Why your portfolio doesn't need a redesign

How’s everyone doing? I think I’m not alone in saying that we’re all probably feeling the New Year jitters right now 🙃 — this invisible pressure we bring upon ourselves to make the first month of the year perfect.

Well… I decided not to set any big resolutions this 2025. Instead, I’m doing month-by-month goals!

Like what Jules Acree said in her newsletter, “January not as a sprint, but as a warm-up.”

So I’ve been slowly warming up to 2025 and I’ve been trying to find clarity about what I really want to achieve this year, aaaand my portfolio came to mind. 💭

I’m guessing “redesign portfolio” is on most of our to-do lists this year, right?

As designers, our portfolios are everything. They are a gateway to a new job, a wider network, more clients — basically your whole identity in once place.

And the start of the year feels like the perfect time for change.

Suddenly, you’re thinking of: A new theme, a new layout, switching website builders (Wix to Webflow to Framer—what’s trending now?), or adding all those fancy animations.

But before you pull an all-nighter and dive into a full-on portfolio redesign, there are three things you have to think of first. I’ll share them later!

In the meantime, get comfy and check out the latest trends and tools in the design world. ☕

〰️ Co-editing on Photoshop
〰️ Gesture control for gadgets
〰️ A collection of design portfolios for inspo
〰️ A UI cheat sheet for seamless designing

☁️ news & trends

Photoshop’s New Live Co-Editing: Game-Changer for Collabs

Photoshop has FINALLY entered the chat. I wonder what took them so long to implement co-editing features but here we are. The new live co-editing feature, now in private beta, lets you and your team work on the same file in real time—no endless file versions or messy back-and-forth. I personally don’t use Photoshop but it’s a big WIN for those who do!

Visit museums from your phone

Imagine strolling through the world’s greatest museums right from your phone. With Google Arts & Culture, you can dive into virtual exhibits, explore stunning artworks up close, and soak in inspiration whenever you need it. It’s like having a global art tour in your pocket!

What if our gadgets understood our gestures…more?

Wave your hand, and your device responds—no touch required. ✨ Powered by radar technology, Google Soli lets you control gadgets with simple gestures, like skipping songs or snoozing alarms. It’s intuitive, futuristic, and perfect for leveling up your productivity game!

🪐 launches & tools

Get portfolio inspos from these design leaders

If you’re stuck in a creative rut or looking to revamp your portfolio, this site is a goldmine. Product Design Portfolios gathers standout portfolios from UI/UX designers worldwide in leading tech companies. Get access to really impressive case studies and know what employers look for!

Design terminology you need to know to communicate better

If you’ve ever wanted a peek behind the scenes of a polished app, LINE’s Design System is a total gem. It’s packed with reusable components and guidelines that show how to build clean, consistent interfaces effortlessly. Perfect for anyone looking to up their terminology!

By any chance, did you know that your lungs are as big as a laptop?

Okay, so I’m not sure if you’d actually need this but it’s soo cool. This neat little website compares emojis to their real-world sizes, giving you a whole new perspective on scale. Maybe it could even spark some creative inspo in your design process! Can you guess which emoji is the biggest one? 🤔

🌼 Before You Dive Into a Portfolio Redesign…

Thinking of revamping your portfolio? Hold up for a sec! 🤚 Here are three steps to evaluate and refine your portfolio goals without jumping straight into a full redesign:

1. Evaluate your portfolio goals
   

   Start by asking yourself:

   “What’s the main purpose of my portfolio?”

   “Is it to land a job, attract freelance clients, or showcase specific work?”

   Clarifying your goals will help guide your decisions.

2. Prioritize content over aesthetics
   

   Does your portfolio tell the right story about your skills and design process? Focus on:

   • Updating outdated projects.

   • Keeping descriptions clear and concise.

   Remember: Clarity in your content often has a bigger impact than flashy layouts or animations.

3. Get feedback from your target audience
   

   Before diving into major changes, ask for input from the people you want to impress. Questions to ask:

   • "Does my portfolio make a strong first impression?"

   • "Are my case studies clear?"

   • "Is anything missing?"

   This feedback can lead to small tweaks that can make a big difference—no all-nighter required!

So there! I hope you ease into the new year slowly. Make self-awareness your priority, instead of the grind — to understand what you’re feeling right now and what you really need to be your best self this year. 🤗

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See you on the internet 🌐,

Marisa | @meshtimes