8 events to get your design portfolio reviewed
by Jaheed Hussain
Resources
Published 1st April 2025
Great news, you’ve polished up your portfolio! But, what’s next? It’s arguably the most crucial step – getting feedback. Whether you're an aspiring designer hoping to land your first agency role or sharpening your skills in advertising, a second or third pair of eyes makes all the difference. That’s where portfolio reviews come in!
Portfolio reviews aren’t about fixing what’s not working – it’s about seeing your work from a fresh perspective, understanding industry expectations, and learning how to present in the best possible way. If you’re after a quick review or something more in-depth, our list of platforms and events will help you take your portfolio to the next level. And check out Creative Lives in Progress' regular design portfolio reviews here!
The Arena
Where: In-person, UK-wide
How to apply: Sign up for their mentorship scheme
The Arena is an essential platform dedicated to kickstarting creative careers. As part of their mentoring scheme – which opens up to applicants regularly across the year – Dom Edwards and Lauren Archer run speed mentoring events, offering creatives snappy portfolio feedback and meaningful advice in a fun, engaging format.
Friday Feedback
Where: In-person, UK-wide
How to apply: Check the Linktree in Keith's bio for a sign-up link
Run by Luke Tonge and Keith Dodd, Friday Feedback is an informal, one-to-one session where creatives receive general support and
coaching, as well as advice on their portfolio and work. It’s hosted most Fridays at The Jointworks, one of Birmingham’s best co-working and community hubs.
Helping Hands
Where: In-person, London
How to apply: Email [email protected] to register interest once an event’s announced
Helping Hands is a free portfolio review evening hosted at BrandMe’s studio in London, providing design graduates valuable industry insight and criticism on their work. And if that’s not enough, there’s also a handy Q&A section, and a talk delivered by an industry guest.
Sondr
Where: Online, Remote
How to apply: Apply for a review via their website
Sondr brings creatives together into a space where they can connect, collaborate, and share their work. They host a free, virtual portfolio review every Wednesday at 5pm – perfect for those who’re looking to refine their portfolios and learn in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Ladies, Wine & Design
How: Online, In-person, Remote and UK-wide
How to apply: Sign up via their website
Ladies, Wine & Design is a global non-profit on a mission to empower women and non-binary creatives. Founded by Jessica Walsh in 2015, it now hosts local chapters in over 285 cities, with many in the UK. Through its intersectional approach, Ladies, Wine & Design offers free mentorship circles, portfolio reviews, talks, and creative meetups.
Adobe Creative Cafe
Where: In-person and UK-wide
How to apply: Sign up here for Europe, Brighton and Bristol-based events
Creative Cafe is Adobe’s very own pop-up portfolio review event tailored for the next generation of creatives. Attendees get the chance to receive valuable feedback on their work from local industry professionals, as well as further networking opportunities in a warm, friendly environment.
New Designers Portfolio Review Sessions
How: In-person, UK-wide
How to apply: Sign-up open to exhibiting designers only
Exclusively available to exhibiting graduates, New Designers host their annual Portfolio Review Programme – offering real-time comments and critiques directly from industry leaders. Previous attendees have said how it’s helped them ease expectations and gain confidence.
National Portfolio Day
Where: Online, Remote
How to apply: Keep an eye on their online events and register
Founded in 1978 solely for the planning of National Portfolio Day events, National Portfolio Day has made it possible for emerging creatives to meet one-on-one with faculty from highly accredited art and design schools around the world. Their events are always free, with some hosted virtually.
