunter
• Dec 18, 2023

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain →

When it comes to starting a business  around your writing, visibility is everything. The more well-curated and attention-grabbing your writing is, the higher the chance that potential clients and publications will notice your talent. Making a website  that presents your writing portfolio can help introduce the industry to your talent and invite new work.

You may be thinking, “I’m a writer, not a website designer”—that’s where Wix can help. Its templates and beginner-friendly website builder make getting started as straightforward as it can get. To get the creative juices flowing, here are 12 writing portfolio examples from Wix users. Later on, we’ll provide a more straightforward step-by-step guide to building your own.

Start building your online portfolio  with Wix today.

12 writing portfolio examples

Jed Donahue

Sam Carlson Creative

Lauryn Higgins

Jessica Van Devanter

Madison Gray

Jane-Ellen Robinet

Christina Sterbenz

Bryn Dippold

Charlotte Kho

Emma Newell

Maddie Pfeiffer

Rachel A.G. Gilman

01. Jed Donahue

Jed Donahue’s website is a great example of how speaking to your client’s pain points can compel them to reach out. The homepage header copy, “When you need great content, I’m here to help,” focuses on the customer’s needs. Testimonials from previous clients provide proof that Jed can deliver results. Meanwhile, the “What I can do for you” section gives a practical breakdown of the workflow and services that clients can expect.

02. Sam Carlson

Sam Carlson takes his writing portfolio a step further by putting his client work front and center. He highlights his creative flair and prowess as a copywriter by including engaging introductions for each case study. Every project page boasts a concise and clever summary, followed by the client's logo and key project assets. Additionally, his "Fun" page, which presents his personal projects, offers a glimpse of his hobbies and talents outside of writing.

03. Lauryn Higgins

If you, like Lauryn Higgins , have an extensive writing portfolio that includes several bylines with well-known media companies, you can strategically add publication logos to your website and link them to your author pages to show off your credibility. On her “Awards and Publications” page, she features snapshots of some of her best clips, along with several awards.

04. Jessica Van Devanter 

If you don’t have any visual content to display and don’t want to go through the process of finding a set of free-to-use visuals that match your branding and content, take a look at Jessica Van Devanter’s writing portfolio. By making the site’s design the focal point, she bypasses the need for external graphics or images that may not align with her branding. 

Her logo, a shrewd-looking fox, serves as the background for the large header, which captures the viewer's attention upon arrival. Below it, a mountain graphic underlays the main content area, providing a sense of continuity without overpowering the text. 

The structure of each page is reminiscent of a timeline, with her written works positioned as milestones, guiding visitors through her professional journey. The bright green and white font colors provide a deliberate contrast against the muted blue background, ensuring readability and drawing the eye to her written work.

Use Wix’s logo maker  to start building out your personal brand.

05. Madison Gray

As a writer and an artist, Madison Gray masterfully demonstrates both skill sets throughout her portfolio. Pairing her highlighted works with original images draws visitors in and creates a visually engaging narrative of her talents. Each project page indicates which skills she utilized to complete the project, offering a comprehensive understanding of her multifaceted abilities.

06. Jane-Ellen Robinet  

Jane-Ellen Robinet limits her writing portfolio to a page to help website visitors get the information they need quickly. The above-the-fold section summarizes her unique value proposition (“INSIGHT + PERSPECTIVE + EXPERIENCE”) and provides specific job titles for the services she provides (“Editor | Writer”). The header features anchor links to each section of the page to ensure easy navigation. 

07. Christina Sterbenz

Rather than categorizing work by publications, Christina Sterbenz structures her portfolio page around writing topics and pairs each section with a compelling image from one of the relevant clips. This strategy adds visual appeal and gives each topic a personal touch, making the stories more approachable and intriguing to visitors. The images, paired with informative captions, humanize the subjects, enticing readers to delve deeper into her work.

In terms of website design, the portfolio benefits from a clean layout and a modern, minimalist font, which together enhance the site's readability and aesthetic appeal. Visitors can effortlessly scan the pages, finding what they are looking for without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the consistent use of design motifs—such as circles and lines throughout the site—contributes to a cohesive and memorable brand identity.

Like this format? Use this creative CV website template  to get started.

08. Bryn Dippold  

Bryn Dippold uses Wix’s blog maker  to showcase her work samples. This approach of republishing content directly on her portfolio, rather than merely linking out to external publications, serves as a strategic method for keeping visitors on her site for longer and providing a comprehensive view of her work.

Many Wix website templates already come with an integrated blog. Alternatively, you can choose to add the blog feature to any template, tailoring it to fit your unique style. Wix allows you to customize the blog settings, enabling you to curate and present your best work in a manner that aligns with your professional image and goals. 

09. Charlotte Kho 

Charlotte Kho uses neutral colors, layered design elements and striking imagery to introduce herself as a digital and creative storyteller. The “Resume” page provides a lot of information, but its clean layout is easy on the eyes, and you have the option to download her CV. On the “Work” page, Charlotte offers a small selection of her best work, plus links to view more of her published pieces.

Like this layout? Make it your own as Charlotte did by customizing this business CV website template .

10. Emma Newell 

Emma Newell's website demonstrates a balance of simplicity and engaging elements, creating a visually appealing and user-friendly experience. The site employs subtle animations that add a dynamic touch without overwhelming the visitor. Notably, when you click on any link in the menu bar, the content below appears to swipe out of view as new content takes its place. This seamless effect maintains the homepage's structure and provides an uninterrupted browsing experience.

11. Maddie Pfeifer

Maddie Pfeifer effectively leads with her experience by featuring her resume on the homepage. It details her past work, highlights her skillset and lists the awards she has received in the course of her career. We appreciate that she prominently placed her contact information above the fold for easy accessibility.

Her website is a model of organization, making excellent use of Wix’s advanced menu features . The dropdown functionality in her navigation bar allows for an expanded array of options, enhancing the user experience. Visitors, when exploring the “Portfolio” page link, are greeted with the option to select content categories like “Event coverage” or “Crime & courts,” tailoring their browsing to their interests.

12. Rachel A.G. Gilman 

Rachel A.G. Gilman elevates her homepage's simplicity with a playful, animated headshot, contrasting colors and a classic font choice, creating a dynamic first impression. Under the “Writing” tab, her comprehensive archive is meticulously sorted into distinct categories, making it easy to sift through her published work and accomplishments.

How to make a writing portfolio of your own

After exploring some of the best portfolio website examples , you’re probably eager to get started on learning how to make a portfolio  of your own. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, these tips will help you present your work in a way that captivates and communicates your unique voice and skills. 

01. Identify your target audience

To properly tailor your site design to your audience, you need to identify who you’re looking to impress. For instance, if you’re using this type of website  to pitch to editors, you might consider spotlighting your best features or most impressive bylines. On the other hand, if you’re cultivating a professional portfolio  for freelance clients, you might want to put testimonials or a list of services front and center.

02. Establish your goals 

Setting clear goals is crucial to track your progress and success. If your objective is to boost engagement with freelance clients, you might measure this by the number of inquiries or project offers you receive through your portfolio site. On the other hand, if increasing your visibility as a writer online is your goal, you could focus on monitoring website traffic, page views, or how long visitors stay on your site. Regularly assessing these aspects will help you understand what's effective and what needs improvement in your portfolio.

03. Choose the right platform

When looking for a platform for your online presence, choose a portfolio website builder  that aligns with your technical ability and the amount of time you can dedicate to maintenance. Although creating a bespoke website might be impressive and a simple clippings curator (such as Muck Rack) would be convenient, it’s a better idea to go for a builder that combines the best of both worlds, offering both customizability and convenience. 

With Wix, you’ll have hundreds of customizable templates to choose from and AI tools that make designing and filling it with images a breeze. Furthermore, Wix enriches your website with features like built-in forms, custom email addresses, and newsletter capabilities, ensuring you can easily connect with your audience and maintain those connections effortlessly.

Check out this selection of Wix website templates for writers .

04. Decide how you want to structure your showcase

When building the “Works” or “Clips” section of your online writing portfolio, your focus should be on showcasing your writing as well as highlighting the outlets you've collaborated with. Select pieces that represent your best work and reflect the type of work you aspire to continue doing. Remember, it's always about quality over quantity. A handful of outstanding pieces will have a greater impact than a multitude of average ones.

If you're at the beginning of your career and lack professional bylines, don't hesitate to include your best work from college or independent projects. Additionally, consider starting a blog that reflects the kind of work you aim to do professionally. 

05. Build an archive

Imagine losing your most valued work if a website goes down or a publisher removes your article. To prevent this, create an archive on your portfolio site. By uploading and publishing posts using the Wix content management system, you not only safeguard your work but also boost your site’s SEO and engage visitors more effectively. However, remember to check your contracts, as some publishers may restrict this. If time is limited, consider downloading your articles as PDFs and linking to them on a dedicated page. It's best to maintain this archive separately from your featured works, ensuring they continue to be the main attraction.

06. Flesh out the rest of your site

Your writing portfolio is more than just your work; it's a complete presentation of your professional persona. Each page on your site plays a critical role in telling your story. Here's how to make them count:

Home: The homepage is your portfolio's front door, welcoming and guiding visitors. It's crucial that this page clearly communicates what you offer as a writer. Make sure visitors can instantly understand your area of expertise and writing style.

About: On your “About” page, detail your professional journey, educational background and skill set. This page is an excellent place to infuse personality into your resume. Consider including a PDF version of your resume so hiring managers can add it to their databases.

Contact:  The “Contact” page is your open invitation for communication. Offer multiple methods to reach you, such as a contact form and an email address. Consider using scheduling software  to make it easy for potential clients to set up consultation calls. 

When writing the copy for these pages, make sure your tone is consistent, engaging and speaks to your desired audience. If incorporating imagery, make sure they’re high-quality, complement the text and reinforce your professional image. Each element should seamlessly blend to form a cohesive and inviting online presence.

07. Test and publish

Broken links, grammatical errors or faulty contact forms may lead visitors to doubt the quality of your work or discourage them from reaching out. Make sure to do a thorough assessment of your site, and consider sharing your writing portfolio with others to get their feedback.

08. Update your website

Regularly update your portfolio with your latest work. This keeps your site fresh and shows potential clients your active involvement and range of skills. A current portfolio can also inspire new project ideas among visitors.

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How to Build A Creative Writing Portfolio That Attracts Clients [With Examples]

Kara Devlin

Building a creative writing portfolio is essential if you want to work as a professional writer.

