When most people build a portfolio website, they aim to present only their most polished, perfect work. But I've taken a different approach with Lilyslab—I've built it as a digital workshop rather than a pristine gallery. Like any real workshop, it's filled with projects in various stages of completion: half-assembled prototypes, abandoned experiments, and finished pieces all sharing the same space.

This approach connects directly to my philosophy of [[cultivating-my-digital-garden|digital gardening]], creating a space where work can be shown at all stages of development.

The Purpose of a Digital Workshop

Unlike a traditional portfolio that serves as a highlight reel, a digital workshop serves multiple purposes:

1. Documentation – Capturing the evolution of ideas and skills over time
2. Experimentation – Providing space to try new techniques without fear of failure
3. Connection – Creating opportunities for others to discover and collaborate on works-in-progress
4. Learning – Making the creative process transparent rather than just the results

Sections of My Workshop

My digital workshop is organized into distinct areas:

The Workbench (Projects)
Where I showcase active projects—things I'm currently building, refining, or extending. Each project has its own dedicated space with documentation, code samples, and current challenges.

The Archive (Completed Work)
Finished pieces with proper documentation, case studies, and reflection. These aren't just displayed; they're contextualized with lessons learned and evolution over time.

The Prototypes (Experiments)
Quick builds, proofs of concept, and technical experiments. Some may graduate to full projects; others remain as interesting dead ends worth sharing.

The Sketchbook (Ideas)
Early-stage concepts, design sketches, and half-formed thoughts. This is where [[the-prioritization-problem|prioritization]] becomes critical—not every idea here will be developed further.

Benefits of the Workshop Approach

Building a website as a workshop rather than a portfolio has transformed my relationship with my work:

1. Reduced Perfectionism – I don't need to wait until something is "finished" to share it
2. Better Documentation – I'm motivated to document processes since they're meant to be shared
3. Increased Accountability – Public works-in-progress create gentle pressure to continue
4. Richer Feedback – People can contribute ideas when projects are still malleable
5. More Authentic Representation – Visitors see the real breadth of my work, not just highlights

How to Build Your Own Digital Workshop

If you're considering building your own digital workshop, I recommend:

1. Create a framework for project stages – Clearly indicate where each project stands in its development
2. Balance structure and chaos – Provide enough organization to navigate but embrace the messiness of creation
3. Build in public documentation tools – Make it easy to capture and share progress
4. Design for evolution – Create systems that can grow and change with your work

The Workshop vs. The Gallery

There's something powerful about inviting people into your workshop rather than just your gallery. In a gallery, we admire finished work from a respectful distance. In a workshop, we get to peek over the creator's shoulder, see the tools, notice the mistakes, and understand the process.

By building Lilyslab as a workshop, I've created something more valuable than a portfolio—a living record of my creative journey that invites others to learn alongside me.