0

How to build an NDA portfolio?

over 4 years ago from , Product designer

Hello DN,

I work as a product designer doing UI/UX and front-end, I've worked on 3 companies and recently I was thinking on updating my portfolio with cases studies showing the process of maybe the most relevant projects where I contributed to. The problem is that I have an NDA and this makes it a little bit more difficult to show the process and the work done.

Do you have any tips and tricks about how to do it? Do you have any current online portfolios with the same problem?

Thank you so much!

6 comments

  • Mika KlineMika Kline, over 4 years ago

    Currently - I have a large list of clients who prefer to use NDA's, however I recommend that you ask them if you'd be able to show their work on your portfolio. A lot of clients are open-minded to this.

    I've found that most of them prefer that you don't show it, until it goes live. This can also be a good counter point if they won't allow you to show it right away. Most often you'll need to list out the entire team alongside your contribution. Art Director, Creative Director, Designers, Researchers, Developers, etc. My best suggestion would be to think about these projects in your portfolio as case studies - That might help you with your format as well.

    You may also find that you can share work in-person but unable to publish it. This would include job interviews, pitches, etc. But again, you'll need to get permission from the client for those as well.

    If however, a client is unwilling to give you the permission (Which I'd get in writing) then unfortunately there is nothing you'll be able to do, to show that particular project. When working for a client your work basically becomes their property and all rights or attribution to it becomes theirs unless outlined in an earlier document upon starting the job.

    Hope that helps!

    1 point
  • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, over 4 years ago

    I think it’s fairly simple: If you signed an agreement to not show the work, you can’t show the work. You could ask for an exemption though.

    1 point
    • Ricard Panadès NadalRicard Panadès Nadal, over 4 years ago

      Yes, that's the point. Obviously, I don't want to show the work and private information, but I remember seeing some portfolios showing things like the process overall and placeholder images.

      But they managed to at least show how they work and how they approach the design process overall.

      I'm not sure if I'm explaining myself and for the negatives points on the thread I guess I'm doing something wrong :(

      0 points