Your portfolio is your one-stop-shop that you steer every client and collaborator towards. It gives them an idea of who you are and what you do. Putting together a high-quality creative writing portfolio is one of the most effective ways to attract clients and gain new projects to work on.

Unfortunately, this is part of the business that many writers struggle with. It can be intimidating to build up an entire website dedicated to just you and your work.

This guide will take you through every step to create a portfolio from scratch. By the end of this article, you will have a fully customized creative writing portfolio that showcases your talent and introduces yourself to the writing world. 

The Importance of a Strong Creative Writing Portfolio

Why is it necessary to have a portfolio for your work in the first place?

In the US alone, there are more than 50,000 professional writers. As time goes on, the number of writers is growing and the job opportunities are decreasing.

While the market grows more competitive, it is becoming more and more essential to have a way to promote your unique abilities and showcase your talent.

Whatever goals you have for your writing career, you will need a way to convince people to invest in you or hire you in order to get there. This is where your portfolio comes into play. Your creative writing portfolio is proof of what you are capable of as a writer. It gives a little introduction of who you are and what you offer, but most importantly, it illustrates to potential clients that you have the capabilities to pull off what they want, whether this is a television script or a ghostwritten autobiography.

A strong creative writing portfolio will have the following characteristics:

A Short, but Strong Headline: Sum up what you do within the first few words of your landing page. Potential clients need to know immediately whether they are in the right place to get what they are looking for. 

The Very Best Examples You Have to Offer : A strong portfolio does not just pile together everything the author has written. It brings together the author's best examples in their specific niche. This makes any potential client immediately realize that this is the exact person they need for the project they want to deliver. 

A Section Introducing Yourself : A strong portfolio considers that potential clients are not just interested in working with a good writer, they also want to collaborate with a friendly and responsive person. Take the time to introduce yourself and build up the picture that you will not just be an awesome writer, but a fantastic collaborator as well. 

An Effective Call-to-Action : You need to easily guide potential clients to not just read through your portfolio but hire you immediately. This will usually be a "contact me" button at the bottom of the page that will encourage clients to inquire about your work.

5 Easy Steps to Build Your Own Creative Writing Portfolio

1. choose a platform to host your content.

There are hundreds of websites out there offering to host your portfolio for you. Some come with a steep learning curve, and others are just downright confusing. For this reason we strongly recommend Journo Portfolio .

Journo Portfolio is designed specifically to create your own professional creative writing portfolio within minutes. It allows you to create multiple pages, click and drop elements, and use your own custom URL. You can easily create a professional and unique portfolio to showcase your writing with this simple platform. 

2. Upload Your Collection of Writing Samples

Gather together the pieces you have written and start adding them to your website. Include images, links, and descriptions of your work where necessary to add context to your completed works.

Remember not to add every piece you have ever written. Carefully curate your work to give the best impression of yourself, picking only the highlights of your career to show off to potential clients.

3. Get Creative with How You Present Your Work

If you are a creative writer then clients will be looking for you to be creative and expressive with everything you do. This includes the way you present your work within your portfolio. Take advantage of color, fonts, and formatting to build captivating designs that show off your unique style outside of the written word. Create multiple collections to show off your different forms of writing, each with their own distinctive formatting to show off your versatility.

Find an interesting way to illustrate your approach to your work. Introducing yourself in a friendly manner and employing creative design strategies will show potential partners that you are the ideal choice for them.

4. Utilize The Full Potential of Your Website

Some websites thrive off of simplicity, while others find effective ways to display work over dozens of sections and multiple pages. The point is: your website is entirely customizable to fit your specific needs. If you are an author that covers multiple genres or styles within your writing, you may want to use additional pages to show off your versatility.

A couple of pages can add a lot to even the simplest portfolios. A simple "about me" or "contact me" page can give your clients all the information they need to determine why and how they will hire you for their next project.

You can ensure clients see your website as professional and unique by using a custom URL. This adds a sense of authority as clients will see that you have invested in building your personal brand. 

5. Share Your Portfolio

Now that you have completed creating your portfolio, you can share it with the world! The goal of your portfolio is to give a full picture of who you are as a person and a writer, which makes it ideal to send to everyone you know, even if you don't really know them. Pitching new clients and publications is easy with your new portfolio.

Utilize any and all social media channels you are active on to share your new portfolio. Even people who may not be looking for writers themselves may know someone else who is, and they can pass your portfolio along. The more eyeballs on your work, the better chance you have of getting contacted for new and exciting projects.

Every time you update or change your portfolio, you can renew interest in your work by sharing your developments online. There is no restriction on how many times or ways you can show off your work to others.

Common Questions on How to Create an Effective Writing Portfolio

Can i create a writing portfolio with no published work.

Of course! Many new writers feel anxious about creating a collection of their stories if they have had no paid work or testimonials to back them up. There is no rule that says you can only use published work for your writing samples.

It is a good idea to create a portfolio even if you have no published work as this will still be your way into gaining more clients and projects. Pick out some of your best samples, or write them up specifically for this purpose, and showcase them on your website.

How do I Build a Writing Portfolio for University?

Creating a portfolio to use for MFA applications or university grading is not so different from creating one to find work. Follow the steps listed in this guide and simply personalize your portfolio to meet the specific requirements you are looking for. For example, include a page on your academic experience or a section dedicated to why you are interested in an MFA. Your portfolio is entirely yours to customize, so take advantage of this if you are creating it for a specific purpose.

Should I Include Every Piece I Have Ever Written in my Portfolio?

The answer to this question is a definite no. While you may be a fantastic writer, there is no doubt that some of your pieces are better than others. Cut out the pieces you are not so happy with, and leave your best pieces to fill out your portfolio. Remember: quality is much better than quantity. 

The Best Writing Portfolio Examples to Help You Get Started

Isabel wyatt.

See Isabel's portfolio here: isabelwyatt.journoportfolio.com

This portfolio includes so many fantastic elements in a truly creative way. Isabel Wyatt starts off her landing page with a succinct header to immediately showcase her three roles within the create industry : writer, editor, and creative producer. Wyatt also employs a side bar with a description and photo of herself, introducing her personality and experience alongside each other to potential new clients.

Wyatt formats her portfolio as a story, describing her different work and adding examples as she goes along. She does not let her examples sit by themselves, adding her creative thought process and project approach to enhance her completed work.

This portfolio is the perfect example of how to pick and choose your best work. Wyatt only picks work samples that illustrate her process and results, limiting herself to two or three pieces per section. This prevents overwhelming or confusing readers. 

Abigail Miller

See Abigail's portfolio here: abigailjoannachicago.journoportfolio.com

Abigail Miller effectively presents her portfolio for her readers to have easy access to each part of her work. She puts the sections of her site right at the top of the landing pages, directing clients to click through to see her short stories, current projects, or just to directly contact her. This means that clients do not have to read through lots of irrelevant examples if they are just looking for one specific piece.

Miller also makes use of creative imagery and a succinct, friendly description to introduce her readers to who she is as soon as they land in her portfolio. This means potential clients get an instant impression of who she is and whether they want to work with her or not.

Additionally, Miller is transparent about her creative process, giving examples of her character concepts alongside her work. This allows clients to see how she approaches projects and achieves successful results.

Nick Pullara

See Nick's portfolio here: pullaranick.journoportfolio.com

Nick Pullara's minimalist, but evocative landing page draws in readers to click through the rest of his site to learn more about him and his work. He knows he does not need to explain all of his work in the first few words of the page, letting intrigue work for him.

Pullara also utilizes multiple pages for different projects, and gives each section of his work the time it deserves. This means that potential clients will also give each example the time it deserves as they have to devote their attention to one section at a time.

Pullara also includes a page dedicated to his professional resume, making it even easier for potential clients to see his experience with creative projects. While this is not a necessary step for many writers, it can be extremely helpful for writers who are looking for more corporate projects.

Vinati Sukhdev

See Vinati's portfolio here: www.vinatisukhdev.com

Vinita Sukhdev effectively utilizes all aspects of her site to give readers a full picture of her accomplishments as a creative writer.

Sukhdev's "East or West" page gives extended details on her book and its reception, linking images and videos to illustrate various moments of its launch. Sukhdev also includes excerpts from the book and interviews about it, employing all this information to demonstrate how well this project did. Best of all, this page uses an effective call to action for readers, a simple button that directs them to an amazon page to buy the book.

In Sukhdev's " Advertising Case Studies" section, she illustrates her work within advertising, giving each case study an individual page which explains her approach and its success to each campaign. She includes images within these pages, giving proof to back her words. 

Melissa Alvaredo Sierra

See Melissa's portfolio here: melissaalvarado.journoportfolio.com

Another fantastic example of a creative writing portfolio, Melissa Alvadero Sierra's website is an effective landing page for all potential clients. This begins with her succinct header, "writer", which immediately lets readers know they are in the right place.

Her minimalist layout pushes her work to speak for itself, letting potential clients see if she is the right fit using just her completed projects.

Moreover, Sierra's "About" page is also extremely effective, detailing her accomplishments and goals so anyone can get a clear idea of her recognised talent and ambition. 

Time to Get Started on Your Very Own Portfolio

Now that this guide has shown you exactly how to build an effective creative writing portfolio that attracts clients, it is time for you to start making your own.

Hop onto Journo Portfolio, upload your work, and play around with the settings as much as you want to create a website that is uniquely you. Take a good look at your past work and decide what to include, and how to include it. Then, just share your website with the rest of the world, sit back, and watch as clients jump to work with you on their next big project. Remember to keep updating your site with any fresh pieces you work on throughout your career.

Working as a professional writer becomes so much easier once you have made and shared your portfolio. Don't hesitate to get started!

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How to Create a Writing Portfolio (With Examples)

Want to create a writing portfolio that'll stand out to readers and potential clients? Here's how to do it and some examples to make it easy for you.

As a freelance writer, it's beneficial to have a portfolio of your work, so potential clients can review your work and learn about your area of expertise. Before starting to work on your portfolio, you should consider the writing you want to do.

Whether you're a copywriter, a ghostwriter, writing literature, or a journalist, that should be clear when people view your portfolio. One of the first things to consider when creating your portfolio is your niche, and determining your niche can help you select your articles and the layout.

6 Steps to Creating Your Writing Portfolio

Here are the six steps to creating a writing portfolio that will help you get noticed by readers and potential clients:

1. Choose a Portfolio Host

In today's virtual world, having an online portfolio is a must for most creatives. You get to decide whether you want to host your portfolio on your website or prefer to have another company host it.

