Why I Started Doing Mock Projects (And What They’ve Taught Me)

Written By Amanda Ellis

“You don’t have the experience we need for this role.”

When I started looking for my first full-time job in marketing, I kept running into the same issue: I don’t have enough experience in my portfolio. Worse, I didn’t even have a portfolio. I thought all you needed was a resume and some sample work for whenever an employer asked for it.

Turns out my post-grad self had a lot to learn. A portfolio is extremely important, especially if you want to work in marketing like I do. It shows what your resume can’t show, and it helps you stand out among the ever-growing crowd of job applicants.

Once I realized how important showing your work is, I made my personal website and scrounged up whatever I could find on my laptop. My portfolio was a scarce compilation of internship work, old capstone projects, and TikToks I made for an elective in undergrad.

My work was great, but my portfolio was sad and barren. I asked myself, “How am I supposed to build a strong portfolio if I can’t land the kind of job that helps build it?”

That’s how I discovered mock projects.

What is a mock project?

A mock project is a brand concept that lets you demonstrate your skills without needing to work with a real company. They allow you to build skills in designing, branding, strategy, and more, all while being a safe creative outlet. They aren’t tied to anyone’s expectations or deadlines other than your own, so there’s low risk and low pressure involved. And the best part? They can be included in your portfolio to showcase what you can do for potential clients and employers.

Here are few examples of content I’ve made for my mock projects:

What I’ve learned so far

I’ve absolutely fallen in love with doing mock projects. As someone with a mind constantly full of different ideas for brands and businesses, mock projects allow me to prove that I can bring them to life. I’ve always excelled at the written aspect of branding: the research, concept, and copy have always come easily to me. However, the graphic design aspect of branding has always been challenging to me. Doing mock projects allows me to improve on that front. In doing so, I’ve realized that I’m not bad at graphic design — I’m just underpracticed. I know how to use Adobe Illustrator and Canva, but I don’t use them often enough to feel comfortable with designing things.

After spending time on so many mock projects, I can’t say that anymore. I’m better at graphic design than I thought!

How to start doing mock projects (even if you’re a little nervous)

Starting mock projects can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. When I started creating brands for my portfolio and sharing them on LinkedIn, I was nervous about putting my work out there. I liked what I made, but will everyone feel the same way?

Don’t let that nagging voice in your head discourage you from putting yourself out there. Putting yourself out there can feel risky, but it’s one of the fastest ways to grow. If you’re proud of something you made, don’t be afraid to show it off!

If you’re thinking about making mock projects, go for it. 

Here are a few tips for anyone starting out:

  • Treat your mock projects like real brands: I treat every mock project like it is a real brand getting ready to launch. When I do this, I put a lot more thought into what I’m doing, whether it’s creating a logo or making social media posts. When you pay more attention to detail, it shows in your end result.

  • Get feedback from your peers: Your friends can offer very valuable feedback and help you look at your project from a different perspective. I love sending my work to friends while I’m still making it. More often than not, I walk away with valuable feedback on what else I could do with it and how I can improve on what I’ve made so far.

  • Try new styles and ideas: Go out of your comfort zone every now and then. If you struggle with minimalism, make a brand with a minimalist aesthetic. If you find an industry that interests you, create a mock brand within that industry. Don’t be afraid to play around!

  • Remember that mock projects are about learning and growth: Your work doesn’t have to be perfect to be valuable. Someone can see potential in your work, regardless of what you think of it.

So… what are you waiting for?

If you need a sign to start making your own mock projects to build your portfolio, here it is.

Mock projects are helping me not only build my portfolio but also my confidence. If they helped me, then they can help you, too.

Amanda Ellis