For several months, I had been planning to redesign my portfolio luisogando.design. I was going through what many design professionals go through: the day-to-day is almost all-consuming and it is difficult to sit down and work with the level of detail, focus and clarity that one would like at the time.
Finally, in December 2025, I was able to dedicate the necessary time to develop the portfolio that I had previously designed in Figma, also relying on sketches and ideas that I had been building throughout the previous months.
In this article, I share a few key points that, based on my experience, I consider essential for any design professional who is starting out or rethinking their portfolio.
Concept and creativity
In my case, being a faithful follower of immersive technologies such as VR and AR, I wanted the concept of the portfolio to revolve around that universe. From the cover I sought to generate a personal image using the virtual and augmented reality viewers I currently use, thus integrating my professional identity with the tools that are part of my daily life.
I also felt the need to give him a facelift cleaner, more modern and sophisticated compared to my previous portfolio. The goal was to achieve a more mature aesthetic, aligned with my evolution as a designer.
My recommendation for anyone creating their portfolio is to start from what really represents them on a semiotic level: tastes, interests, lifestyle and professional vision. When the concept is born from the authentic, it builds faster, organically and coherently.
Trends and visual design language
We are living in an era where styles such as the Glassmorphism still have a strong presence in visual communication. That's why I decided to apply it in a subtle way in some sections of the portfolio, not only to keep it updated, but also to reinforce a contemporary and technological aesthetic.
As a lover of 3D design, I incorporated three-dimensional devices in the presentation of the mockups of the projects. Combining tools like After Effects and Cinema 4D, I managed to create transitions and animations that bring depth and dynamism, especially during scrolling.
The overall intention was to design a fluid navigation, with micro-interactions designed to accompany each user scroll, making the experience visually appealing without losing clarity and usability.
Project storytelling
The project narrative is undoubtedly one of the most complex parts of any portfolio. There are many valid structures and every designer approaches this section differently.
In my case, with more than 10 years of experience working in design and leading or collaborating in multiple projects, I decided not to focus on explaining basic or theoretical design processes. Instead, I prioritized the strategic clarity of each case.
I consider it essential to make it clear:
- Your role within the project, especially if you were part of a team.
- The objective of the project.
- The problem to be solved.
- The proposed solution.
- The final result and its impact.
It is important to be honest and accurate. I have seen many portfolios where the designer takes credit for the entire project when in fact it was a collaborative effort. Acknowledging teamwork does not detract from the value; on the contrary, it demonstrates professional maturity.
Each project should close with a brief conclusion that connects the problem to the solution and the learning gained.
Building a portfolio in 2026 is no longer just about showcasing visually appealing work. It's about communicating judgment, experience, strategic thinking and professional evolution. A good portfolio is an extension of who you are as a designer: how you think, how you solve problems, and how you bring real value to the products and teams you collaborate with.
Beyond following trends or using the latest technologies, what is really important is that the portfolio is authentic, clear and honest. It should tell real, well-structured stories, and make clear not only what you do, but why you do it and what impact you generate.
In the end, a well-constructed portfolio is not just a showcase of projects; it is a living tool that evolves with you and speaks for you when you are not present.
