Q: How do I make an online portfolio?
Before diving in, I recommend reading my article about making your portfolio a powerful marketing weapon.
These days, publishing a portfolio online is super easy. Multiple platforms allow designers across various fields to showcase their work and resume. Think of these platforms as a fusion of [LinkedIn x Instagram], they’re like the visual LinkedIn.
If you’re lucky, your artwork might get featured on a homepage, bringing you instant exposure. This happened to me once a few times, and I enjoyed a huge peak in visitors, felt amazing!
But beyond exposure, these platforms connect you with peers worldwide, forming vibrant art and design communities.
Coroflot
I have a soft spot for Coroflot. It gathers a huge community of graphic designers, product designers, photographers, illustrators, and calligraphers. It’s used by students, freelancers, and professionals alike.
- Connect with peers by liking and appreciating their work.
- Follow inspiring designers and get in touch with them.
- Designed to attract professionals browsing portfolios and resumes.
- Regularly posts international job offers.
- Features useful resources like design salary guides to help you in job interviews and negotiations.
Behance
The most stylish: https://www.behance.net/
Though I haven’t subscribed personally, I love visiting Behance for its high-quality galleries and creativity. It primarily showcases art directors, photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators, with fewer product design works than Coroflot.
Behance functions like social media, letting you explore beautiful galleries. It’s less job-search focused but perfect for inspiration and exposure to cutting-edge creative work.
A Tip on Sharing Your Portfolio
While online portfolios are great for exposure, if you’re applying for a job, I recommend sending a PDF portfolio along with your resume.
Why?
Recruiters may browse other profiles if you send platform links, which can distract from your application.
With a PDF, you control exactly what content is shown, allowing personalization for each company. Don’t include all your work; keep some special pieces to share during interviews — surprise your interviewer!
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader Pro to create PDFs and set them to display in full screen for a neat, professional look without distractions.
Alternatives:
- For transport designers: http://www.cardesignnews.com/
- For illustrators: https://www.deviantart.com/
- For fashion designers: https://styleportfolios.com/
Build Your Own Portfolio Website
Beyond these platforms, you can create your own online portfolio website either for free or on a budget.
- Check your domain name avaibility on Goddady for example.
- WordPress is the most popular website editor worldwide and offers many portfolio themes. While it has a learning curve, with some effort you can have a site ready in about a week.
- If you’re not comfortable with IT, try Wix or Squarespace. These paid services provide beautiful themes and easy drag-and-drop editors. You can build your site for free with Wix and pay only when you’re ready to publish.
No need to be an IT expert to create a professional online portfolio. Take your time to build it and when satisfied, launch your amazing artwork to the world!
If you know great resources or platforms for publishing online design portfolios, please share them in the comments!
PS: Thanks to Alessandro Millione for the question that inspired this article!
Learn more about Design Portfolio
Thanks for breaking this down into simple steps — very useful.
Hi Chou-Tac,
This is Nacho from Faberin, we are open to hosting all the product designers who want to sell their projects all over the world and show up their talent!!!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!!!
Have a nice day!!!
If you guys know other great resources about Online Design portfolio, feel free to share with us. :) Thanks !