For Business Beginners: How to Build a Design Portfolio Without Clients
Nov 12, 2025When I left the corporate world to start my own design studio, I had the passion, the education, and years of experience - but there was one big problem:
I didn’t have a single project to my name (because of copyrights, I couldn't share any of the projects I've worked on!).
No professional photos.
No client testimonials.
No beautiful portfolio to showcase my skills.
And like many new or transitioning designers, I felt stuck. How could I attract new clients without work to show? How can I show them my capabilities?
That’s when I decided to take a bold - and slightly unconventional - step that completely changed my business.
The Turning Point: Building My Own “Fake” Project
Instead of waiting for opportunities to come my way, I created my own.
I designed a full house project completely from scratch - from space planning to 3D visualization - just to showcase my skills, creativity, and style.
It wasn’t for a client. It wasn’t real. But it was mine.
I treated it like a real project, with every deliverable I would normally create for a client:
- Floor plans, furniture layouts, and elevations
- Material selections, finishes, and lighting
- 3D renderings and Enscape visuals that brought the design to life
It became my “showpiece” - the project that represented the kind of designer I wanted to be and the type of work I wanted to attract.
And here’s what happened next: within months of sharing it online, that one “practice” project landed me three new full-house renovation clients (true story!).
Why a Practice Project Works So Well
Most designers think they need to wait until they have clients to build their portfolio. But the truth is, clients hire what they can see.
A well-executed practice project shows potential clients that:
- You understand design flow and spatial planning.
- You can create cohesive, elevated interiors.
- You have the technical and visual skills to bring ideas to life.
Even more importantly, it shows confidence and initiative - the same traits clients look for when hiring a designer for a major project.
Think of it like this: photographers build portfolios through styled shoots. Chefs create sample menus.
Designers can - and should - create design portfolios through self-directed projects.
It’s Not “Fake” - It’s Strategic!
There’s a misconception that creating a fictional project isn’t “authentic.” But let me assure you - this is how professionals build momentum.
Design is storytelling. Whether the story belongs to a client or to you, what matters most is how well it’s told visually.
By designing your own space, you get full creative control:
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You choose the style you want to be known for.
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You design without restrictions or approvals.
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You show off your strongest skills - whether that’s 3D rendering, space planning, or styling.
The goal isn’t to fool anyone. It’s to demonstrate your capabilities.
And that’s exactly what clients need to see before they can envision working with you.
How to Create Your Own Practice Project (The Right Way)
If you’re ready to create your own signature project, start with a concept that feels authentic to you - a design you’d love to be hired for.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Choose a full home or key space type (like a living room, kitchen, or open concept main floor).
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Develop the layout in SketchUp - plan furniture, flow, and proportions.
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Add finishes, colors, and lighting to reflect your design aesthetic.
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Render it in Enscape for realistic visuals that look client-ready.
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Assemble your presentation - floor plan, materials, and final renderings in a polished layout.
This is exactly the process I teach inside my SketchUp + Enscape 3D Bundle Course - where designers learn how to build a full - home project step-by-step.
By the end, you’ll not only master these programs, but you’ll have a complete, client-ready portfolio piece that showcases your talent!
Want to See What’s Inside the 3D Bundle Course?
Before you commit, why not take a peek inside?
Download the Free Course Preview and explore the lessons, visuals, and project examples from the SketchUp + Enscape 3D Bundle Course - the same course that teaches you how to design a full home from start to finish.
Inside the preview, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at:
- The complete 3D modeling and rendering workflow I teach
- Sample course pages and project visuals
- How you’ll go from blank SketchUp file → fully rendered home
Once you see how approachable and inspiring this process is, you’ll realize you already have what it takes to design your own full home — and build a portfolio that attracts dream clients.
The Results: Confidence, Clarity, and Clients
When you have a strong visual portfolio, something shifts.
You stop feeling like you’re “trying to get clients,” and start feeling like a professional designer - because you can finally show what you’re capable of.
You’ll walk into consultations with confidence.
You’ll post your work proudly on social media.
And clients will start saying, “I love your style - can you design something like that for my home?”
That’s how the right kind of portfolio piece changes everything.
Start Building the Project That Builds Your Career
Don’t wait for your dream project - design it.
Use it as your calling card, your visual story, and your proof of skill.
Whether you’re new to design, pivoting your business, or trying to attract bigger projects, creating your own practice project is one of the smartest, most strategic steps you can take.
Ready to build yours?
👉 Join my SketchUp + Enscape 3D Bundle Course and learn how to design a complete home from scratch - the same process I used to launch my own business and attract real clients.
You don’t need permission to show your potential.
You just need to start.
If you’d like to see how I use my setup day-to-day in SketchUp and Enscape, or want more digital design tips, join my newsletter!
If you have any questions, feel free to email me any time - [email protected]
Love,
Ana 🌸
