In this episode of Design Office Hours, I answer a question that opens up one of my favorite topics: Should you include personal projects in your portfolio—and if so, how?

Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but do it thoughtfully.

Here’s what I cover:

• Why personal projects can carry more weight than client or school work

• How to set yourself a proper brief, constraints, and narrative

• Why calling out a personal project as such actually strengthens its impact

• How side projects can help you pivot industries or show passion for a niche

• Real examples from past portfolios that stood out (and why)

Whether you’re designing for fun on Saturdays, sketching between deadlines, or building toward a career shift, this episode offers insight on how to turn your self-driven work into an asset that speaks loudly.

Got something you're working on after hours? I'd love to hear about it.

Email: [email protected] Follow: @designofficehours Submit a question: peterboeckel.com/designofficehours