You can create your portfolio using a platform like Wix, Weebly, or WordPress. If you'd rather have your portfolio hosted by a site specializing in online portfolios, you can choose from sites such as Clippings, WriterFolio, or JournoPortfolio. You might be interested in these free platforms to showcase your freelance writing portfolio .

2. Determine Your Niche

If you're struggling with selecting the type of writing you want to focus on, it may be a good idea to review your previous work and see which ones had the most impact, response, and reach. If you want to focus on ghostwriting, you may want to clarify what type of content you can write. This can range from real estate to gardening, holistic medicine, or another industry in which you have writing experience.

As a copywriter, do you enjoy creating sales pages and other marketing copy, like landing pages, newsletters, and email sequences? What kind of literature do you write if you're a literary writer? You can focus on romance, fantasy, horror, or any other genre. What type of news do you write about if you're a journalist? Do you write about current events, celebrity gossip, or financial or political news? The possibilities are endless.

3. Create Your Author Bio

Your author bio aims to introduce yourself to potential clients who enjoy your work and want to learn more about you. The content you include in your bio should match the formatting and design of the website. The elements you should consider including are:

• Where you're from originally.
• Where you call home currently.
• Your academic writing credentials, if applicable.
• Your notable publications.
• Any accolades and awards you've won.
• The subjects or themes you cover.

You can include your social media links if you're comfortable, and they highlight more of your written work. If you're creating your site for the portfolio, you can choose to include the bio on an about page or have it as your homepage.

You may consider adding a photograph of you since it can increase the chances of people reaching out to you. You may be interested in learning tips on how to write an about me page in your online portfolio .

4. Select Your Best Work

Once you've decided on the niche you want to focus on, you can review your completed work and choose the best content that fits that specialization. You can include work past clients have succeeded with and their feedback.

Your potential clients want confirmation that you can produce well-written content about the content you're stating is your specialization. It may be helpful to verify the terms of the work you've written to determine whether you can post the entire content as a part of your portfolio or if you'll have to provide links.

If you provide links, specify the publication and when it was published. You might be interested in learning how Google Docs can help organize your writing portfolio for the next step.

5. Organize Your Work Into Segments

You can divide the work you want to include in your portfolio by niche, or the type of article, using clear descriptions. Categorizing your work makes it easier for potential clients to find samples of the work they're looking to hire you for when you separate them by niche or type. Examples of categories include landing page copy, white papers, and blog posts, to name a few.

Your descriptions for your categories should be brief. If the content you want to share was done as a ghostwriter and didn't include your byline, you should include the term ghostwriter in the work description to clarify it.

6. Ensure Your Contact Information Is Easy to Find

Your online portfolio must make it easy for potential customers to connect with you. Whether they want to express appreciation for an article you wrote or wish to discuss a business opportunity with you, finding your number or an email address shouldn't be challenging.

Engaging with as many people as possible is an excellent way to expand your online profile. You can use a contact form on your website, or you can provide your email address.

The key is to ensure that the information is visible and easy to access, whether they're using their phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. If you decide to share an email address, you may want to create a new account, since having an email published publicly can leave you vulnerable to excessive amounts of spam.

Writing Portfolio Examples

Before you begin creating your portfolio, reviewing what some writers have created for themselves may be helpful. You may also want to check out the blogs every freelance writer should read to get some inspiration, regardless of how long you've been writing. Here are some examples of writer portfolios with some commentary on their design:

1. Elna Cain

Elna's portfolio tells you that she's the writer you're looking for to meet your business needs. She lists publications where readers can find her work and shares testimonials from past clients.

She has numerous ways to connect with her, whether you want to discuss business opportunities or follow her online. She also has a link to her blog, so you can stay current on her work.

2. Tyler Koenig

Tyler uses his website to add value with an email list, courses, webinars, and tips on his blog. He has paid and free resources, highlighting his expertise to potential clients. The site is well-designed and easy to navigate.

3. Jennifer Fernandez

Jennifer uses a grid-based theme to display links to her writing samples, using a title and a thumbnail photo for each. She organized her writing samples in sections based on her lifestyle, design, and travel content niche. Jennifer showcases the type of writing she has experience in and makes browsing easy.

Get Started With Your Creative Writing Portfolio

Before you make your portfolio live, you may want to review it and have friends or colleagues look at it. Sometimes we can be so close to our project that we miss little things. The last thing you want is to publish a writer's portfolio with spelling or grammar mistakes.

If you're looking for work, you want to get as many eyes as possible on it to increase your chances of getting hired. You might be interested in learning how to source clients as a freelance writer now that you have a portfolio to share.

8 mins read

12 Top Writing Portfolio Examples to Inspire You (2024)

A collection of 12 best writing portfolio examples — draw inspiration from these to create your writing portfolio to solicit more work.

Protim Bhaumik

Director, Content Marketing

Written by Protim Bhaumik , edited by Shreya Bose , reviewed by Eric Hauch .

6. Oct 2022 , updated 8. Feb 2024

Creating a writing portfolio is challenging. You have to appeal to potential clients within a few seconds and get them to start scrolling through your work.  To that end, I've written an extensive guide on how to create the perfect writing portfolio.

For now, let's get you inspired by a collection of writing portfolio examples that I've carefully curated. These contain examples from writers, authors, copywriters, and content marketers built on a variety of portfolio builders or websites .

For each example, I have highlighted my favorite aspects — factors you can incorporate into your own portfolio. When used in your writer's portfolio, it'll help your work stand out, especially if you're a freelance writer.

With that in mind, let's look at the top writing portfolios.

The top twelve writing portfolio examples

1. gari cruze.

Gari Cruze is an associate creative director and copywriter . His online portfolio website —which uses a grid layout with all his work — is filled with humor, and I love it! He's divided his professional online portfolio into sections called "About" (fairly normal), "17 Random Things", and "Oh Yes, They're Talking" instead of the usual "Get to know me" or "Testimonials."

Moreover, even in the About section, he uses copy that brings out his creative writing — words such as "the full blah blah" and "pink squiggly stuff in people's skulls" strike a chord. He also has a "testimonial" from his dad that finishes with "... Gari's like one of the slower primates."

So, all in all, it's an excellent representation of his work and who he is!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Displaying Your Web Copy on Your Portfolio (for more gigs)

2. Kayla Lewkowicz

Kayla Lewkowicz is a writer, content marketer, and teacher . Her writer website landing page is about who she is and what she does — like "turning great ideas into compelling stories" and, more importantly, "arguing about the finer points of the Oxford comma." Hear, hear!

When you scroll down on her landing page, you see various photos of her travels accompanied by client testimonials and service offerings. The portfolio section has been categorized by topic and what's great to see is that each topic has three posts highlighted for the reader to look at first.

3. Jennifer Fernandez

Jennifer Fernandez is a writer and editor on staff at Architectural Digest , Travel + Leisure , and Martha Stewart Weddings ; her work has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Elle Decor , House Beautiful , Afar , Departures , and more.

Her beautiful writing portfolio site follows a super minimalist style, and her writing samples are divided into three sections so that it's easy to navigate.

4. Qin Chen

Qin Chen is a Beijing-based writer , journalist, and news editor at TechNode and has spent the past two years helping English readers make sense of the top news from the world's second-largest economy.

Her portfolio opens with a quaint picture of a riverboat that's both calming and intriguing. From the off, her work is collected into two sections: writing and video . And her writing samples are arranged into an easily parsable format divided by year.

5. Ann Friedman

Ann Friedman is a journalist, essayist, and author and currently a contributing editor to The Gentlewoman, having written for places like The Cut , The Los Angeles Times , The New York Times , ELLE , and The Guardian , and has co-written the best-selling book Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close and co-hosts the pioneering podcast Call Your Girlfriend .

Her portfolio is a favorite of many lists like these because of its minimalist, friendly vibe. Her writing samples are collected under headings such as books, essays, interviews, and more, making it super easy to go through.

6. Tyler Koenig

Tyler Koenig is a copywriter and content strategist living in the Bay area after having traveled the world copywriting for various brands. He's currently the content lead at CapitalG , Alphabet's independent growth fund.

His portfolio is clean and straightforward,  and among the best writer portfolio examples I've recently seen. His main landing page says who he is and what he does through both the visuals and the copy, while his work is tucked under the "Content" section.

7. Alice Lemée

Alice Lemée is a creator , freelance content writer, and copywriter who writes on freelancing, the creator economy, and personal development.

Her portfolio page is an excellent example of how a single landing page can accomplish a lot — intelligent copy coupled with beautiful imagery and call-to-action buttons interspersed in just the right areas.

8. Muriel Vega

Muriel Vega is a writer and editor living in Atlanta , writing about tech, culture, and food with bylines at Delta Sky Magazine , The Guardian , Apartment Therapy , Eater , VICE , Splinter News , The Washington Post , Atlanta Magazine , The Bitter Southerner , Outside Magazine , and more.

Muriel's clever use of colorful icons in a simple white background for her portfolio evokes a sense of friendliness, approachability, and creativity. Also, her creative writing has been astutely collected under relevant topic headings for easy perusal.

9. Hank Herman

Hank Herman is an award-winning author, humorist, and writing instructor whose memoir, Accept My Kid, Please! A Dad's Descent Into College Application Hell has led to speaking engagements throughout the Northeast, and his 15-book series of basketball novels, Super Hoops , is read by grade-schoolers everywhere.

His is one of the few portfolio sites to use a comic (of him and a beagle zooming around on a car!), which certainly lends an air of whimsy to an excellently organized website.

10. Shayna Condé

Shayna Condé is a writer, model, and actor who looks to create spaces that build community, share valuable information, and foster discussions behind brands.

Her beautiful portfolio website is a collection of photos of her, as well as sections for her writing, modeling, and acting.

11. Colleen Fisher Tully

Colleen Fisher Tully is a content writer & editor working in the health, food, cannabis, nutrition, finance, and family spaces.

Her minimalist freelance writing portfolio has been separated into easy-to-read collections on the numerous topics she writes on.

12. Pamela Rosen

Pamela Rosen specializes in creating long- and short-form content for B2B and B2C audiences .

Her portfolio is divided into the various types of content that she writes.

How to create an online writing portfolio that gets you clients

Now that you're adequately inspired by the aforementioned writer portfolio examples,  let's learn how to create one of these portfolios easily. We highly recommend reading our guide on creating a writing portfolio from scratch .

What we've seen above has been created on an eclectic mix of builders for portfolios, website builders, and more. A lot of these solutions are time-consuming and quite complex to set up.

Authory for all your content needs

And that's why a portfolio builder like Authory makes so much sense. It's super simple to set up, is good-looking, and gives you a portfolio out of the box.

