In this episode of Never Not Creative, Andy Wright brings together Christopher Doyle, Tarra Van Amerongen, Melissa Baillache and Quan Payne for a practical panel conversation about what actually makes a good portfolio.
Together, they unpack who a portfolio is really for, why clarity and curation matter, how much personality to show, what hiring managers look for in the first 30 seconds, and why ideas, craft and the ability to talk through your work still matter.
The panel also explores how AI is changing expectations for emerging creatives, why portfolios need to be shaped around the role you want, and how designers can stand out without relying on gimmicks.
From PDF structure and case study selection to networking, junior hiring and the importance of human connection, this conversation is full of useful advice for anyone trying to get their foot in the door or sharpen the way they present their work.
Find Out More About the NNC Panel
Christopher Doyle: https://www.instagram.com/cd_and_co/
Tarra van Amerongen: https://www.instagram.com/tarra_vanam/
Mel Baillache: https://www.instagram.com/studiokoto/
Quan Payne: https://www.instagram.com/quanpayne/
Never Not Creative: https://nevernotcreative.org
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the Portfolio Panel
05:19 - Why Does a Portfolio Exist?
07:30 - Why the Folio Still Matters
13:10 - How Much Personality Should You Show?
19:34 - Standing Out Without Forcing It
25:19 - What Hiring Managers Look For First
27:09 - AI Literacy and Creative Portfolios
36:56 - Why Ideas Get You Through the Door
42:21 - Structure, Editing and Portfolio Format
46:50 - Getting Out of the Way
49:31 - Choosing the Right Case Studies
52:12 - The Portfolio, the Trailer and the Film
57:09 - Hiring Juniors in an AI-Shaped Industry
59:50 - Final Advice for Landing the Role
#creativeindustry #designportfolio #careeradvice
