Episode 8 - Personal projects in portfolios - or not?

In this episode of Design Office Hours, I answer a question that opens up one of my favorite topics: Should you include personal projects in your portfolio—and if so, how? Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but do it thoughtfully. Here's what I cover: Why personal projects can carry more weight than client or school work How to set yourself a proper brief, constraints, and narrative Why calling out a personal project as such actually strengthens its impact How side projects can help you pivot industries or show passion for a niche Real examples from past portfolios that stood out (and why) Whether you're designing for fun on Saturdays, sketching between deadlines, or building toward a career shift, this episode offers insight on how to turn your self-driven work into an asset that speaks loudly. Got something you're working on after hours? I'd love to hear about it. Email: [email protected] Follow: @designofficehours Submit a question: peterboeckel.com/designofficehours