Your chance to watch real portfolios reviewed live, and pose your questions to industry experts
by Creative Lives in Progress
Portfolio ReviewsPublished 3rd July 2025
Ever wanted to be a fly on the wall during a Portfolio Review? Now’s your chance! This July, we’re launching a brand-new event called Portfolio Reviews: Watch and Learn! It’s your opportunity to watch emerging creatives share their portfolios and hear real-time feedback from industry experts – all while asking your own questions along the way.
Let’s be honest: most of us have always wanted to sit in on someone else’s portfolio review. To hear what works, what doesn’t, what industry pros are really looking for. But unless you’re the one in the hot seat, those conversations usually happen behind closed doors.
Portfolio Reviews: Watch and Learn! looks to change that. You’ll get a front-row seat as two emerging creatives present their portfolios to industry pros who have reviewed countless portfolios.
How will it work?
- Our emerging creatives will talk through how they’ve curated their portfolios; their layout and design choices; and walk us through a project in detail.
- Then, our industry pros will offer some honest, constructive feedback.
- And finally, we’ll open the floor to a Q&A session where you can pose your own questions.
Whether you’re building your first portfolio, a recent grad refining yours, or just curious to see how others approach theirs, this is a chance to learn in public – without having to be the one presenting!
🎟️ Interested in coming along? There are an unlimited number of places available for this event. You just need to create a free account and register now to secure your spot!
Who will be there?
Joe Cooper, Head of Design at Represent
After studying Graphic Design at Camberwell, Joe began his career at Dezeen and It’s Nice That before joining Represent in 2016. Today he leads Represent’s design-focused recruitment team and oversees the companies marketing efforts. With nearly 10 years of recruitment experience, Joe specialises in permanent hires across UI/UX, product design, and motion, working closely with both brand and agency clients.
James McLearie, Junior and Midweight Design Consultant at Represent
A London College of Comunication BA Graphic Design graduate, James worked at Burberry, Alexander Wang, and White Cube, gaining six years of experience in the creative industry before joining Represent in early 2019. He now leads two of Represent’s key talent groups: junior designers across freelance and full-time roles, and mid-weights seeking permanent positions. James is dedicated to helping emerging creatives navigate the industry and land their next big opportunity.
Sharifah Nadira
London-based Nadira is a recent First-Class Honours graduate in BA Graphic, Branding & Identity from the University of the Arts London (UAL). She recently won the coveted D&AD New Blood pencil and D&AD Portfolios Award and was also a finalist for the 2025 Suntory Design Challenge. Nadira has a strong passion for branding and motion design; and her creative process is deeply rooted in themes of culture and heritage, which she draws upon to craft work that is both dynamic and meaningful.
Troels Cheng
Hong Kong-born designer Troels is based in Norwich and London. After graduating with a first class BA (hons) Graphic Communication degree from Norwich University of the Arts in 2024, Troels was awarded a D&AD New Blood Yellow pencil in the same year. He has since worked with NB Studio, Johnson Banks Design and WMH&I.
How to register
Our Portfolio Reviews: Watch and Learn! events are designed for anyone at the start of their creative journey – whether you’re studying, a recent graduate, self-taught or switching careers.
This event is open to:
- Emerging creatives (aged 18 and over)
- Those with an interest in working in the creative industry – no previous experience or portfolio necessary!
This event is free to attend, and there are unlimited spaces. However, you’ll need to create a free account to register, so be sure to sign up now!