Tech matters: Five websites to help you build the right online portfolio.
Words by Patrick Boyle
Creating a website or simply displaying your work online is easier than ever. Obviously. But each platform has its pitfalls, and some can be deadly. For content creators, having the best portfolio might be the difference between getting commissioned or over-looked. At the very least, having a professional (or at a minimum:functioning) portfolio is the only way to be taken seriously by prospective clients. Here are some affordable options.
Squarespace: an amiable all-rounder
By sponsoring nearly every podcast in the universe, Squarespace cleverly captured the attention of an emerging market: creatives with relatively simple web development needs. Their templates make it easy to showcase design work or build a simple blog. The drag-and-drop web interface makes website building idiot-proof. The major drawback is that most users default to the most common templates that Squarespace offers. Nothing is more disheartening than seeing a designer use a cookie-cutter website to flaunt their design skills.
Cargo Collective: templates, but less glaringly so
Consider this Squarespace’s forgotten sibling. They perform essentially the same function, but the average online punter might not immediately recognise a Cargo template. They've recently undergone an enormous update to their entire design called Cargo 2.0, which brings its functionality more in line with the aforementioned sibling.
Ehance: only designers need apply
With a clear focus on the visual, Behance is the standard for those working in illustration, graphic design and 3D modelling. It’s relatively simple to use. As Behance relies mostly on the visual content provided by the user, if the design is ugly, they’re not to blame. As with most similar platforms, a little understanding ofCSS or HTML language can go a long way. Queries for these coding languages are easily googleable and found deep within Behance’s user forums.
Medium: blogs for snobs
Tumblr is perfect for cat GIFS and fan fiction. WordPress is ideal for anyone somehow reading this in 2008. But if you want to pub-lish your writing – or rambling – with some pride, Medium is the right choice. Increasingly used as a side-platform for journalists and commentators outside of their published work, Medium has a right to feel self-important. Moreover, legend has it that editors search the site for those writing about trending topics. Be in it to win it.
SoundCloud: when your band finally takes off…
If you’re making music or radio, you really can’t muck around with anything but SoundCloud. Just don’t – Bandcamp is dead; You-Tube is embarrassing. Everyone with a smartphone and a pulse can use SoundCloud, and it’s free. Just do it. Embed your audio on any website, share it beautifully on social media and simply wait for your record deal.