[lukko]

This was my concern too - as a little project, it's interesting but if it's a replica of XP it has been done before and much more accurately.

As a portfolio, I think it doesn't work at all and is detrimental to what you're trying to do. I think now in design, it is more important than ever for your work to cut through the noise and show at least some attempt to create something original.

I think sometimes graphic design is seen as competence with certain programs, which I guess includes genAI now, or making something cool - but really it is visual communication that responds to a set of constraints - e.g. a brief, tailored to a target audience, communicating a product or emotion. There are no shortcuts - study what has been done, work on communicating what you want to say with colour, layout, typography and images. Draw and paint; avoid genAI until you are competent without it. Currently as a graphic design portfolio, I'm sorry to say it is memorably bad and there is a lot of work to do.

That said, well done on finishing something, and making it to the top of HN. I hope the attention leads somewhere and that you continue making things.

[utyop22]

I highly disagree with the feedback above.

The reality is, it depends on the context of whom is hiring. A startup values things like being resourceful and finishing stuff vs a large firm wherein most projects get dumped anyway.

[rs186]

In either case a "real" portfolio will be more effective and less work than this Windows XP thing, which is the point.

[snozolli]

I think now in design, it is more important than ever for your work to cut through the noise and show at least some attempt to create something original.

From what I've seen, at least half of design work is "make it look like x" where x may be "glass", "CRT effect" or "BigCo's design language".

This project looks like some light-hearted fun and demonstrates an ability to achieve a desired look. You seem to be looking for someone doing greenfield design work for a large advertising agency.

I see nothing in your profile that indicates any expertise in design, so it's really bold of you to level this kind of criticism at someone's project.

[lukko]

You’re reinforcing my point on not really understanding what design is, above. It is not a surface coating or a look.