How to build a portfolio for a layout designer?

Question

Portfolio

Hello. I recently started learning html and css (2-3 months). I really like the layout of sites and I want to grow in this direction. But at the moment I'm in a stupor: I can't find any project to practice. Of course, I heard about all sorts of academies, where they teach intelligently and help to collect a portfolio. I'm trying on my own and so far it's not going very well. Maybe someone knows what projects to start with and how to build a good portfolio. I tried freelancing to take orders for online layout for free, but they look at me there, like they look at dEbil. Therefore, if I can help at least one of you, I am ready to make every effort in exchange for your experience and help in understanding))

Answer 1

TS, are you a layout designer or a front-end developer, as it is now fashionable to call it? Most likely the first, time such question. Go to any office (preferably in which you will be nursed for at least six months) and fill your hand, 3 months is not an indicator.
If an office is not an option, then don’t even go freelancing, just take any layouts, for example, from bihans, and do it for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions on Toaster and ruCO, but only those that describe real layout problems. Mentors are hard to find, they are few and busy people.
Find some reference sites, sandbox sites, inspiration sites (e.g. https://css-tricks.com, a.singlediv.com/),learn js (preferably naked), learn how to use a minimum of tags for layout, learn to SIMPLIFY your work, learn some useful modern tools (but in the end, when you get tired of writing canvases of text), for example LESS.
It is better to practice on real tasks, but if there are none, you can lose motivation, because "working at a desk" is useful only if you are enthusiastic and greedy for knowledge.