Over the course of my professional life, I’ve created many portfolios—it’s a designer’s professional imperative. Not just designers.

Any “Professional Creative” has a portfolio: actors, writers, photographers, painters, models, animators, videographers…even developers have a portfolio-like presence these days.

I’ve just finished a mentor-meeting with a VP of People and Culture of a 25-year-old digital design agency with offices in four cities across the United States—Boulder, Chattanooga, Washington D.C., and Durham.

When asked about my career history and the sort of work I’ve done, I shared my story. Nearing the hundredth time that I’ve told it—it’s gotten better. And, as always, portfolio’s were a topic of conversation.