As a creative professional, there’s a unique frustration in showcasing a portfolio you’ve poured years of effort into, only to hear: “We’d like to test your skills first.” It’s a request that feels as puzzling as asking Lenny Kravitz to strum a few chords to confirm he knows how to play guitar.
This isn’t about ego—it’s about trust and respect for expertise. A designer’s portfolio isn’t a casual scrapbook; it’s a meticulously curated showcase of skills, experience, and creativity. Every project in it reflects countless hours of problem-solving and delivering real-world results for clients. Yet, when someone asks for a "test," it can feel like all that effort and proof is being dismissed.
Imagine this scenario: Lenny Kravitz, a legendary musician, is asked to audition by playing "Happy Birthday" on his guitar. Absurd, right? The same applies to seasoned designers. Our portfolios are our auditions—visual proof of our ability to deliver high-quality work. Asking for a test diminishes the value of that proof and overlooks the expertise we’ve built over time.
The Bigger Issue
The problem with skill tests is that they often undervalue creative professionals. They imply that, regardless of how extensive or impressive our work is, it isn’t enough. This practice overlooks the fact that design is about more than just skill—it’s about collaboration, communication, and solving unique challenges.
While I understand a client’s desire to ensure they’ve found the right fit, there are far better ways to build trust:
Review Case Studies: Dive deeper into the stories behind portfolio pieces to see the designer’s process and results.
Discuss Past Experiences: Talk about how the designer has tackled similar challenges in the past.
Start with a Paid Trial Project: A small, compensated project shows both sides how the collaboration works without undervaluing the designer’s time or skills.
Mutual Respect is Key
At its core, this issue is about mutual respect. Just as no one questions the architect of a skyscraper based on their blueprints alone, a designer’s portfolio should be enough to spark collaboration. It’s a testament to our ability to understand client needs, craft creative solutions, and execute with precision.
Shifting the Conversation
It’s time to change the way we approach this. Trust the expertise. Respect the craft. And if there’s still hesitation, take the leap—it’s the only way to discover the magic of great collaboration.