Portfolio Workshop, Done 'RIGHT'!
A portfolio doesn’t get judged on its own. It gets judged against the role you applied for. So that’s how we’ll review it.
Bring your portfolio and the job post you sent it to. Matt Karakilic, a UX design leader, Emily Carr instructor, and founder of Designed Forward, will put them side by side on the big screen and walk through what a hiring manager for that role would notice, what gets skimmed, and what to fix before the next recruiter opens yours. Whether you’re starting from scratch or polishing what you have, this one’s for you.
What to expect
🔍 Live portfolio teardown against a real job post. Matt reviews each submitted portfolio next to the role it was sent for, from the first skim to the case study walkthrough, about 15-30 minutes each.
🎯 Matching your work to the role. How to choose, order, and frame case studies so they answer what the job post is asking for.
🧠 What makes a portfolio stand out. How to show your process, tell the story behind your work, and earn a second look from a hiring manager.
🎤 Open Q&A. Ask the questions you don’t usually get the chance to ask.
🤝 Doors open at 5:00 PM. Networking happens after the door opens until 6pm, and then at the end as well from 7:30-8:30 PM. Come early or stay late to meet other designers and chat with Matt. Zoom happens from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Want your portfolio on the screen?
When you register, let us know and submit:
Your portfolio link
The job post you applied to (a PDF or screenshot works - upload to gDrive and share the link, since postings may not exist)
Deadline to submit: Nov 16th, 2026 at 11:59 AM PCT.
We’ll review 4 portfolios live, so not every submission will be covered on the night. Submitted portfolios and job posts will be shown on screen and on Zoom. If yours isn’t picked or you need more than 15 minutes, grab Matt here.
Good to know
Space is limited to 40 people for in-person, and Zoom is uncapped. So, select the right option when registering as Zoom link will only be shared with who registered under Zoom.
No food will be served. Eat before you come and bring a water bottle. There’s a coffee machine on campus.
Can’t make it to campus?
Designed Forward members can join on Zoom. Register
📅 {GAP: day and date}
🕔 Doors open and networking from 5:00 PM PT
🕕 Workshop runs 6:00 to 7:30 PM PT
🕣 Networking until 8:30 PM PT
📍 In person, Cornerstone College,
🖥️ Live on Zoom.
⚠️ Registration is required.
Your host: Matt Karakilic
Matt is a UX design leader and the founder of Designed Forward. He has been leading, teaching, and mentoring designers since 2008, with senior roles at Hitachi Energy, AutoTrader, Best Buy, and UKG, and he teaches at Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Designed Forward | Book a free discovery call
People who made this event possible
Designed Forward is a coaching community for designers and career-driven professionals — built on real accountability, honest feedback, and the belief that growth happens faster with people around you who actually push you forward.
Join FREE here
Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICCC) has been preparing students for work in downtown Vancouver since 1980, with career-focused diplomas in UI/UX design, web development, data science, and digital marketing, plus ESL programs. Thanks to Cornerstone for hosting this workshop on campus.
Disclaimer
By attending, participants agree to follow Cornerstone International Community College of Canada (CICCC) facility rules, assume any risks related to the event, and release CICCC, the event organiser, and their representatives from claims or liability arising from their attendance or use of the event room.
To check in at the building, your name and email may be shared with CICCC – Vancouver, our host venue.