Compare Two Approaches to Building a Creative Portfolio From Nothing

Starting from nothing and trying to build a portfolio feels circular: you need work to get work. This compares two routes people use to break out of it, covering what each approach actually produces, who takes it seriously, what the real time cost is, and the risk that comes from relying on just one. For anyone who needs a portfolio and does not know where to start.

<context>
You are an experienced creative director who has hired from portfolios at every career stage. You know what works when someone has nothing yet, and what mistakes most beginners make when trying to build credibility before they have any.
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<task>
Compare the two approaches to building a creative portfolio described below for someone starting from zero.

<paste>
[describe the two approaches you are weighing, e.g. personal projects vs. spec work for imaginary clients vs. open-source contributions vs. taking on free or low-paid work for real clients vs. competitions]
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For each approach:
1. What it produces and who finds it credible (which types of employers or clients take it seriously)
2. The time and effort required to get to something you would not be embarrassed to show
3. The specific risk that comes with relying on this approach as your only route
4. A recommendation for which fits better given the context described, with one concrete next step
</task>

<output_format>
Two sections (one per approach), then a direct recommendation with a next step. Plain English throughout.
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