8 Portfolio Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid (and What to Do Instead)
Your architecture portfolio is your chance to show your skills, style, and design thinking. It’s often the first impression you make — so don’t let small mistakes get in the way. Here are eight common errors and how to fix them.
1. Linking Heavy Files Directly
Inserting PSDs or AI files straight into InDesign can make your portfolio huge and difficult to send, often exceeding size limits of 5–20 MB.
What to do instead: Export your images as optimized JPEGs or PNGs before placing them in InDesign to keep your file light without losing quality.
Quick Fix:
✔ Export all images before placing them into InDesign
✔ Use “Save for Web” in Photoshop for optimized file size
✔ Keep portfolio under 15 MB for easy sharing
2. Misjudging Image Scale vs. Content
Oversized, empty images can make a layout feel unbalanced or unfinished.
What to do instead: Match the image size to the level of detail it shows. Smaller images work for simple visuals; give more space to rich, detailed ones.
Quick Fix:
✔ Zoom out on your spread — is there too much empty space?
✔ Reduce size of low-detail images
✔ Use larger images for complex drawings or renders
3. Typos and Grammar Mistakes
Even a small typo can break the flow and look careless.
What to do instead: Write captions and descriptions in a word processor with spellcheck, then paste into your layout. Proofread more than once.
Quick Fix:
✔ Write text in Google Docs or Word first
✔ Use spellcheck AND read aloud before finalizing
✔Have someone else review it
4. Inconsistent Style
Mixing different fonts, colors, or layouts can make your portfolio look disorganized.
What to do instead: Choose one typeface, a cohesive color palette, and a consistent grid system — and stick to them from start to finish.
Quick Fix:
✔ Limit to 1 font family
✔ Stick to 2–3 colors max
✔ Apply the same grid to all pages
5. Hiding Your Best Work at the End
If your strongest project is on the last page, there’s a good chance it won’t get the attention it deserves.
What to do instead: Lead with your best work, then organize the rest to keep the energy and interest high.
Quick Fix:
✔ Put your strongest project first
✔ Follow with second-strongest project
✔ Arrange rest for narrative flow
6. Leaving Old Work Untouched
Some early projects could shine with a bit of refinement.
What to do instead: Update drawings, re-render images, and reformat layouts so older work matches your current skills.
Quick Fix:
✔ Pick 1–2 older projects to refresh
✔ Update renders with better lighting and textures
✔ Adjust layouts to match newer work
7. Awkward Layout Flow
If your explanation jumps around, the viewer will lose the thread of your story.
What to do instead: Arrange each project so it reads naturally. Practice presenting it out loud and make layout adjustments where the story feels clunky.
Quick Fix:
✔ Walk through your portfolio as if presenting
✔ Rearrange spreads until flow feels natural
✔ Avoid flipping back and forth between pages
8. Not Crediting Collaborators
Failing to acknowledge others’ contributions — even on small details — can damage trust.
What to do instead: Be transparent. Note exactly what you did and credit others where due.
Quick Fix:
✔ List your role for each collaborative project
✔ Credit collaborators by name
✔ Clearly mark which work is 100% yours
Final Thoughts
Your portfolio is more than a requirement — it’s your personal brand. A clear, consistent, and thoughtful presentation can make all the difference in how your work is received.
For more tips on building a strong portfolio from the ground up, check out the Portfolio Design Process post.
Any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment!
Article by Stefani Fachini