Starting Your Design Business Without a Portfolio: How to Get Clients and Build Your Brand
Do you have projects you don’t love and don’t want to publish them?
Are you finding that your design skills have grown, and past projects no longer reflect your best work?
Or perhaps, you’re just starting out and don’t have a portfolio because you’ve been treating your design business more as a hobby?
If any of this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many designers face the challenge of not having a polished portfolio when they decide to take their business to the next level. The common belief is that a massive portfolio is essential to attract paying clients, but that’s simply not true. While a comprehensive portfolio might be necessary to break into the luxury market, it’s not a prerequisite for being a well-paid designer.
In fact, you can effectively market your design services and attract clients without a slew of professional photos of your work. Here’s how:
1. Use a "Coming Soon" Approach on Your Portfolio Page
If you’re not ready to showcase your past projects, consider adding a “Coming Soon” section on the portfolio page of your website. Include mood boards, vignette photos, or design concepts that represent your style and vision. This approach not only keeps your website active but also gives potential clients a glimpse into how you approach design.
2. Leverage Blogs and Social Media Posts
Focus on creating content that helps your audience get to know you and builds your reputation as a trusted authority in design. This strategy isn’t reliant on a vast portfolio of images but instead speaks directly to the challenges and needs of your potential clients. Share insights, design tips, and stories that highlight your expertise.
3. Share and Comment on Content from Designers You Admire
Don’t hesitate to share content from designers you love. Credit them appropriately and add your thoughts about the design, solutions, color choices, etc. This not only shows your knowledge and taste but also aligns you with established voices in the industry, lending credibility to your own brand.
4. Network, Network, Network
Building relationships is key to growing your business, and networking is a powerful tool. Engage both in person and online. For more detailed advice, refer to my previous training on networking. The connections you make can lead to referrals, collaborations, and new opportunities that don’t depend on a portfolio.
5. Offer Presentations in Your Community
Consider giving presentations on popular design topics in local community groups, HOAs, or mom’s groups. This is a great way to establish yourself as a local expert. You’ll be able to share your knowledge, answer questions, and make a lasting impression on potential clients.
6. Respond Confidently When Asked About Your Work
When potential clients ask to see samples of your work, be upfront and confident. You might say, “I’ve been doing this forever, I just decided to get paid for it, so I don’t yet have photos of my work.” This honest approach conveys both your experience and your newfound commitment to professional design.
Don’t let the lack of a portfolio hold you back from marketing your services. Start with what you have—your experience and talent—and showcase that both in person and online. As you build your showcase projects, your portfolio will naturally grow. Remember, every designer starts somewhere. The most important thing is to put yourself out there, share your expertise, and let your passion for design shine.
This is just one of many topics we cover inside Interior Design Business Bakery. And this is my official invitation to you to JOIN ME in The Bakery. To learn more about this life-changing program, visit Designed for the Creative Mind and get in touch with us today.
