How to make a perfect graphic design portfolio for university

If you're applying to study Graphic Design at university, your portfolio is one of the most important parts of your application. It’s your chance to showcase exactly who you are as a designer; your creativity, your process and your potential.

05 July 2025

Christy Wong, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, UCA Farnham

Every university will have slightly different portfolio requirements, so it’s important to check the guidance for each course you’re applying to. For example, at UCA we ask Graphic Design BA (Hons) applicants to submit up to 20 pieces of work. 

But beyond the specifics outlined by each university, there are some key details that can help any portfolio stand-out. 

This guide focuses on what to include, how to present your work and what admissions tutors are really looking for.  

What is a design portfolio? 

A design portfolio is a curated collection of your creative work.

It’s not just a gallery of finished pieces, but a way to tell the story of how you think, how you solve problems, and how you communicate visually. Your portfolio should show: 

  • Your range: different design styles, media and techniques. 
  • Your process: how you develop ideas from concept through to outcome. 
  • Your personality: what interests you, what inspires you and how you approach design. 
Soyun Yoon, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, UCA Farnham

What should you include in a graphic design portfolio? 

Universities want to see work that reflects your understanding of design principles and your ability to apply them creatively. Here are some things you could consider including: 

  • Sketchbooks and development work: include pages that show your thinking, research, and idea generation. 
  • Completed graphic design projects: this could be magazine designs, website or app UI mock-ups, logos and brand visual identities, or any other design project you’ve worked on. 
  • Reflective work: any writing you’ve done that analyses your own work - or perhaps a blog you write about designs that interest you - can give Admissions Tutors an insight into your creative process and how you work. 

At UCA, we encourage applicants to show both finished pieces and the journey that le to their creation. Rough sketches, mood boards and notes can demonstrate how you arrived at your final designs and can be just as powerful as the piece itself. 

Top tips for building a stand-out graphic design portfolio 

  • Curate carefully: think quality over quantity. Choose work that best represents your range of skills and interests. 
  • Tell a story: use captions or short descriptions to provide context. Explain what the brief was, the approach you took and what you learnt. 
  • Show your process: admissions tutors want to see how you think, not just what you create. 
  • Be authentic: include personal projects or experiments that reflect your style and aspects of design you are most passionate about. 
  • Keep it fresh: don’t forget about your portfolio once you’ve made it. Update it regularly and replacing older work that no longer reflects your level with fresh pieces. 
Gemma Radley-Martin, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, UCA Farnham

How to present your graphic design portfolio 

Most universities will invite you to an applicant or interview day. At these events you’ll be able to present or discuss your portfolio with a course academic or admissions tutor. Practise explaining your work clearly and confidently. 

For many reasons, some people are unable to attend an applicant day. Don’t worry if you aren’t able to make it to the event you’re invited to. Most universities will offer you the chance to upload your portfolio online instead.   

If you submit a digital design portfolio make sure your work is easy to navigate and clearly labelled for Admissions Tutors. It may be worth considering creating short videos that explain your projects, allowing you to add a personal touch similar to speaking about your work during an admissions interview. 

What are admissions tutors looking for in a graphic design portfolio? 

Tutors aren’t expecting you to be a professional designer yet; your university journey is all about your growing as a designer. What they are looking for is potential. They want to see: 

  • Creativity: original ideas and considered execution. 
  • Curiosity: a willingness to experiment and take risks. 
  • Communication: how present ideas visually and how you talk about them. 
  • Technical skill: an understanding of design tools and principles. 
  • Personal voice: what makes your work uniquely ‘you’. 
Saffron Butt, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, UCA Farnham

Portfolio advice for UCA Graphic Design applicants

Need more portfolio support?  

Still unsure what to include? Come along to one of our upcoming Open Days where you can speak to our Graphic Design academics and Admissions Team in more detail about what they expect to see in your portfolio.  

You can also use our Unibuddy chat platform to speak directly to current UCA students and ask them about their portfolio. For more inspiration you could also check out the work created by UCA Graphic Design students via our online graduate showcase.

More advice for graphic design applicants  

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