Design Portfolios: Thinking Like a Business, Why Good Work Isn’t Enough, and the Crystal Goblet Mindset

Recording from an NYC visit (David) and peak California beach season (Jacob), this week we dig into the design portfolio and how to present yourself effectively – whether you’re at the beginning of your career or revamping your agency’s website. We talk about how work quality gets you in the door but it’s the positioning that gets you hired, why designers obsess over their projects instead of thinking like a business, how writing might be what actually sells you, the red flag that can scuttle a portfolio, and how to show up to a portfolio review like a class act. Join the WBMN group chat on Idle: https://wbmn.idlechat.app/chat/66a6053176d460916e27 David McGillivray is a designer and creative director in upstate New York, designing for early stage tech companies through his own practice . He also co-founded Offhours and runs Corners , an art and design store in the Catskills. Jacob Heftmann is a Los Angeles-based surfer and graphic designer . He is currently the Design Director at Grilli Type . Previously he was on the faculty at Parsons and founded XXIX and Index in New York City. Artwork by Pablo Delcan Music by Mondo Boys Artwork typeface; GT Standard Mono by Grilli Type www.worksbutmakesnoises.com