Not only that, Authory is self-updating, which means that you don't have to keep track of all your work actively — Authory does that for you!

Authory also backs up all your content forever — there's no need to fret about losing access to your work if a site goes down — Authory has it all locked down.

Read More : Get an automated backup of everything you have ever created

You can even use Authory to prove definitely that you do not use AI to write, at all, ever.

Whether you're creating a freelance writing business or collating all everything you've done at your full-time job, an Authory portfolio will see you through for years to come.

Get Authory for free now!

Protim is a startup founder & marketer with over a decade of experience in content marketing, content writing, SEO, and more. He loves dogs, D&D, and music!

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How To Make a Writing Portfolio That’s Creative and Compelling

What exactly is a writing portfolio? We break down seven easy steps in how to showcase all types of writing to impress potential future employers.

With so much information out there, it can be hard to narrow down how to create your writing portfolio. The task itself may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re at the beginning of your writing career. Whether you’re interested in becoming a freelance writer or you just want to get your best pieces out there, we’ve got seven great tips to get you started on curating a creative portfolio.

To get an inside view as to what goes into making a writing portfolio, we sat down and spoke with our Assistant Editor at Bookstr, Emilee Calametti. With over six years of writing experience, Emilee knows a thing or two about how to make the best possible writer’s portfolio that truly stands out.

But first, what is a writing portfolio?

At its core, a writing portfolio is the collection of a writer’s best work. Combined with your own flair and a contact page, this is the ultimate resource for how to gain freelancing opportunities or a place to showcase your writing.

“You want it to display who you are and the work you’re proud of. Make sure you have an ‘About Me’ section, display your work, and methods of contact! Be creative! Resumes can be boring, but portfolios don’t have to be.” Emilee Calametti

If you’re heading into the creative field, especially as a writer, having a portfolio is a must! Now, let’s take a look at seven tips to make the process of creating a writing portfolio easier.

1. Narrow Down Your Niche

Before you start collecting your favorite pieces or even browse through potential portfolio websites, the first thing you’ll want to do is think about your niche. What inspires you? What type of writing do you like the most? Do you have a specific style? These are all questions you want to ask yourself before you do anything else. Once you have these questions pinned down, it will be significantly easier to present your work in a way that represents you. 

If you’re having trouble narrowing things down, lean into that! Diversity in your writing doesn’t have to be negative. According to Emilee, this can actually strengthen both your skills and show future employers that you have a diverse repertoire when it comes to your writing.

“I’ve had a variety of writing jobs over my six years. It wasn’t until last year I really figured out what I wanted to focus on– Entertainment writing. I’ve done breaking news, blog writing, copywriting, creative writing, grant writing, academic writing– I’ve even started writing a novel. I’ve come to realize that my personality is very loud and so is my voice. I have always wanted to have an impact on people with my writing, which meshes well with entertainment writing. It also helped me with my portfolio, because I love fun colors and fun pieces and the designing aspect is kind of the best part. You can definitely see who I am based on my portfolio.” Emilee Calametti

Your niche doesn’t have to stay the same forever. If your writing style changes throughout the years, then so should your portfolio. The best way to present your work is by being true to yourself.

2. Think About Your Audience

Similar to deciding your niche, you should also think about who you’re marketing yourself to. Your audience can be future clients, employers, contemporaries, yourself, or a mix of things.

If you’re trying to get work as a freelance writer, a more professional approach will be beneficial. But if you want to show off your writing to friends, family, or for personal use, you might lean towards the creative side. In the case that you have a variety of writing samples, you may want to look into creating multiple portfolios for different audiences.

“I actually have a few portfolios that I use depending on which writing job I am going after. This saves me time during the pitching process or application process (depending on what kind of position it is). It’s like having multiple resumes.” Emilee Calametti

You also get to have some power over who your audience will be. Take on clients that have the same interests as you. Not only will you be able to build a relationship with your clientele, but you’ll have the opportunity to write content that you’re passionate about.

“I try to find like-minded clients, and my portfolio is fun and kind of loud, so finding people that are drawn to that is a plus. That being said, and I’m sure anyone writing will agree, there are very few jobs I’d turn down as they all will diversify my portfolio and make me better. This is why I have a variety of portfolios depending on the type of client I’m reaching out to.” Emilee Calametti

3. Select a Website and Domain Name

Now that you’ve decided on your niche and audience, you can finally get to select where you want to publish your portfolio. There are many websites out there that offer you amazing features, but for a price. Everyone should be able to create a portfolio for free and with little to no hassle. 

• Wix : With hundreds of templates out there, Wix is a great place to start when creating your first portfolio. If you have trouble designing in your head, Wix lets you browse through their vast collection to create a portfolio that perfectly matches your aesthetic. At no cost to you, utilize all of their design tools and photo catalog to make sure that your portfolio gains attention.
• WordPress : Emilee can attest to the benefits of creating a portfolio on WordPress. It’s accessible and free for everyone. With different themes to choose from and helpful guides online, you’ll be able to create a stunning portfolio without all the confusion.
• Clippings : Used by journalists, bloggers, and writers alike, Clippings is the site to use if customization is at the top of your priorities. Thousands of creatives around the world use this site to present their best work. And with examples online, you can ensure that all important details are within your portfolio.
• Journo Portfolio : If you’re the type of person who needs multiple portfolios, then Journo Portfolio might be your pick. They have a portfolio for whatever writing style you can think of. From poetry to proofreading, this site has just about everything you’re looking for.
• Contently : Looking for a website that combines the portfolio process and connects you with potential clients? Then Contently is the way to go. This site lets you upload an unlimited amount of projects, so even when you’re deep into your writing career, you can always go back and add more. 

Once you’ve selected where you’d like to publish your portfolio, you can get to work on the domain name. For most writers, they simply go with their first and last name, but if you’re looking for something a little more creative, try and pick out a name that resonates with the general theme of your portfolio.

4. Create the “About Me” Section

Along with the pieces of writing you select, the ‘About Me’ section of a writing portfolio is one of the most important elements of presenting your work. This will be the first thing that potential clients see, so remember to make your language strong and concise.

“You want to keep things professional, but still, let your personality shine through. Think about your audience and base how you present yourself from there.” Emilee Calametti

This is also where you will want to highlight any achievements, awards, or special skills that you’ve gained in your writing career. Once somebody has read through this section, they should be able to clearly see what type of writing you’re interested in, the history of your writing career, and have a general idea of who you are as a writer. Make sure to state if you’re looking for work and include contact information so people can reach out to you. 

This section of the writing portfolio will help strengthen your writing abilities. Being able to promote yourself is an essential skill, especially if you’re interested in freelancing. Stay true to yourself, and you’ll be able to see results in no time.

5. Determine What Pieces to Present

Now it’s time to select which pieces you want to present in your portfolio. The most important thing to keep in mind while doing this is quality over quantity. Only pick the best of the best. If you’re having trouble narrowing things down, ask a friend or a fellow contemporary to read through your writing. Getting a second opinion can make all the difference.

“Your pieces should be diverse and showcase the various tasks and projects you can take on as a writer. You want to include your strongest pieces across a wide variety of areas. Your pieces should also showcase different publication types and styles. This will be constantly changing as you grow as a writer and write new pieces. You want to make sure you tailor your pieces to your specific area, but keep diversity in mind.” Emilee Calametti

Don’t be afraid to go in and revise some of your older works as well. This will not only give you the chance to enhance your editing skills, but it’ll allow you to see how much progress you’ve made. At the end of the day, you should be proud of what you put on your portfolio, so taking the time to revise and edit should provide insight into how far you’ve come as a writer.

6. Organize for the Best Presentation

After you’ve picked out your best pieces of writing, now comes the time to dig into organization. A great way to showcase your writing is by dividing your work into genres. Whether it be copywriting, creative writing, or academic writing, you’ll want separate sections that represent each type of writing. This will help people and potential clients navigate your portfolio with ease. However, you can choose to put your best samples on the front page of your portfolio, rather than dividing everything into individual sections.

“I like to put my best pieces first and also add the pieces that show my niche. Since the samples you choose should be diverse and show a variety of areas, I like to mix them up and sprinkle different things here and there. You can also have things very organized though and have different sections for each style. I think this goes into representing who you are!” Emilee Calametti

There are many ways to organize your writing portfolio. If you like things to be more structured, dividing your work into sections might be the better option. But, if getting your best samples out there is at the top of your priorities, then making sure your niche is known will be the best direction to take.

You can also have a mix of both to diversify your portfolio. Remember, as long as your portfolio is a representation of yourself, you’re on the right track.

7. Keep Revising

As writers, we should always be going back to older pieces and seeing how we could improve. The same goes for your portfolio. As you progress in your career, you want to keep adding to not only the work you’ve done but also to your accomplishments. The more experience you gain, the more that should be presented. Revising your portfolio will make your writing samples even more relevant, and people will keep coming back to your work, hoping to see new additions.

“It is always going to be changing and so are YOU! The beauty of the portfolio is you can and should update it frequently and that can go for the design also. Have fun with it and let it be a showcase of who you are and what you bring to the table.” Emilee Calametti

As you grow and change in your career, your portfolio should reflect that same amount of progress. Just like going back and editing older pieces of writing, this will be a great way to see how far you’ve come. From the first portfolio to your most current one, you’ll be able to see just how much work you’ve put into becoming a successful writer.

Now, start creating!

A writing portfolio can be a great resource for writers of all different genres. Whether you’re trying to gain a clientele or just want a place where all your writing is presented, the writing portfolio can help in many regards.

Now that you know the most important aspects of creating a writing portfolio, it’s time to get started! Just remember, don’t be afraid to showcase who you really are. Authenticity is everything, and being open about who you are as a writer is bound to make you go far in this career. 

For more insight into the writing industry, you can check out our Bookstr Blog by clicking here!

To find out more information on the publishing process, click here!

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How To Create a Freelance Writing Portfolio (From Scratch)

The work market is changing, and freelance writers are in higher demand than ever before.

There’s no shortage of work, so why not join the growing pack of online writing professionals? Freelancing can give you financial freedom, flexible work hours, and control over the direction you want to take. But to get hired as a freelance writer , you need to show that you can write. There’s no better way to do that than through a portfolio. Learn how to make a freelance writing portfolio from scratch and present yourself and your skills in the best light.

What is a Writing Portfolio?

