A clear portfolio can directly increase your chances of getting hired. Here’s what clients really look for when choosing illustrators.

Thinking about creating a portfolio, but not sure if it will actually lead to jobs? You’re not alone—many illustrators wonder the same.

But the truth is, clients do take your portfolio seriously, and whether it’s “easy to browse” or not can make a big difference in whether they decide to reach out.

This article breaks down three key things that make portfolios easier to hire from—from the perspective of real clients like designers and editors who work with illustrations.

These insights are based on stories and feedback from many illustrators we’ve talked to.

Point 1: It’s immediately clear what kind of style you draw

Clients often browse through many illustrators at once. That’s why it’s so important that they can quickly grasp your style within the first few seconds of opening your portfolio.

For example, when clients are designing a book or website, they may test images in layout mockups to see what fits. If your portfolio helps them imagine your art in their project right away, that’s a huge plus.

A clear portfolio makes the decision-making process much easier.

Point 2: Categories and past work are clearly organized

If your portfolio shows clear categories—like character art, icons, or full illustrations—it helps the client quickly judge what fits their needs.

Also, if you show what kind of projects you’ve done before, it gives the client confidence that they can trust you with their job.

A well-organized, well-designed portfolio also gives a strong first impression. If the client happens to be a designer themselves, this can make an even bigger impact.

In short, a neat and structured portfolio makes you look reliable and professional.

Point 3: The contact method is clear and easy

While DMs on social media can work, they also come with doubts like, “Are they still open for work?” or “Will they even see this?”

If your portfolio includes a clear contact form or email, it sends a direct message: “I’m open for work!”

Being easy to reach also implies you’re easy to work with—which can be the final push that turns interest into a job offer.

“Easy to understand” means “easy to reach out to”

Even if your art is great, if it’s hard to figure out who you are or how to contact you, clients may hesitate and move on.

But if your portfolio is clean and well-organized, clients will feel confident about getting in touch the moment they’re interested.

Make it easy for your art to shine. Organizing your portfolio—even just a little—can go a long way.

💡 Recommended

Illustfolio Lumina is a portfolio template built with the client’s point of view in mind—clean design, easy structure, and clear contact flow, all with no coding required.

It helps you build a “portfolio that communicates” right from the start.