How to publish a Design portfolio online? |TIP 123

Alessandro Millione from Italy
Design student

Q: How to publish a portfolio online ?

Nowadays, it’s super easy to publish a portfolio online. There is several platform that allow designers from different field to put online there work and resume as well. It’s like a fusion of [LinkedIn x  Instagram].
If you are lucky, your artwork may be publish on the homepage – and you will get a great exposure for few days. It happened to me once, and I had a huge peak of visitors ! Felt super happy. Eheh. But most important, you will connect with your pairs from all over the world.

Coroflot

The most popular: http://www.coroflot.com/
I have an affection for Coroflot that gather a huge community of Graphic designer, but also Product designer (we also find photographers, illustrators, calligraphers…). Users are students, freelance and other professionals.

• Connect with other pairs giving them some “Likes” or appreciation of there work.
• You can follow your favourite designer that inspire you and get in touch with him/her.
• Made to welcome professionals at looking at your portfolio and resume.
• Some international job offer are regularly added.
• They publish some statistics, such as a Des
  ign salary guide, in case you wonder how to negotiate at your next interview.

Coroflot.com homepage

Behance

The most stylish: https://www.behance.net/
I never took the time to subscribe at Behance. However, I love going there for getting inspiration for the high quality and creativity of the pictures. You may find more works from art director, photographers, graphic designers and amazing illustrators. Yet there is good works published from product designers but not as much as Coroflot (If I am not wrong). Just type Product design in the search field will do.

The functions are very similar to Coroflot as a social media. Beside that, it seams to be less job research oriented, and focus on displaying beautiful galleries.

Behance.net homepage

.Portfolio platform are great for getting exposure. However, if you send your resume for a company, I recommend to attach a portfolio in .pdf instead of giving your Coroflot link for example. If you send your Coroflot or Behance link, the recruiters may be tempted to browse at other designer profile. You want your application to shine by itself.
Plus, the other advantage is to select the exact content of the pdf. It means you can personalise your portfolio according to the company you apply for. (Don’t put in all your work, keep some good stuff to show at the interview day – Remember, surprise him !)

TIP
Use Adobe Acrobat reader Pro to create the PDF portfolio
and set up the display by default in Full screen.
It will looks just neat and pro.
No side distraction.

Alternatives:

For transport designers: http://www.cardesignnews.com/

For illustrators: http://www.deviantart.com/

For fashion designers: http://www.styleportfolios.com/

Beside using these platforms you may consider creating your own website.

Create your website

You can create a website for free with WordPress (The most used website editor in the world). You can choose a theme suitable for portfolios, and put online your work in no time. It’s not super user friendly. So, if you do well, within a week, you should be done. Don’t panic, you don’t have to be an IT pro to build a website.

You still can make your life easier if you consider Wix, or Squarespace. They provide beautiful themes. But these option are not free. Make a try and see what suits you guys.

If you know other great resources on How to publish online portfolios, let us know in the comment below !

PS: Thank you Alessandro Millione for your question. 🙂