For most regular job positions out there, you simply need to send in your resume and a cover letter . Whereas you’d talk about your education and work experience in your resume , and write about why you’d be a good fit in your cover letter, a portfolio is there to show your skills. Most creative job positions out there require a portfolio. Graphic design, web development, modeling, animation, photography, make-up art, and writing, among others. Portfolios come in a variety of formats, but your prospective client gets a taste of your writing skills . A writing portfolio is a collection of your best writing pieces. Whether that’s blog posts , long-form articles, emails, or website copy, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you include samples of work that will apply to the position you’re applying for. It’s a great idea to include published work , but you can do without it too.

Content Up!

Your sixth-grade literature essays, group chats with friends, and Reddit rants about the government don’t belong in your portfolio. What does?

If You’re a Complete Newbie…

As a rookie, you may find yourself in a pickle: You need writing gigs to make samples , yet you need samples to land writing gigs. There’s an easy way out of that situation. You just need to fake it till you make it. If you’re just starting, chances are that you don’t have published samples to include in your portfolio. So, you need to do some legwork on your own accord. You should create mockup samples and publish them on your own. If you were anything like me in middle school, open-topic art assignments were a nightmare. I never even knew where to start. The sheer amount of options was mind-boggling, so my mind would just go blank. Trying to choose a mockup writing topic can feel just as overwhelming. Before you stare at that blank page, it’s a good idea to think about the niche you’d like to find work in. Then, with a little research, it’ll be easier to pinpoint specific topics to write about.

Get Your Stuff Published (How + Where)

Once you have an article that you’re happy with, your next step is getting it published. You need a link that you can share in your portfolio.

You have several options available:

• Platforms like Medium and LinkedIn give you the web space for your writing for free. You simply need to register, fill out your profile, and start publishing. You may not gain a huge following right away, but if you’re persistent, you may even build your entire writing career on these platforms.
• Guest posting on sites of big companies and magazines is a great way to get your stuff in front of a big audience. Find guest post opportunities by Googling your niche + “write for us”. Read the site’s guest post guidelines, write the article, and send them a pitch!
• Start your blog on WordPress or Blogger. You can use a free domain if you just want a platform to showcase your work, or post persistently and work hard to make a high-quality site that generates income.
• Use Google Docs for a quick and easy way to share your work. It’s not the most elegant solution, but heck, it’s simple to use and gets the job done.

If You Have Writing Experience…

Writers who already have experience and published work can create their portfolio in as little as an hour. Think about the projects you enjoyed working on – chances are that’s when your writing is at your best. Go through your published work and pick and choose the articles you feel are most representative. Include all the formats that you want to continue working in. Whether that’s emails, blog posts, white papers, buying guides, or website copy – if you enjoy the format, get it in there. However, make sure that your portfolio is neat and scannable. Achieve this by dividing it into parts by topic or format. What kind of content should you include in your portfolio? Think of it this way – show samples that are similar to the work you want to do in the future. When a prospective employer opens your portfolio, they want to see something that’s relevant and connected to their business niche. They need to see that you can write the text that can help them.

What NOT to Include in Your Portfolio?

• Writing in the niches that you don’t want to write for again,
• Formats that you tried out but didn’t like (for me, that’s white papers. Ugh.),
• Samples that just aren’t your best work.

If you wrote one of the samples you want to include with a coauthor, make sure they’re okay with it. Also, make a little note in your portfolio to give them the credit that they’re due.

Additional Stuff to Include In Your Portfolio

Some writers like to send their resumes, cover letters, and portfolios together. In these cases, you simply need to put links into your portfolio. But others prefer to only send the portfolio when applying for work (to avoid clogging their inbox with files).

In that case, the portfolio needs to contain some basic info, including:

• A brief self-introduction or bio,
• Your niche(s),
• Information about the services you offer (and your rates, or a note explaining how to a quote),
• Contact info,
• The links to your work.
• (Optional) Your photo,
• (Optional) Testimonials from your past clients or statistics about your achievements and success rates

Where to Publish Your Portfolio?

The best place for your portfolio is on your website. Add a specific page just for that, add your links and make them neat, slap some nice design on there, and voilà! If you don’t have your website and you don’t want to deal with PDFs, you can opt for one of the websites that let writers showcase their portfolios .

Contently is one of the most popular portfolio options. The platform is entirely free, so you can add as many links to your portfolio as you want, and create an appealing profile with your social links too. Apart from letting you showcase your work, the site also has a great marketplace where you can get in touch with employers looking for writers.

Clippings. me

This website is one of the most popular options for writers because of its clean, minimalistic design and ease of use. You simply need to paste the URL, and the site will do all the work for you. The website lets you showcase up to 10 samples with a free membership, an unlimited amount of samples, and a custom domain name for about $10 a month.

LinkedIn is perhaps the most popular business-oriented social network out there. It lets you stay in touch with past coworkers, stalk your high school sweetheart, meet brand new people working in your field, and even land some clients. But most importantly – it lets you both publish and showcase your writing on your profile.

Medium is a free platform where readers and writers meet. Many big names in copy and content writing have had their roots (or even still actively publish) on Medium. The platform also lets you connect with specific publications and magazines so you can pitch your writing , which will help you put your work in front of a big audience. You can use this website simply as a place to publish and link to, or you can even start making a bit of money on the side of your writing that proves popular among readers.

Entering the freelance writing realm might seem intimidating initially, but armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re now ready to build your writing portfolio from scratch. A well-crafted portfolio serves as a visual CV, demonstrating your writing versatility, style, and expertise to potential clients. Remember, each portfolio piece must be carefully curated to reflect not just your writing skills, but also your value as a versatile content creator. Let’s revisit our action plan to help consolidate your newfound knowledge: If You’re a Newbie…

• Start by creating mock-up samples in your preferred niche(s). Don’t let the ‘blank page’ syndrome hold you back. Instead, focus on your areas of interest to streamline your creative process.
• Self-publish your pieces on platforms like Medium, and LinkedIn, or even start your blog on WordPress or Blogger. Alternatively, Google Docs can serve as a simple and quick way to share your work.
• Consider the projects you enjoyed most and include those pieces in your portfolio. This is an opportunity to showcase your best work across different formats and styles.
• Organize your portfolio in a clear, scannable manner. Separate sections by topic or format to provide a structured viewing experience for your potential clients.
• Remember not to include any writing you’re not proud of, or that falls into niches or formats you no longer wish to pursue.

Additional Portfolio Elements…

• Include a concise self-introduction or bio, your niche(s), services offered (along with rates or a quote request note), and contact information.
• Consider adding testimonials or success statistics to provide a tangible measure of your accomplishments.

Publishing Your Portfolio…

• Platforms like Contently, and Clippings. I, LinkedIn, and Medium are fantastic options for hosting your writing portfolio.
• Remember, the most important aspect of these platforms is their ability to display your work attractively and professionally to potential clients.

With these steps, you’re now equipped to navigate the landscape of freelance writing and build an impressive portfolio that truly reflects your skills and passion. As a writer, your portfolio will constantly evolve along with your experiences and style, so be sure to keep updating it to remain relevant and competitive in the freelance writing market .

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Rafal Reyzer

Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

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Knowledge Base > Portfolios > 10 Strategies for Creating a Successful Writing Portfolio

10 Strategies for Creating a Successful Writing Portfolio

Many people want to start a career as freelance writers. You’re your own boss, you’ve got a lot of paying clients, and you do what you like best, namely writing.

However, it is quite difficult to start a new writing career without any examples of your writing proficiency. That’s why you need a writing portfolio. For many newcomers, building a writing portfolio is the hardest part of starting a freelance writing business. Everyone knows they need to stand out online – and your digital portfolio needs to showcase who you are.

In our blog, we’ll write about how to compile your writings, and how to present yourself as the most qualified candidate through examples of successful freelance writers. We’ll give you examples of portfolios and how you can use your texts to develop yourself as a freelancer.

Content writing portfolio – all you need to know

A freelance writer can easily present his work to potential employers with an online portfolio. In addition to samples of your writing, your portfolio should include a short, interesting, and not too self-promotional biography as well as a number of testimonials from past clients about your writing skills. You might want to add a resume to your online portfolio, but it should be matched to the style of the entire document or portfolio site.

Since the purpose of your portfolio page is to highlight your copywriting skills, it should include only the best texts you’ve written. Many freelancers who are just starting out in this business make the mistake of including every piece they’ve ever written in their portfolio website .

This is not the worst thing to do, but it immediately marks you as a beginner. If you are an experienced freelance writer who has written for various companies, you should highlight only your best work in your online writing portfolio.

The details depend on the industry, but the tone of your portfolio page should be quite professional. If you have a track record in a less formal industry, like creating comics or writing for children, you can use a writing portfolio that is fun, colorful, and lightweight. However, if your writing samples are more general and professional work, stick to a matter-of-fact tone.

All in all, you should choose work that demonstrates your writing style, sense of humor, flexibility, or other desirable qualities to showcase in your writing samples.

Create your writing portfolio with Publuu

An online portfolio should be a compilation of your work that showcases your creative skills and presents them online. That’s why you want it to stand out from the crowd, showing your professionalism, enthusiasm, and uniqueness as a freelance writer.

Publuu allows you to create an online portfolio from PDF format. You can easily prepare a document containing your best works, formatted in a beautiful way with a nice layout and well-chosen fonts, enhanced with illustrations and not only these. Thanks to this innovative writing portfolio format you can attach videos, GIF files, or image galleries to your texts, which a PDF portfolio does not allow.

Publuu’s online portfolio example

View more online portfolio examples

MAKE YOUR OWN

The digital portfolio can be opened on any online device, and you can also add links to other texts or your LinkedIn profile. All you need to do is create a PDF document showing your work, and then convert it to online portfolio using Publuu.

Your HTML5 resume or portfolio will look like a real book in the hands of users. This will make you stand out from the crowd, as an online portfolio is more engaging than a standard PDF. In addition to work examples, you can include your introduction, and many others – and annotate it all with interactive links.

What’s more, digital portfolios from Publuu also have excellent analytics. With Publuu, you can see if a client you care about has read your writing portfolio, and how many people have viewed it in the first place. You can also find out which parts of your content are most interesting to your audience and which pages of the PDF draw their attention.

Writing portfolio – examples

If you are not sure how to make a writing portfolio, we can recommend a couple of popular writers’ sites as freelance writing portfolio examples.

Elaine Bleakney

Elaine Bleakney, a writer, provides an overview of her texts and poems on her website , complete with cover art, reviews, and praise from her contemporaries and critics. The simple design of her WordPress site keeps the focus on her writing and makes it easy for readers to find her published works and, if they like them, buy them.

