Five specific video assignments using products you already own. Complete them and you have a real portfolio — not a plan to make one. This is where the course gets concrete.
I'm going to give you exactly what I wish someone had given me: five specific assignments, not five vague suggestions. Each one has a product category, a video structure, a shot list, and a length target. You don't need to figure out what to make. You need to make it. Grab your phone. Let's go.
— Katherine Rodriguez
Create a Google Drive folder named: [Your First Name] UGC Portfolio. Inside it, create five subfolders: Testimonials, Unboxings, Tutorials, Problem-Solution, Lifestyle. This is the folder you'll share as a link in every pitch email and DM. Set sharing to "Anyone with the link can view."
Open Canva, choose a presentation template. Your cover page needs: your name, the words "UGC Creator Portfolio," your niche (e.g. "Mom Life · Wellness · Home"), and your contact email. Export as a PDF and add it as the first item in your Drive folder. This makes you look professional before brands watch a single video.
Film vertically (9:16) in the highest quality your phone allows. Natural light is better than ring light — face a window. Clean, uncluttered background. Phone on a tripod or propped up (free your hands). Earbuds as microphone if you have them. That's the full setup.
Before you film anything new — use this prompt to find what you already have that might be portfolio-worthy.
Complete all five. Each one is a different UGC format — together they show brands the full range of what you can create. You're making these with products you already own. No budget required.
What it is: You on camera, talking directly to the viewer about a product you genuinely like and use regularly.
Product to use: Pick something in your beauty, skincare, wellness, or home category that you've used for at least 2 weeks.
Shot list: (1) Close-up of the product. (2) You holding it, talking to camera. (3) Brief use shot — applying, using, or demonstrating.
Script structure: "I've been using [product] for [time period] and here's what actually changed for me: [specific result]. Before this, [before state]. Now [after state]. If you're on the fence — [direct recommendation]."
Save to: Testimonials folder in your portfolio Drive.
What it is: Opening a product for the first time on camera, sharing your honest first impressions.
Product to use: Something that came in a box or bag recently — it doesn't have to be brand new today. Re-pack it lightly if needed, or film the "revealing from the cabinet" version.
Shot list: (1) Show the sealed package. (2) Open it — let the camera see what's inside. (3) Close-up of the product in your hands. (4) First reaction and key feature callout.
Script structure: "I ordered this because [specific reason]. First thing I noticed: [first impression]. The thing that surprised me: [unexpected detail]. Overall: [verdict]."
Save to: Unboxings folder.
What it is: You teaching the viewer how to use a product to get a specific result.
Product to use: Something with a method — a skincare step, a kitchen tool, a cleaning product, a workout accessory, a hair tool.
Shot list: (1) You stating the end result you're about to achieve. (2) Product close-up. (3) Step 1 demonstration. (4) Step 2 demonstration. (5) The finished result.
Script structure: "Here's exactly how I use [product] to [result]. Step 1: [action]. Step 2: [action]. The key thing most people miss: [insider tip]. And the result: [show it]."
Save to: Tutorials folder.
What it is: Lead with a relatable problem your audience has, introduce the product as the solution, show the fix.
Product to use: Something that solved a real frustration for you — messy counter, bad sleep, tired afternoons, slow mornings, whatever is real for your life.
Shot list: (1) State the problem clearly — ideally showing it or acting it out. (2) Introduce the product as what changed things. (3) Show the solution in action or the result.
Script structure: "I was so tired of [problem]. I tried [other things that didn't work]. Then I found [product] and honestly [result]. It's the kind of thing I didn't know I needed until I had it."
Save to: Problem-Solution folder.
What it is: The product existing naturally in your real life — no script, no direct address. Just your life with the product in it.
Product to use: Something that fits seamlessly into your daily routine — morning coffee, skincare ritual, workout gear, kitchen item you use daily.
Shot list: B-roll only. Product on your counter. You reaching for it. Close-up of use. Wide shot of your space with the product visible. No face required.
No script: This one has no talking. It's mood and atmosphere. Film it to a trending audio or just let it be clean footage. This type of content is hugely valuable to brands for their own ads.
Save to: Lifestyle folder.