About a month ago, our Co-founder and Head of Creative offered to review portfolios on LinkedIn, the response was overwhelming. He ended up doing 32 free sessions, speaking with photographers and directors across all levels, from seasoned pros to those just starting out.
While these weren’t formal interviews, the experience became an informal survey of the creative landscape. It gave him insight into where the market is right now and revealed several consistent themes across the work and conversations. He thought it might be helpful to share a few of those takeaways, in no particular order:
There’s a need for community.
Nearly everyone I spoke with expressed deep appreciation for the time, and more broadly, a desire for connection. This industry is filled with highs and lows. Without a support system, it can be isolating and emotionally draining. I encourage you to reach out to LI connections, your IG friends, people working in your city and set a time to meet in person or over the phone. It will pay dividends.
Edit your work ruthlessly.
Many portfolios were weighed down by too much work. Too many images dilute your vision. You’re better off showing a focused body of work that reflects not just what you’ve done, but what you want to get hired for. Creatives won’t take the leap and assume you can do something, you have to show them. Art buyers and creatives are taking a risk (professionally) when they hire creative talent so they want to see exactly what they are looking for.
Improve your website experience.
This really means, make it easier to see your best work. I prefer clean layouts with large images and space to breathe. Contact sheet-style galleries work well for me. Dropdown menus that list vague gallery names don’t help potential clients quickly find what they’re looking for.
Personal work matters.
Some of the most compelling work I saw came from self-initiated projects. Personal work shows passion, curiosity, and creative leadership, especially when it’s well-executed and thoughtfully presented. It’s also where many clients and reps discover your true potential.
Consistency in outreach and follow ups.
You don’t need more outreach, you need better outreach. Maintain a simple tracker (spreadsheet or CRM) with follow‑up reminders so you can stay consistent. Most emails die because they’re about you, not them. Mention a project they just launched. Mock up an idea tailored to their brand.
Don’t chase trends, build a body of work.
There’s a difference between evolving with the times and constantly pivoting to whatever style is hot. The best creatives I spoke with were building something enduring, not just reacting. Consistency builds trust.
Show up.
About 20% of people didn’t show up for their reviews. That number is surprisingly high considering these were conversations with someone who could potentially hire or represent them. Following up revealed common reasons — forgotten calendar invites, scheduling mix-ups, etc. Showing up, being early, and being genuinely engaged is half the game.
Treat your career like a client.
Many creatives put immense effort into client work but treat their own brand like an afterthought. Invest in your site, your materials, your outreach. You are the product, and your marketing needs to reflect that.
Learn SEO
Very few creatives I spoke with are taking SEO seriously, and it’s hurting their visibility. This becomes even more important as AI-driven search continues to change how people discover talent.
Make it easy to contact you.
Ditch the forms. A clickable email address and phone number should be easy to find on your site. If there’s a shoot next week, a client is going to call you and won’t wait around. Don’t make potential clients work to reach you.
Define your point of view.
A lot of work felt technically competent but lacked a clear, unique perspective. What makes you different? What’s the through-line in your work? Clients aren’t just hiring skill, they’re looking for a POV. The best portfolios had a strong editorial spine and a distinct personality running through them.
Specialize to stand out.
Generalist reels and portfolios are common, but often forgettable. That doesn’t mean you have to box yourself in, but having a defined niche or thematic focus helps people remember you.
Follow up, thoughtfully.
A surprising number of people never followed up after our calls, even when I offered to stay in touch. A simple thank you or check-in can go a long way. This industry is built on relationships and relationships are built through small, consistent actions over time.
Best Practices to Keep in Mind
Consistency > Hype – One solid rhythm (weekly check-ins, scheduled posts) beats sporadic efforts. Ditch “Just checking in”. Make your outreach count. Build trust over time. People need to see your name and understand your perspective well before they hire you. Research shows that people need to see a name/product at least 8 times before buying.
If you are interested in learning more about our work, get in touch with one of our producers.