💬 Designer Dilemmas

Got a freelance dilemma you're dealing with right now?

Hit reply to this email with your question, and I might answer it next week!

Today's dilemma: Portfolio Pivot

Q. I built my portfolio two years ago when I was working with agency clients, but now I want to start attracting direct clients.

I’ve always loved fashion, and I want to start working directly with fashion brands.

But I’m realising my current portfolio just doesn’t speak to that client. So I'm planning to create a new portfolio specifically for this type of client.

What should I be including in my new portfolio to convert these direct clients?

A. Dear motion designer,

That’s so exciting that you’ve decided to focus on working with direct clients!

You’re right, you should have a website that speaks directly to them and their problems.

Now, there are different ways you should lay out a portfolio for agency clients versus direct clients.

Creative agencies know they need a motion designer. They know what motion design is. And they know how it can help them.

So an agency portfolio might have a layout that looks more like this:

Direct clients don’t know they need a motion designer.

They might not know what motion design is or how it can help them.

So a portfolio aimed at direct clients might look more like this:

1. One-liner/Headline

Instead of "Motion designer specialising in 3D animation."

Share the transformation you create, with something like, "I help fashion brands translate their physical products into digital experiences that sell."

2. Testimonials

The best testimonials speak to your process, your strategic thinking, and most importantly, the results you've delivered.

3. Talk about the problem

This is where you demonstrate that you understand their world.

Try to dig into the specific challenges that your ideal clients face.

4. Talk about the solution

This is where your process becomes your unique selling point.

Clients aren't just buying your end product; they're buying the journey you'll take them on.

5. Proof

This is where you can include case studies with specific metrics, longer client stories about the impact of your work, and before-and-after comparisons.

6. Call to action

Include your email address, a simple contact form, and a ‘book a call’ button to provide options for their next steps.

Now that you know how to structure your portfolio to convert those direct clients...

You can whip up a portfolio that will 'wow' your clients in no time with Framer.​

If you’re a motion designer or studio, it’s a no-brainer to have a site that MOVES!

→ Their amazing website animation tools and integrations with Rive and Lottie files mean you can add motion directly on your website.

→ Their editing interface works just like Figma, so if you’re used to using design tools, there’s little to no learning curve to use.

→ They have 1000s of easy-to-use templates for you to choose from.

Sign up for free!

Appreciate you,

Hayley 😊

P.S. Use code: MOTIONHATCH for 25% off Framer's Basic plan for 3 months.