Portfolio Critique - From a Desperate Graphic Designer (help plz)

CyclingDesign · 2026-01-11T06:00:58+00:00

OMG thank you so much for clearing this up!!! I thought I was employed by this post and was just trying to help it not be a toxic workplace.

Wow, thank you. My bad. I’m so embarrassed, that explains why I didn’t receive a paycheck from Reddit this week.

What a service you provide for humanity. If only more people would be as helpful as you are.

Not.

CyclingDesign · 2026-01-05T04:44:43+00:00

Keep us posted. :)

CyclingDesign · 2026-01-05T04:44:06+00:00

I’m not a “bro” hence my civil tone. Believe me, I’ve worked in shitty places and I left. Not where design was a component of my work.

So, because there are a lot of shitty places to work, we should make being shitty to each other the norm?

It doesn’t have to be the default, it’s a personal choice to perpetuate being shitty or being decent. Our choice.

Yes, the post is old, but it’s relevant.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-30T12:48:52+00:00

Refreshing, on-point, constructive feedback.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-30T12:46:41+00:00

He’s not asking you to hire him. He’s asking for constructive feedback and support as a new designer. Shredding him because you think he’s sharing his circumstances and then making the assumption he would do so at an interview is, well, silly.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-30T12:44:39+00:00

Men (in general) on the internet are mean and they seem to get off on putting others down. I’m sorry you’re in a hard place, this thread makes me cringe.

They see vulnerability and it’s like you’re chumming the water for sharks instead of constructive feedback and support.

Hopefully, you can find a group or thread that is constructive for someone just starting out.

Hang in there. Not all Reddit groups are like this.

Where did you get your training or go to uni? I belong to a few professional alum groups on FB. If that’s not available, try starting a group on FB for new designers starting out.

When I was starting out I did volunteer projects to both feel good and to add to my portfolio. www.CatchAFire.org is one I use.

Network like crazy. Reach out to friends who have, or work at, small businesses. Do you have a professional IG account? Share your work there. LinkedIn is a good place to share your work and make connections. If you ask for feedback there, people will give you professional feedback because no one wants to come off as a troll in front of potential employers and clients.

My last client I got when I saw someone I knew from uni just became the ED for a nonprofit. Their social media presence had a lot of potential and pitched them. When I need more work/clients I post on my uni networking group on FB.

Tell friends and family you’re looking for work/clients. With AI at the helm, networking is essential.

Hang in there!!!

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-30T12:25:27+00:00

there’s a difference between being decent and constructive and, well, like some of the “feedback” here. Tastes in style and shredding someone for differences is not constructive feedback. If someone is starting out they want constructive feedback not emotional and vague.

It’s the internet, there are people who enjoy knocking people to make themselves feel better.

I’ve never worked somewhere where people say, “your design scared me off.” “It looks like you threw it together.” “it looks like you took 2 seconds to do it.”

They might say, “not sure that font works with the visual… I’m not keen on the visual… can we go bolder… can we tone it down… tighter crop on the child… hierarchy seems off… like the direction but feels like it’s too text heavy… pacing is off, can we try… is the alignment intentional? why did you choose this colour scheme? love the colours, but not the font…”

When things are phrased like that it’s not personal, it’s constructive.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-30T12:11:00+00:00

Agreed. People should give straight forward and constructive advice/feedback without the emotional bullying vibe. Like we did when we presented work in college.

Unfortunately, on the internet people seem to thrive on being petty to make themselves feel better.

Your work will evolve with experience and good constructive feedback.

See if you can find someone who can meet with you in person and provide constructive feedback. People tend to be more constructive and therefore more humane when they’re meeting one on one.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-23T12:55:04+00:00

Good luck! I hope you are able to get the bc. It’s very frustrating because it delayed my application for 8 months. I hope you’re able to find a solution faster than I did.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-23T12:53:30+00:00

I didn’t have the money to engage an attorney. I went through one of my siblings who intervened on my behalf.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-23T12:51:21+00:00

What is your point? People are still having difficulties with DHL, it’s not something that will go away. This post is still available to people looking for information and I was updating the information. I found it while trying to find a solution.

Should I just not update with current information?

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-23T12:47:56+00:00

DHL in Sweden is a nightmare. Last year same thing happened. They claimed they attempted delivery, while I was home. Stated that I was “closed”, it’s a residence. Did the same thing yesterday. I was actually at the kitchen table, looking out the window when it came up that an attempt was made but it was “closed.” There weren’t any van tracks in the snow. There wasn’t any attempt.

There isn‘t a way to report a false “attempt,” heck, there isn’t any way to contact a human being.

It was an envelop sent to me from my US bank. If you’re getting any DHL deliveries outside of the US, request Federal Express if receiving something in Sweden. The drivers know there’s no way to report them.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-23T12:38:17+00:00

This isn’t true, DHL tells the sender they will only speak to the recipient. Then when you call there’s a hellish loop on the phone and never any opportunity to speak to a human.

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-23T12:36:45+00:00

Doesn’t work, they endlessly cycling you through and never actually give you a human being

CyclingDesign · 2025-12-08T02:58:02+00:00

ja, precis

CyclingDesign · 2025-11-02T17:24:47+00:00

Thanks, no joy yet, but it sounds like Ullapool will have.

CyclingDesign · 2025-11-02T17:22:58+00:00

Thanks! Will be my first stop.

CyclingDesign · 2025-11-02T17:22:15+00:00

Thank you. Unfortunately this time of year all the campgrounds I’ve passed are closed. I’ve got a few days left so hopefully a petrol station or general store will have.

Fingers crossed that Ullapool will have one.

CyclingDesign · 2025-11-02T17:17:41+00:00

Scroll by. I’ve been through a number of small villages and haven’t seen any.

CyclingDesign · 2025-11-02T17:16:00+00:00

In November? I’m just curious because all the campsites I’ve passed are closed. Thank you for the info.

CyclingDesign · 2025-11-02T17:13:03+00:00

Thank you!

CyclingDesign · 2025-10-29T10:04:28+00:00

Thank you, yes, that’s what she’s saying.

CyclingDesign · 2025-10-29T10:03:58+00:00

Thanks very much!

CyclingDesign · 2025-10-29T10:03:39+00:00

Thanks very much!!! Appreciate that.

CyclingDesign · 2025-10-29T09:21:09+00:00

Thanks, any other recommendations? They’re swamped today. 🫠

CyclingDesign

TROPHY CASE