Portfolio Perfection: The 5 Must-Have Projects for Entry-Level Designers

Starting your career after completing a graphic designing course can be daunting. Your diploma confirms your training, but your portfolio is the real interview. It’s the visual proof of your skills, creativity, and professional readiness.

For those graduating from a structured graphic design program or one of the many graphic design courses online, the challenge isn't just about making great designs—it's about curating a portfolio that speaks directly to a potential employer's needs.

Here are the 5 essential projects every entry-level design portfolio must include to demonstrate a well-rounded skill set and land your first job.

1. The Comprehensive Branding Identity (Logo to Application)

A strong brand identity project is the backbone of any portfolio. It shows you can think conceptually, not just aesthetically.

• The Project: Create a complete brand identity for a fictional (or self-initiated) company. This must include:

• A primary logo and secondary mark.

• A well-defined color palette (CMYK/RGB/HEX codes).

• A typography system (heading and body fonts).

• Application Mockups: Show the branding in action on business cards, letterheads, packaging, or even social media templates.

• What it Proves: Your understanding of brand strategy, conceptual thinking, and visual consistency across different media.

2. The User Interface (UI) Design (Mobile or Web)

In today's digital-first world, employers need designers who understand screen-based design, even if the job isn't strictly UX/UI.

• The Project: Design a user interface for a simple mobile app (e.g., a music player, a simple e-commerce checkout, or a task management tool) or a specific landing page for a website.

• What it Proves: Your familiarity with modern digital design tools (like Figma or Sketch), hierarchy, accessibility, and the user experience principles that govern successful digital products.

3. The Multi-Page Print Layout (Magazine, Brochure, or Book)

While the world is digital, print design skills remain highly valued, especially in marketing agencies or corporate settings.

• The Project: Design a minimum 4-page layout—this could be a magazine spread, a company brochure, or an internal report. Focus on content-heavy design.

• What it Proves: Your mastery of typography, grid systems, white space, and pre-press preparation—critical skills learned in any solid graphic design program.

4. The Data Visualization / Infographic

Businesses rely on data to tell stories. A designer who can translate complex information into clear, beautiful visuals is indispensable.

• The Project: Take a set of real-world data (e.g., climate change statistics, social media usage trends, or historical facts) and create a compelling, easy-to-understand infographic or data dashboard.

• What it Proves: Your ability to simplify complexity and apply design principles to non-traditional marketing collateral.

5. The Campaign Project (Digital Ad Set)

Employers want to see that you can design for marketing goals—designs that drive action.

• The Project: Create a small, cohesive digital advertising campaign consisting of 3-5 assets (e.g., Facebook/Instagram ads, a Google banner ad set, or an animated GIF). They must share a consistent look and clear call-to-action.

• What it Proves: Your practical understanding of design constraints (file size, aspect ratios) and designing with a clear marketing objective in mind.

Making the Cut

Remember, quality over quantity. Five stellar, well-documented projects are infinitely better than twenty rushed ones. Each project should be accompanied by a case study explaining the problem, your solution, and the skills you used. By including these five types of projects, you demonstrate not just skill, but versatility—the hallmark of a successful designer ready to launch a career after their graphic designing course.

Abm College is a leading private career college dedicated to providing practical, career-focused education in Western Canada. With campuses in Calgary and beyond