[cawlin]

> I’m sure it would look good on a designers portfolio if they did the design/branding for a project like org mode.

I can't think of a more challenging "client" to take on than a decentralized group of engineers. Classic ways to build your design portfolio usually centre around small businesses, community groups, events and non-profits because they have clear needs that are easily served by design.

Another place where designers play is with open source/license fonts, icons, design systems etc. which makes sense because they are designing things for their peers.