How to build your portfolio snapshot

Be Your Own Design Team #24

Quick note from me

This week I kicked off a 10-post series with tips for building your portfolio site in Framer. I’m sharing carousels, videos, and a behind-the-scenes look at my own portfolio. Check out the latest episode on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Case studies are slowly dying out. Recruiters more often admit that they’re not reading them anymore. Here’s one saying it out loud

That’s why in my portfolio course, I teach designers about snapshots. They’re short, clear, and help you show value fast, without overwhelming yourself or your reader.

So in today’s issue let me tell you today how to apply my snapshot concept in your portfolio.

Story outline

  • Level 01: Plan your snapshots with purpose

  • Level 02: Map out your snapshot content

  • Level 03: Define your snapshot format

  • Level 04: Organise snapshots

  • Portfolios: Examples built on Framer

🫶 Together with Framer

The no-code web design platform I chose for my portfolio website: Framer

Framer can help you launch your own portfolio website without stress. If you’ve been using Figma to prepare your designs, Framer won’t feel like a new environment.

What I like most about Framer so far:

  • Juicy Framer templates available for mixing and matching

  • Same interface as Figma, different output: a real website

  • No-code interactions: love the scroll transform!

  • You can literally replace Figma with Framer

  • Flexible work environment: a canvas

  • Easy responsiveness setup

Ready to build your portfolio on Framer? Start today

Level 01: Plan your snapshots with purpose

Use my PPF framework to define your designer profile. Then get laser-focused on what your dream role demands. Do a match analysis:

  • What skills and projects do they want?

  • How can you show those in snapshots?

Remember: one project can create multiple snapshots: different angles, different stories.

Choose from snapshot types or mix them:

  • Project snapshots: specific work examples and wins

  • Role snapshots: achievements in companies

  • Skill snapshots: proof of expertise

    More in the course: https://www.uxportfolio.co/

This clarity stops paralysis and sets a clear path.

Level 02: Map out your snapshot content

Write bullet points that hit the core of your story. Use BLUF or Minto Pyramid thinking: lead with the main point. Each snapshot must answer hiring managers’ key questions, no fluff, just:

  • What was your achievement?

  • What was the outcome or impact?

  • What can you show visually?

Be concise. Be clear.

Level 03: Define your snapshot format

Choose the format that best tells your story and fits your strengths:

  • Static visuals or carousels

  • Recorded prototypes 

  • Before/after sliders

  • Video pitches or showreels

  • Testimonials

  • Impactful titles with tags

Or mix them.

Think about what your users prefer, and use strong visual hierarchy. Decide what grabs attention first and guides the viewer smoothly through the snapshot.

Level 04: Organise snapshots

Arrange your snapshots on a clean, easy-to-scan layout. Bento-style grids work great but get creative if you want. Check out some creative layout examples in my recent post. Keep your portfolio light, engaging, and intuitive to explore.

Start with snapshots. Launch your MVP portfolio fast. Then build deeper stories or case studies if needed. Show just enough: intentional, clear, and tailored to your next role.

Portfolio examples built on Framer

And my UX Portfolio Course:

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Want help with your UX portfolio? 🎁

As a thank you for being part of this community, I’m offering special discounts on all my portfolio services:

  1. Join my UX portfolio course and get 50% off (use code “ANETA50” at checkout) to learn how to build your portfolio

  2. Sign up for a call with me and get 15% off to discuss your portfolio

  3. Get a 15% discount on an async portfolio review (no call)

Questions? Reply directly.

Keep designing ✨
Aneta