Kelsey O’Halloran

Kelsey O’Halloran’s portfolio is a model of professionalism for a copywriter’s website. On her homepage , she highlights her most impressive piece of work. Calls to action are an integral part of her professional writing portfolio. People who go to her portfolio website will see that she actively asks them if they want to know more about what she has to offer.

Evan S. Porter

Evan S. Porter’s site is very accessible and from the get-go, you can get samples of his writing on this excellent writer website. He is eager to share his creative writing samples and showcase his most useful pieces of work. You can easily contact him and read his blog posts.

We can find many more writer portfolio examples online – but it’s important to be creative and not just copy portfolios you find online! Consider the presentation of your work and look at how other writers promote themselves.

How to make a writing portfolio – helpful tips

A good writer’s portfolio is simply about telling a story about you and your work, and showing the potential customers samples of what you have achieved.

With an online writing portfolio, your potential clients should be able to effortlessly browse through writing examples and learn everything they need to know about you.

In addition to samples of your own writing, you need to provide them with an easy way to take the next step and contact you again. Here are some writing tips to help you create the right writing portfolio website.

Add graphics to the text

Many portfolio sites are not aesthetically pleasing – freelancers simply pick a ready-made professional online portfolio template and call it a day. However, proper use of graphics can make your portfolio page very visually appealing.

For starters, we suggest you use appropriately sized thumbnails that symbolize each of your writing projects. You can use a screenshot or a completed piece of text – a screenshot of your blog site will look quite professional. However, you need to make sure you have permission to use this graphic.

Quality, not quantity

You also don’t need to present a mass of writing samples to demonstrate your expertise. In fact, people visiting your online writing portfolio won’t have time to go through all your projects, so choose the best ones.

Post 4-5 writing samples on your writer website that showcase as many forms or themes as possible, depending on your area of specialization. If you have some texts that you absolutely want to showcase – for example, ones that won an award, present your writing ability, or were very popular, put them on your portfolio website and make sure that they are visible.

Your biography

Your author bio is designed to present you as a person to potential clients who are interested in your creative writing and your person. Tailor it to your own style and website design.

Consider including the following: where you’re from, where you live, and how and why you became a writer. More experienced writers can list already interesting publications, honors and awards, and specializations. Add something interesting that makes you stand out from the mass of others.

Add recommendations from readers

You should also showcase any professional recommendations or testimonials from users on your own writer website.

With testimonials from real people, it can make the reader feel more at ease contacting someone in an age where anyone can say anything on the Internet. Ask your former partners for a sentence or two that can be quotable and put them somewhere in your writer portfolio.

Well-chosen recommendations will help you create an eye-catching online writer portfolio that will help your readers understand your work more effectively.

Add a contact site and a call to action

Once your writing portfolio encourages readers to take action, you need to get them to contact you right away. Create a contact page and link it to the top menu of each webpage you visit. Add some social media links if you have writing-oriented profiles.

Your contact page should be kept up-to-date. Always include a call to action, too. This has a good psychological effect and can greatly increase the number of people who choose to contact you.

How to build a writing portfolio with no experience?

Everyone has to start somewhere – including any freelance writer. A well-built writing portfolio is one of the basic elements by which you can get good gigs, yet you need already existing work to build a good writer’s portfolio.

It’s a vicious cycle, isn’t it? How can you build a writing portfolio when clients won’t hire you because you don’t have a good writing portfolio?

So how do you build a writer’s portfolio without experience? Although it takes some creativity and hustle, it’s entirely possible; in fact, countless writers start this way. Here are a few strategies to help you do it.

Reuse any experience

First, you need to realize that you definitely have more creative writing experience than you think. Think about your work and personal experiences, including volunteer or hobbyist work – surely, if you want to become a freelancer, you’ve written something for them. Maybe you created content for a company newsletter, wrote guest posts on a friend’s blog, or created reports or biographies of workmates.

Maybe you were responsible for a website or social media profile at school. Or maybe you even made up bedtime stories for your children. All of this can have a place in a writer portfolio if it’s properly edited and processed.

Write for free – only if it’s useful

Is it worth adding free samples to the portfolio? Rather not.

A freelance content writer should always charge a fair market rate for their work. Free texts spoil the market. Even if you have no experience, you should value your time and not just do hard work for free.

However, you can do free services for other purposes – free work for NGOs, content marketing for religious organizations, or working on open-source software is not only laudable but helps you gain experience as a freelance copywriter or editor. If you must work for free, at least let it be useful.

Writing on spec – just in case

A better option is writing on spec – that is, with no guarantee that the work will be published or paid for. This is quite a good option for novices who need to build their personal brand, but we advise against it for experienced professionals.

Create a lot of texts related to the self-chosen topic – including the necessary research, interviews, and proper preparation. Then you can put it up for sale – sometimes, if you have direct contact with editors, you can present it to them in person, or use a text marketing website.

Writing on spec works especially well if you have an idea for a niche topic that you feel would be a great fit for a particular publication. And if editors reject the text, you can just as easily move on to the next one, or put the text on the open market. At worst, you’ll have a high-quality writing sample for your writing website.

Write for yourself

The easiest way to build your writing portfolio when you have no experience is to write something for yourself. Do you have an uncle or grandfather with an interesting story? Interview them and write a feature article. Watched an interesting movie? Write a review – as if you were writing it for a daily newspaper.

Post it on your blog or social media website, see people’s reactions, and rewrite it for your writer portfolio. Having a blog is a great way to hone your writing skills – and whoever doesn’t like writing doesn’t become a writer!

Write what you like

If you don’t have anything to write about… write what you would like to write about. Consider what are you good at, what are you interested in, and what is easy for you to write about, then build your portfolio around this writing niche.

Maybe you like to cook, play video games, or are curious about electronic gadgets? These are all great ideas for a blog – and you can add some of your best posts to your freelance writing portfolio.

You might also consider experiences you want to revisit. Write about your family life, places you’ve lived and traveled to, or about your future.

However, don’t write it like a regular blog post – simply think about how can you sell it. Every thing you put in your writer portfolio should be a part of your personal digital marketing scheme. Would a potential client buy it?

Use tools like Answerthepublic or Google Trends to see what topics are popular. Write about yourself – but for a prospective client.

The best writing portfolio sites in 2022

Your online profile is increasingly important to the success of your business as a freelancer. This matters especially in the early stages of your career when most clients will find you through search engines. You want to position yourself well and raise the visibility of your writer portfolio online.

Potential clients who don’t know you yet need to be able to evaluate your work, style, and professionalism in a short period of time. You’ll need more than just a social media presence to serve as your online business card (although a large number of Twitter followers certainly can’t hurt when you’re trying to become a writer).

That’s why most writer portfolio examples online use a dedicated website. Here are some simple portfolio sites that you might find useful for creating your own gallery – and you can also embed an online portfolio from Publuu on them.

Clippings.me

Clippings. me is a site mainly for freelance journalists. You can upload videos there, but you can also upload PDFs and embedded media such as podcasts, so you can create a very spectacular online portfolio.

It’s also worth recommending for good help for newcomers and an open journalism directory to help you find new contacts. This is a fantastic option if you are technically inept, but want to change the look of your online portfolio. The basic option (up to 10 articles) is completely free.

Muck Rack is a media database that facilitates communication between journalists and public relations professionals. You can quickly start working with new groups through it, but many people use it for their writing portfolio sites and profiles.

This site creates and updates your portfolio automatically. You can easily add a selection of your best work to your profile to make it unique. Muck Rack advertises itself as the simplest platform where you can showcase your work without restrictions, and expand your audience. Muck Rack instantly shows how many people have shared your post on social media and which other authors have linked to your work. What’s more, the basic version is free.

WordPress.com

70% of the world’s sites use WordPress – because it’s free, easy to use, and beautiful – so you can use it too. You can choose a free, simple blog, a premium version with extra features, or a just use the free option if you can find affordable hosting and a domain.

There are plenty of plugins and themes in the WordPress store to build your own writer portfolio – whether for free or by shelling out a bit of cash. If you’re looking for a lot of flexibility and freedom in your projects (and don’t mind tinkering with HTML and CSS), this is the platform for you. You can use free wordpress.org hosting or set up a wordpress.com blog with your own domain.

Contently.net

Contently, a content marketing and technology company founded in 2010, also allows freelance writers to create portfolios. Using the service, clients looking for freelancers can find writers with the experience and portfolios they need. However, anyone can simply open their own portfolio using this service and publish writing samples.

Wix is a general platform for creating websites – not just for freelancers. However, you too can create your own site to publish content. The platform provides a wide range of customizable theme options. The coolest feature of Wix is the wide range of add-ons or modules you can use to expand the capabilities of your online portfolio. It’s easy to design your site using the drag-and-drop interface. You can save all your media files and photos in the media library, which has up to 500 MB of space.

Weebly is another well-liked and practical website builder, ideal for creating all kinds of sites, including online writing portfolios. To start creating a portfolio, choose one of the many available themes – place text files or links to documents like Google Docs, OneDrive or Zoho Writer.

The Weebly editor is easy to use and allows you to incorporate many elements into your site, such as forms, galleries, buttons, and more. Weebly is also free, but the free version allows you to upload files up to 100 MB.

Aspiring freelance writers know that starting out in this profession is difficult without a portfolio that helps you impress potential clients and showcase previous writing jobs.

Your internet portfolio sites should be professional, tell your story and show your writing skills – thanks to samples and fragments of your best work. There are many great writer portfolio examples online – but you should adjust your own profile to your capabilities and experiences.

One great way to present your portfolio in a professional way is with Publuu online portfolio maker – elegant, online-accessible and containing many great interactive features.

You may construct portfolio sites with Clippings.me, MuckRack, or Contently.net. If you want flexibility and independence in your endeavors, choose WordPress. You can publish files as PDF or embed Publuu digital portfolio to present some of the best portfolios and showcase your writing skill to the world!

You may be also interested in:

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5 Steps to a Compelling Creative Direction Portfolio

Define your personal brand, collect and analyze your best work, create compelling visuals, write descriptive and engaging text, design and organize your portfolio.

Breaking into the creative direction field or looking to level up? Understanding how to create a portfolio for creative direction that stands out is key. It's more than just a collection of your work — it's a chance to showcase your unique vision, skills, and style. In this blog, we'll walk through five steps to help you craft a compelling creative direction portfolio that truly represents you and your talents.

Before you even start selecting pieces for your portfolio, take a moment to define your personal brand. This is the unique blend of skills, experience, and personality that you bring to the table. It's what sets you apart from other creative directors.

