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I'm a student trying to get into the UX field. I know one of the best ways to learn something is to get experience doing it. So, I've been looking for internships but almost every one asks for a portfolio. But, the only reason I don't have one is because I don't really have any design work to show.
How can I make a design portfolio when I don't have any work? Do I just make up my own projects?
Most design students are able to develop a portfolio of projects they worked on while they are in school.
Since I'm guessing you aren't a design student, I suggest that you take a course on UX/Interaction Design or Human Computer Interaction (HCI) - especially one that requires you to develop an interactive project and/or create a prototype.
This way, you can benefit from learning more about the UX design process AND have something to show for it at the end. Completing courses is also a sure way to signal your passion and knowledge for a subject.
Perhaps your school offers courses in this area? If not, there are lots of educational opportunities online. I took a great (and FREE!) Stanford U HCI course through http://Coursera.org.
Also, have you taken any courses which required you to do presentations?
I ask because being able to effectively present work and ideas is crucial to the success of a UX person. Not just in a visual design sense, but also how the narrative of a presentation is conveyed to maximize audience impact and comprehension.
So perhaps you can think about whether some of the work you have already done for school could become a portfolio piece in which you describe the research and storytelling process.
Remember, for a UX portfolio, it's not just about showing the results of a finished product - it's also about describing the process too.
Good luck!
You're not going to get paid until you can show you have some talent. The only way to do that is to make up commissions for yourself.
The upside is that your fictional client can be a really awesome one. What's your dream project? Congratulations, you just won the bid! Now give yourself some realistic goals and boundaries and get to work. Put some pressure on yourself but enjoy the freedom of a fake client too.
It's in the area of realism that a mentor is really valuable. Find someone you admire and talk with them about the project. Do they think anyone will care? Are your metrics of success relevant? Meet at regular intervals like you would with a client and make sure you're not getting off track.
