203: Prepping the Portfolio: Back to Our Roots

Before I ever signed a licensing deal or showed my work at a trade show, I had one thing—a portfolio. In this episode, I take you back to the roots of my very first handmade portfolio and walk you through how I’ve translated that same heartfelt essence into a new, fully digital version for today. This journey has come full circle, and I want to share not only the story behind my original bound book but also how you can create a meaningful online portfolio that feels like an experience.

I open up about the emotional connection behind that first portfolio—how I bound it by hand, infused it with personal touches, and carried it with me to my very first quilt market in 2012. Fast forward to this year at the Licensing Expo, I needed a portfolio that echoed that same warmth and story, but in a digital format. I’ll walk you through the exact approach I took, including what made it resonate with people and how you can do the same.

Here are a few key areas I cover:

• Starting with Story: Why your portfolio should begin with your “why” before jumping into your work.
  
• Designing for Feeling: Creating an emotional flow in your layout, not just a functional catalog.
  
• Making it Personal: How to integrate your process and personality into a digital format that feels alive and human.
  

We’re in a moment where heartfelt, human-made work is in high demand. Your story matters—and when woven into your portfolio, it opens doors that a simple gallery never could. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an old site, I hope this episode inspires you to approach your portfolio with new clarity and heart.

Even in pixels, you can leave your fingerprints.

Key Takeaways

• A portfolio should begin with your story and purpose, not just a display of your work.
  
• Digital portfolios can be just as warm and heartfelt as handmade ones when infused with intention.
  
• Use layout and visuals to evoke emotion and connection—design for feeling, not just function.
  
• Professional polish and personal storytelling can coexist beautifully in your online presence.
  
• Including behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process builds emotional resonance with your audience.

Recommended Resources

• Bonnie's Portfolio Page

FOLLOW, RATE, OR REVIEW! 

Review of the week: 

AMAZING SOURCE OF FREE KNOWLEDGE FOR CREATIVE...

Bonnie shares all of her knowledge on creative entrepreneurship and she has A LOT of knowledge to give! Do not miss a single episode of this gem-filled podcast. Bonnie is warm and wise. You can truly learn so much from her and the podcast is an absolute pleasure to listen to :)

— TessDeal

READ THE TRANSCRIPT

Quick Disclosure: This post may include some affiliate links which means that if you click the link to purchase something on this page, it won't cost you more but I may receive a commission for sharing this with you. Which is great, because I was going to share it with you anyway!