How you present your design work is all about providing context. And mockups are a great way to do so.
On Shillington’s graphic design course, we help students craft the best possible portfolio to help them win over potential employers and clients. And an important part of that is matching the visual assets to both the client’s brief and their intended purpose.
So for example, if you created a design for mobile, it’s useful to show it on a mobile device. The same principle applies to a website design, a print design, a design for smartwatches, and so on. However, if you’ve ever tried photographing design work in situ—particularly on screens—you’ll know it can be maddeningly challenging.
Thankfully, then, there’s an industry shortcut. Whether you’re a student or veteran creative director, it’s perfectly acceptable to place your finished designs within a mocked-up image. This makes things a lot easier and allows clients and employers to focus fully on your design work itself, rather than the photography surrounding it .
You don’t even have to spend any money: you’ll find countless free templates on the web, ranging from smartphone screens to posters and packaging. That said, there are a lot of dodgy templates out there. So to help you out, we’ve selected some of the best mockups available for free in 2021, and listed them below.
1. MacBook Pro Mockup
2. Screen App Mockup
3. Samsung Galaxy S21 Mockup
4. iPhone 12 Mockup
5. iPad Pro Mockup
6. Stand Up Pouch Packaging Mockup
7. Packaging Box Mockup Set
8. Hand Holding Coffee Cup Mockup
9. Doypack Foil Bag Mockup
10. Coffee Bags Mockups
11. Vinyl Cover Mockup
12. Ice Cream Mockup
13. Mailing Correspondence Mockup
14. Business Stationery Mockup
15. Paper Bags Mockup
16. Shipping Bag Mockup
17. Three Magazine Mockups
18. Cover Magazine Mockup Presentation
19. Magazine Mockup
20. Landscape Magazine Mockup
21. Hardcover Book Catalog Mockup
22. Hardcover Book Mockup
23. Book Perspective Mockup
24. Book Cover Mockup
25. Greeting Card Mockup
26. Holding Postcard Mockup
27. Letterhead Mockup
28. Notebook Set Mockup
29. Spiral Ring Notebook Mockup
30. Basic Mailing Stationery Mockup
31. Free Postcard Mockup
32. Stationery Cards Mockup Scene
33. Basic Product Packaging Mockup
34. Business Card Branding Mockup
35. Business Card Branding Mockup
36. Hugo Business Card Templates
37. Stack of Business Cards Mockups
38. NYC Subway Poster Mockup
39. Poster on Concrete Wall Mockup
40. Geometry Poster Templates
41. Minimalistic Poster Templates
42. Outdoor Portrait Advertising Poster Mockup
43. Brooklyn Billboard Mockup
44. Digital Ad Mockup
45. Painted Billboard Mockup
46. Rectangle Store Sign Mockup
47. Square Store Sign Mockup
48. Black Canvas Tote Bag Mockup
49. Canvas Tote Bag Mockup
50. Hanging T-shirt Mockup
51. Eco Bag Mock-up
Finding the right mockup template is only the start of creating a killer portfolio, of course. For further ideas and inspiration, read our article 35 Best Graphic Design Portfolio Examples, which also features a series of expert tips on crafting the perfect portfolio. Want to go further? Study graphic design or upskill at Shillington with our innovative graphic design course—available in-person or online.