How to ask a client for permission to show work in your portfolio

Make the publication request specific

“Can I put this in my portfolio?” can leave important details unresolved. Does “this” mean the final design, rejected concepts, the client’s name, internal results or an entire process case study? Show the intended selection so the client can make a useful decision.

Name each proposed channel. Permission for a private presentation is not automatically permission for a public website, social post or paid ad. State the publication timing, especially if the project has not launched.

This guide helps write the request. It does not determine copyright ownership, interpret a confidentiality agreement or establish legal permission. Check the actual arrangement and resolve any uncertainty before publication.

Prepare a preview the client can review

Create a small review folder or draft page containing only what you propose to publish. Identify the exact screenshots, the project name or description, your role and any client credit. Keep access limited to the people reviewing the request.

Separate final approved work from exploratory concepts. A discarded concept can reveal an unreleased direction or suggest the client approved something they did not. Avoid including business metrics, private comments or behind-the-scenes documents unless the relevant permission specifically covers them.

If you propose anonymization, show the actual anonymized version. Replacing the logo alone may leave the client identifiable through copy, screenshots or project details.

A portfolio permission email

Hi [contact],

I would like to show [specific approved work] in [specific channels] after [proposed publication date or launch]. The proposed selection and description are at [review link].

It would include [client name, images and credit you propose] and exclude [private or unreleased items]. Could you confirm whether this exact selection is approved for those uses, or identify any changes you need?

I will keep publication pending until the required permission is confirmed.

[Your name]

Ask the person who can handle this permission request. A casual compliment from an unrelated stakeholder does not resolve an existing approval or confidentiality requirement.

Example: a homepage case study after launch

In this fictional example, Maya wants to publish two screenshots of Northline’s launched homepage and a short description of her design role. She excludes the pricing-page concept and internal feedback.

Hi Alex,

I would like to publish a short homepage case study on my portfolio after the site launch. The draft at [link] contains two final homepage screenshots, Northline’s name and a description of my design role.

It does not include the pricing-page concept or internal review comments. Could you confirm permission for that selection on my portfolio website, or send any changes you need?

I will keep it unpublished while permission is pending.

Maya

The request is limited to a portfolio website. If Maya later wants to turn it into a social campaign, she should check whether the recorded permission covers that use.

What if the client says no or requests changes?

Record the answer and the scope of any revised permission. If one screenshot must be removed, update the selection and confirm the resulting version as needed. If the request is declined, do not publish the rejected selection simply because you are proud of the work.

Does a public website mean I can display everything?

Public visibility is different from your recorded permission and any applicable obligations. It does not answer whether you can display source files, process material or client information.

Is a password-protected portfolio enough?

Password protection controls access; it does not by itself grant permission. Make the intended audience part of the request.

What should I keep?

Save the approved selection, permitted channels, timing and relevant response. That record is more useful than remembering that someone once said they liked your work.