Your unique style

Think about your signature style. This could be a color scheme you often use, a particular mood you evoke, or a way you use space and form. For example, maybe you're a fan of minimalist design with a touch of whimsy. That's a part of your brand.

Your strengths

Next, identify your strengths. These could be technical skills, like proficiency in Photoshop or Illustrator, or softer skills like your ability to inspire a team or tell a powerful story through visuals. Be specific and honest with yourself. If you're a wiz at typography, make a note of it. If your use of color is often praised, write that down.

Your values

Finally, consider your values. These are the principles that guide your work. Perhaps you value sustainability and always aim to use eco-friendly materials in your projects, or you believe in the power of design to foster inclusivity and always strive to represent diverse perspectives in your work. Your values are a key part of your brand, so don't overlook them.

Defining your personal brand is a vital step in understanding how to create a portfolio for creative direction. It provides a clear vision of what you want to express through your portfolio and ensures that your work is consistent, cohesive, and truly representative of you.

Now that you've defined your personal brand, it's time to dig into your past work. This step is all about showcasing your skills and proving you can walk the talk. But remember, quality trumps quantity every time.

Choose high-quality pieces

When considering how to create a portfolio for creative direction, it's important to choose high-quality pieces that best represent your skills and style. This might not always be the latest project you've worked on, or the one with the biggest budget. Instead, opt for work that you're proud of, that challenged you creatively, and that you feel best showcases your brand.

Analyze your work

As you collect pieces, it's important not to just dump them into your portfolio. Instead, analyze each piece: What was the goal of the project? What challenges did you overcome? What was the impact of your work? This analysis will provide valuable context for each piece and help you articulate your process and success later on.

While it's important to showcase your brand, it's also beneficial to display a range of work. This could be projects from different industries, mediums, or types of clients. By showing diversity, you demonstrate your versatility and adaptability — essential traits for a creative director.

Remember, your portfolio should be a curated collection of your best work — not everything you've ever created. By being selective and thoughtful about what you include, you can create a strong case for your creative direction skills.

Visuals are the heart and soul of your creative direction portfolio. They're the immediate hook that grabs people's attention. But creating compelling visuals is not just about making things look pretty. It's about telling a story and conveying your unique perspective.

Craft a visual narrative

When you're figuring out how to create a portfolio for creative direction, remember: each piece you select should contribute to a larger visual narrative. This means that your visuals should not only be eye-catching on their own, but they should also work together to tell a coherent, compelling story about your work and your brand.

Pay attention to detail

As a creative director, you're expected to have a keen eye for detail. This should be reflected in the visuals you create for your portfolio. Consider every element of your visuals, from color and composition to typography and texture. Each detail should be deliberate and contribute to the overall aesthetic of your portfolio.

Use high-quality images

There's nothing that can undermine a portfolio faster than poor-quality images. Make sure all your visuals are crisp, clear, and well-lit. If you're using photos of your work, consider hiring a professional photographer to ensure the best results. Remember, your portfolio is a reflection of your professional standards, so don't skimp on quality.

Creating compelling visuals is an integral part of building a successful creative direction portfolio. It's not just about showing off your work, but also demonstrating your ability to tell a compelling visual story.

While visuals might be the main attraction, the text in your portfolio is just as significant. It provides context for your visuals, shares your creative process, and helps convey your personal brand. So, let's explore how we can make the text in your portfolio just as impressive as your visuals.

Keep it concise

When figuring out how to create a portfolio for creative direction, remember that your text should be brief and to the point. You don't want to overwhelm your audience with too much information. Aim to strike a balance between being informative and maintaining the viewer's interest. Whether you're describing a project or detailing your creative process, keep it succinct.

Speak directly to your audience

The tone of your text can make a big difference. Be sure to write in a style that speaks directly to your audience. This not only makes your writing more engaging but also helps build a connection with the reader. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through in your writing.

Be specific

When describing your projects or process, don't just say what you did — explain why you did it and what the results were. Being specific about your creative choices and their outcomes makes your work more tangible and relatable. For instance, instead of saying you designed a logo, detail why you chose certain colors or shapes and how they benefited the brand.

Writing descriptive and engaging text is a crucial step in creating a compelling creative direction portfolio. It gives your work context, showcases your thought process, and helps tell your brand story.

Designing and organizing your portfolio is the final step in this journey of creating a compelling creative direction portfolio. This stage is about taking all the elements we have talked about, and weaving them into a visually cohesive and easily navigable portfolio. Let's break down how you can do this:

Establish a consistent design theme

Consistency in design helps your portfolio feel unified and professional. Choose a color scheme, typography, and layout that aligns with your personal brand and use it consistently across your portfolio. This can enhance the overall look and feel, making your portfolio more memorable to your audience.

Organize your work strategically

How you arrange your projects can influence the viewer's impression of your work. Consider starting with your strongest piece to make an instant impact, and end with another high note to leave a lasting impression. The middle should showcase a variety of your skills and experiences, proving that you are versatile as a creative director.

Make it easy to navigate

Navigation should be smooth and intuitive. To do this, consider having a clear menu, well-labelled sections, and project thumbnails that give a sneak peek of each project. Remember, if viewers can't find their way around your portfolio easily, they might lose interest quickly.

Designing and organizing your portfolio may seem like a daunting task, especially when you're trying to figure out how to create a portfolio for creative direction. But remember, it's all about presenting your work in the best possible light and delivering a user-friendly experience for viewers.

If you want to take your creative direction portfolio to the next level, don't miss the workshop ' Portfolio Review: Finding your Creative Direction ' by Caleb Stein. This workshop will help you refine your portfolio and find your unique creative direction, ensuring that your work stands out in a competitive industry.

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1.8 Portfolio: Tracing Writing Development

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Reflect on the development of composing processes.
• Reflect on how those composing processes affect your work.

The Portfolio: And So It Begins . . .

In simplest terms, a writing portfolio is a collection of your writing contained within a single binder or folder. This writing may have been done over a number of weeks, months, or even years. It may be organized chronologically, thematically, or according to quality. A private writing portfolio may contain writing that you wish to keep only for yourself. In this case, you decide what is in it and what it looks like. However, a writing portfolio assigned for a class will contain writing to be shared with an audience to demonstrate the growth of your writing and reasoning abilities. One kind of writing portfolio, accumulated during a college course, presents a record of your work over a semester, and your instructor may be use it to assign a grade. Another type of portfolio presents a condensed, edited story of your semester’s progress in a more narrative form.

The most common type of portfolio assigned in a writing course combines the cumulative work collected over the semester, plus a cover letter in which you explain the nature and value of these papers. Sometimes you will be asked to assign yourself a grade on the basis of your own assessment. The following suggestions may help you prepare a course portfolio:

• Make your portfolio speak for you. If your course portfolio is clean, complete, and carefully organized, that is how it will be judged. If it is unique, colorful, creative, and imaginative, that, too, is how it will be judged. Similarly, your folder will be judged more critically if it is messy, incomplete, and haphazardly put together. Before giving your portfolio to somebody else for evaluation, consider whether it reflects how you want to be presented.
• Include exactly what is asked for. If an instructor wants three finished papers and a dozen sample journal entries, that is the minimum your course portfolio should contain. Sometimes you can include more than what is asked for, but never include less.
• Add supplemental material judiciously. Course portfolios are among the most flexible means of presenting yourself. If you believe that supplemental writing will show you in a better light, include that too, but only after the required material. If you include extra material, attach a memo to explain why it is there and what you think it adds to your portfolio. Supplemental writing might include journals, letters, sketches, or diagrams that suggest other useful dimensions of your thinking.
• Include perfect final drafts. At least make them as close to perfect as you can. Show that your own standard for finished work is high. Check spelling, grammar, citation, formatting, and font sizes and types. You should go over your work carefully and be able to find the smallest errors. In addition, if you are asked for a hard copy of your portfolio, final drafts should be double-spaced and printed on only one side of high-quality paper, unless another format is requested. And, of course, your work should be carefully proofread and should follow the language and genre conventions appropriate to the task.
• Demonstrate growth. This is a tall order, but course portfolios, unlike most other assessment instruments, can show positive change. The primary value of portfolios in writing classes is that they allow you to demonstrate how a finished paper came into being. Consequently, instructors frequently ask for early drafts to be attached to final drafts of each paper, the most recent on top, so they can see how you followed revision suggestions, how much effort you invested, how many drafts you wrote, and how often you took risks and tried to improve. To build such a record of your work, make sure the date of every draft is clearly marked on each one, and keep it in a safe place (and backed up electronically).
• Demonstrate work in progress. Course portfolios allow writers to present partially finished work that suggests future directions and intentions. Both instructors and potential employers may find such preliminary drafts or outlines as valuable as some of your finished work. When you include a tentative draft, be sure to attach a memo or note explaining why you still believe it has merit and in which direction you plan to take your next revisions.
• Attach a table of contents. For portfolios containing more than three papers, attach a separate table of contents. For those containing only a few papers, embed your table of contents in the cover letter.
• Chronological order : Writing is arranged in order, beginning with the first week of class and ending with the last week, with all drafts, papers, journal entries, letters, and such fitting in place according to the date written. Only the cover letter is out of chronological order, appearing at the beginning and serving as an introduction to what follows. This method allows you to show the evolution of growth most clearly, with your latest writing (presumably the best) presented at the end.
• Reverse chronological order : The most recent writing is up front, and the earliest writing at the back. In this instance, the most recent written document—the cover letter—is in place at the beginning of the portfolio. This method features your latest (presumably the best) work up front and allows readers to trace the history of how it got there.
• Best-first order : You place your strongest writing up front and your weakest in back. Organizing a portfolio this way suggests that the work you consider strongest should count most heavily in evaluating the semester’s work.

With each completed chapter in this textbook, you will add to this portfolio. As you work through the chapters and complete the assignments, save each one on your computer or in the cloud, unless your instructor asks you to print your work and arrange it in a binder. Each assignment becomes an artifact that will form a piece of your portfolio. Depending on your preference or your instructor’s approach, you may write a little about each assignment as you add to the portfolio. As you compile your portfolio, take some time to read the assignments—drafts and finished products—carefully. Undoubtedly, you will see improvement in your writing over a short amount of time. Be sure to make note of this improvement because it will prove useful moving forward.

