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The Atomic Portfolio Guide: How to build your very own Atomic Portfolio!

Updated: Jan 9, 2022

Before you create your Atomic Portfolio, please have a read of this…


I created this guide for you so that you have a basic framework to refer to when building your awesome looking Atomic Portfolio - I am excited for you!


The thing is, you don’t have to design your Atomic Portfolio to look exactly the same as I have designed it. Ultimately, the design is very much up to you. What really matters is the structure and content of your portfolio, that is key - I'd certainly recommend that you follow my structure at least for now if you are just starting out.


You will also notice that this guide is focused on creating your Atomic Portfolio on CANVA.


You will find that CANVA has limitations, but it does allow for you to get something created that looks quality, quickly!


Portfolio styles


Atomic Portfolio dimensions:


Document size: 1280 x 1024.


I chose these dimensions because they work beautifully on all devices and with a recommended minimum font size of 24px, you can have a well optimised Atomic Portfolio created in no time at all.


That recommended minimum font size I just mentioned…that’s to ensure the viewer can read your document on a modern smartphone WITHOUT having to pinch and zoom or scroll around the document - it helps to keep the viewing experience flow smoothly.


I have included downloadable PNGs at the bottom of this post for you to use as a template (example below). You will also find a downloadable guide showing how to structure your Atomic Portfolio below.


To use the downloadable PNGs in CANVA:

  • Download the PNGs and then upload them to CANVA.

  • Select ‘Create a Design’

  • Select ‘Custom Size’

  • Input: 1280 x 1024

  • Drag and drop the uploaded file on the blank canvas

  • Have fun creating!

  • Once completed, save your Atomic Portfolio and download it as a PDF

Just remember to place and layer elements over the template I’ve created.


Finished creating your Atomic Portfolio?

Here are some optimisation tips...


Once you have created your Atomic Portfolio I recommend that you test the visuals of your portfolio on a number of devices, if you can:

  • Phone

  • Tablet

  • Desktop/laptop

Can you read ALL of the text in your portfolio?


Does everything fit? Are the images correctly placed?


Is viewing the document on each device a smooth experience? Adjust if required.


Always think about the viewer. Will the viewer be able to access your portfolio on most modern devices and have a smooth, easy experience?


Test out the impact of your Atomic Portfolio:

  • Send your Atomic Portfolio off to a few people that you can trust to give you an unbiased opinion.

  • Send it to me here!

  • Share your Atomic Portfolio with the community by using the #AtomicPortfolio hashtag on the socials!

  • Join the Atomic Portfolio Discord community and share your work with likeminded creatives!

I do have plans to create an Atomic Portfolio template for the Adobe suite of products, and those will appear at some point over the next month or so. That said, I am sure most of you will be a dab hand at creating those without my help!


Finally, I will also be working on ways you can create a website-based Atomic Portfolio using WIX & Wordpress - exciting times ahead.


I can’t wait to see what you create.


The template:

Atomic Portfolio Template (2)
.zip
Download ZIP • 1.90MB

The Atomic Portfolio guide:

Atomic Portfolio Download Document
.pdf
Download PDF • 2.40MB



Good luck!


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