Reflective Task: The Freedom of Freewriting

As you begin your portfolio with the addition of your critical response, compose an accompanying freewrite , sometimes called a quick write . In this case, you will be responding to your own text—a powerful tool in your intellectual development. To begin, write quickly and without stopping about the process of composing your critical response and the finished product. See where your thoughts go, a process that often helps you clarify your own thoughts about the subject—your own text and its creation. When you freewrite, write to yourself in your own natural style, without worrying about sentence structure, grammar, spelling, or punctuation. The purpose is to help you tie together the ideas from your writing process, your assignment, and other thoughts and experiences in your mind. One future value of freewriting is that the process tends to generate questions at random, capture them, and leave the answering for a later task or assignment. Another bonus of freewriting is that you will build confidence with writing and become more disciplined when you have to write. In other words, the more you write, the more confidence you will have in your voice and your writing.

By now you may have realized that writing, whether on social media platforms or in the classroom, is a conversation. The conversation may take place with yourself (freewriting), with your instructor and classmates (assignment), or with the world (social media). You have learned how people like Selena Gomez and others use simple and effective strategies, such as vulnerability , understanding, analysis, and evaluation, to engage in such conversations. Now adopt these same processes—try them on for size, practice them, and learn to master them. As you move through the remainder of this course and text, compose with intention by keeping in mind the limits and freedoms of a particular defined rhetorical situation.

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Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/writing-guide/pages/1-unit-introduction

• Authors: Michelle Bachelor Robinson, Maria Jerskey, featuring Toby Fulwiler
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Writing Guide with Handbook
• Publication date: Dec 21, 2021
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/writing-guide/pages/1-unit-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/writing-guide/pages/1-8-portfolio-tracing-writing-development

© Dec 19, 2023 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.

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Expert Guide: Writing Portfolio for College

• Last modified 2023-12-05
• Published on 2020-12-24

If you’re interested in applying for a Creative Writing major in college, or any Writing majors, it may be beneficial for you to submit a writing portfolio for college as supplemental information. This allows college admission officers to evaluate your potential and your growth as a writer. Keep reading to understand how to make a writing portfolio for college admission in the article below

1. What is a writing portfolio?

Similar to an art portfolio, a writing portfolio for college is a collection of writing work you’ve written in the past. The portfolio can take two forms, either print or electronic, and your work samples can either be published or unpublished. An outstanding portfolio not only assesses an applicant’s writing proficiency but also demonstrates an applicant’s potential as a writer and critical thinker. 

A strong portfolio is more than a showcase of your work. It is a reflection and a representation of yourself as a writer, more specifically, a poet, a scriptwriter, journalist, or a creative writer.   

According to Cengage , there are two kinds of Writing portfolios:   

• A growth or process portfolio, which shows the writer’s improvements and writing growth.   
• Best-work or presentation portfolio, which highlights a writer’s ability and achievements.   

2. What should I include in my writing portfolio?

Creating a portfolio can be time-consuming. A writing portfolio for college can be customized based on each writer’s specialty and preferences. For example, if you’re interested in scriptwriting for films or plays, you can focus on providing samples related to the field, by showing playwriting works. However, if you’re not sure the direction you’re heading towards with your writing, your portfolio can include various work types.   

In Knox College’s scholarship application, it’s specified that a student’s manuscript can be submitted in one or more of the categories below, but can’t exceed 20 pages total. For Knox College, the preference is given to students who show a range of talent and potential in all represented genres:   

• Poetry (5-8 pages) 
• Fiction (one short story) 
• Creative nonfiction (one essay on any topic) 
• Journalism (2 articles of investigative reporting) 
• Playwriting (one-act play) 
• Critical essay (one analytical paper on literature, film, or dramatic performance)  

Taking the University of the Arts, for example, this school has different requirements for students applying to the Creative Writing program or the Screenwriting program. For the creative writing program, students are required to submit a 10-15 page of a portfolio that includes at least two different pieces of writing, along with an essay answering a designated prompt.   

Therefore, depending on schools, you may have a different set of requirements on what to include in a portfolio. Remember to check each school you’re applying to!   

Overall, a portfolio should have a range of works: poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, screenplays, novels, etc.   

After collecting your work samples, it’s recommended that you should write a reflective statement at the beginning of your portfolio, or at the beginning of each work. A reflective statement is a personal assessment of your writing achievements over a period of time. Beyond a portfolio summary, the reflective statement shows critical thinking and the analytical ability to evaluate one’s own work.   

3. How should I create my electronic portfolio?

For your electronic or online writing portfolio, there are many free and paid portfolio website. A portfolio shows your writing achievements, expresses your personal brand, and increases your online presence for freelance writing opportunities with potential clients.

An outstanding portfolio should be simple, navigable, and coherent . It means the portfolio should be simple and straight to the point and easy to navigate. It’s important to have a clear menu bar that helps the reader navigate your portfolio without trouble. Below are some portfolio websites and a few examples of writing portfolio site that stand out.   

• WordPress  
• Portfoliopen   
• Squarespace   
• Alice Driver  
• Akwaeke Emezi

4. Where can I get help preparing my writing portfolio for college?

Great question! Depending on which stage you’re at in the writing process, you can seek professional writers or writing tutors’ help.   

If you’re interested in applying for a college writing program and want to have a set of writing samples for your portfolio, consider entering different writing competitions. A writing competition is an excellent way for you to practice and test your writing ability and to receive rewards can give you a great jumpstart to your writing career. 

Aralia has great writing programs tailored for your needs, from writing competition preparation, to creative writing and writing portfolio guidance. Our classes are 1:1 or small group sized (with 3-7 students per class). Aralia’s instructors will give you practice and critical feedback for your portfolio.   

Second, suppose you’re preparing work for your portfolio. In that case, Aralia’s tutors are experienced writers with advanced degrees in Creative Writing and English literature. They have helped students prepare writing samples to enter different writing competitions across America. We also have two blogs where many of our students’ works are shown: People’s Republic of Creativity & Haringey Unchained .   

If you’re in the process of compiling samples and designing portfolios, your writing teachers at school can be of great resource for advice and guidance. Your teachers can provide feedback about anything, from your writing style, to strong pieces to put in your portfolio. If you need additional guidance, feel free to reach out to Aralia. We are more than happy to set you up with tutoring or classes with one of our writing teachers. 

Students will learn the nuances of language, including figurative language, effective structuring, and specific forms to apply to their own piece(s). Students will work directly with both literary and media texts to plan and write their piece(s). This class will also help the students write with an aim for an audience as their submission for nation-wide and international writing competitions that are timely with the course schedule.

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Purpose of a Portfolio

The purpose of a portfolio is to showcase your final drafts and to do a self-assessment to evaluate what you have learned.

Organizational Instructions

The following is a set of instructions of what is expected in the portfolio. It is listed in the order that the portfolio should be organized.

• Title the portfolio with a creative title representing the entire collection of poems you’ve written. Example: Poems: Word Pictures
• Include your first and last name
• Include the name of the class: ENGL 1465–Creative Writing
• Include the due date
• Include a photo of yourself working on one of your poems on a computer.
• Font size should be 24 pt. or 36 pt. Choose a font size that makes the title fit on one line. Also, choose a font that is readable.
• The titles of the poems should be left-justified near the one-inch margin edge.
• Page numbers should be right-justified near the one-inch margin edge.
• Dots between the titles and page numbers are optional.
• Do not list the the title page or the table of contents page page on the table of contents page.
• Use an easy-to-read 12 pt. font.
• Step back and look at your poems critically.
• Write an evaluative essay (500-1,000 words).
• Which poem is your best work? Best work does not necessarily mean your favorite work. Best work means the one that is written well. How did you go about writing it? Why is it your best work? Cite specific examples from the poem to defend why you think it is your most effective piece.
• Which poem would you just as soon forget or trash? what problems did you encounter with it? Why is it your least effective piece? Cite specific examples from the text of the poem to prove why you think it is your least effective piece.
• What are you able to do as a poet that you couldn’t do before taking this class? Be specific by identifying more than one example. What in the class helped you the most with your writing?
• What did you learn about yourself by completing this portfolio?
• What are your writing goals for the summer?
• Make a section title page titled Final Drafts
• Imagery Poem
• Figure of Speech Poem
• Allusion or Symbol Poem
• Copy and paste the graded final drafts into the portfolio from the most effective to the least effective poem. Do not include the rubrics in the portfolio. You will need that information, however, for the next step.
• Revise all final drafts in the portfolio before submitting your portfolio. Follow the directions provided ont he graded assignment as well as the rubric. It’s a good idea to compare your original final draft submission with the graded final draft in order to understand what kind of revisions have been made by the instructor and what kind of revisions still need to be made.

Formatting Instructions

• The portfolio project must be typed in a Microsoft Word document (.docx).
• Use an easy to read 12 pt. font for all the sections except the title page.
• Use 1″ margins.
• Double-space the essay page.
• Single-space the poems.
• Put page numbers in the lower right-hand corner. When page numbers are at the bottom of the page, you do not need to include your last name.
• Leave the name heading on the final drafts of your poems in the top left-hand corner.

Introduction to Creative Writing by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Arts academy students commended in 2024 regional scholastic art & writing awards.

57 students from the Academy’s creative writing, interdisciplinary arts, and visual arts divisions received accolades in one of the nation’s most prestigious national competitions for young artists.

57 students from Interlochen Arts Academy’s creative writing, interdisciplinary arts, and visual arts divisions received accolades in the 2024 regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards .

15 Creative Writing students were among the award recipients in the West Central Michigan region, which was adjudicated this year by the competition’s region-at-large. Seniors Shreya Ganguly and Emily Pickering won Gold Keys for their portfolios, contributing to the division’s combined total of 15 Gold Keys.

Interdisciplinary Arts students Melodie Rassulkyzy and Olivia Babovic also received creative writing awards. Rassulkyzy earned both a Gold Key and one of the region’s American Voices Award nominations—a citation granted to the five best written works from each region.

40 Arts Academy visual artists united for a total of 107 individual and portfolio awards, including 28 Gold Keys, 37 Silver Keys, and 42 Honorable Mentions. Academy students Benjamin Goodlife, Sihyun (Evelyn) Park, and Maya Tzonev scored four of the region’s five American Visions Award nominations, which are awarded to the region’s five best visual artworks (Park received nominations for two pieces). Six visual arts students earned portfolio awards, with senior Campbell Cronk winning a Gold Key for her portfolio “Empathy Through Grief.”

All winners will be honored at regional awards celebrations. Gold Key-winning works will advance to the national level of the competition for further adjudication. Results of the national judging will be announced soon.

Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers to recognize and celebrate the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth. Each year, young artists in grades 7-12 are invited to submit their works in 29 different categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and exhibition opportunities.

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