If you’re a creative professional—like a designer, photographer, artist, writer, or even a tattooist—having a killer portfolio site is a must. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a web developer or hire one for thousands of dollars. With website builders today, you can create something amazing all by yourself!
TL;DR (Too long, didn’t read)
There are many easy tools out there made just for creatives to build eye-catching portfolio sites. These platforms are simple, fun, and don’t need any coding. Our favorites include Wix, Squarespace, Adobe Portfolio, and others. Whether you’re showing off photos, art, or projects, there’s a builder that’s perfect for you.
Why Use a Website Builder?
Here’s the deal: custom-coded websites can be expensive and hard to manage. Website builders make your life easier. They’re designed for non-techies. They come with templates, drag-and-drop editors, and lots of room for creativity.
Let’s check out the top ones we love for creatives!
1. Wix — Most Flexible
Wix is like the Swiss Army knife of website builders. You can do almost anything with it. Whether you want a portfolio that’s sleek, bold, quirky, or minimal, Wix has a template for it.
- Drag-and-drop editor: No coding skills needed.
- Templates galore: Over 500 designer-made options.
- Animations and video backgrounds: Great for standing out.
- Wix ADI: It actually builds a site for you based on a few questions!
Best for: Creatives who want full design control and lots of features.
2. Squarespace — Most Beautiful Templates
If Wix is the Swiss Army knife, Squarespace is the sleek MacBook. It’s popular among photographers, artists and designers for good reason—its templates are gorgeous.
- Minimalist and stylish design: Everything feels clean and modern.
- Great for images: Photo galleries and grids look amazing.
- Built-in marketing: Includes SEO, email campaigns, and analytics.
Best for: Professionals who want a polished look with minimal setup.
3. Adobe Portfolio — Best for Adobe Users
Already a member of Adobe Creative Cloud? Then Adobe Portfolio is a no-brainer. It’s free with your subscription and connects directly with Lightroom and Behance.
- Easy syncing: Import photos from Lightroom in seconds.
- Simple layouts: Choose a clean theme and go.
- No ads or hidden costs: Included with Adobe CC plans.
- Intelligent customization: No distractions, only your work on display.
Best for: Photographers and designers who already use Adobe tools.
4. Format — Built for Portfolios Only
Format is made just for portfolios. That means every feature is focused on helping creatives show off their best work.
- Tailored templates: Art, design, photography—you pick your focus.
- Client galleries: Share private work with clients directly.
- Proofing tools: Clients can leave feedback inside the platform.
Best for: Professional creatives with client work and feedback loops.
5. Weebly — Most Beginner-Friendly
Weebly might not be flashy, but it’s perfect for beginners. It’s simple, to-the-point, and gets the job done fast.
- Drag-and-drop editor: Even your grandma could do it.
- Mobile-friendly templates: Your site looks good on every screen.
- Affordable pricing: Great for those on a budget.
Best for: New creatives who want to test the waters.
6. Carrd — Best One-Page Portfolios
Only need a simple one-pager? Try Carrd. It’s ultra-light, modern, and absurdly cheap (sometimes even free).
- Snappy and clean: Loads super fast.
- Easy to build: Just pick a layout and fill in the blanks.
- Perfect for hiring or pitching: Link to your resume, social, and past work.
Best for: Freelancers and artists who just need an online calling card.
7. WordPress.com — For Customization Pros
If you’re not afraid of a learning curve, WordPress.com can be incredibly powerful. You get access to tons of plugins and design options.
- Lots of themes: Free and premium options to suit any taste.
- Expandable: Add blogs, stores, or anything else as you grow.
- Strong community: Tons of online tutorials and forums.
Best for: Creatives who want to scale their site and need ultimate control.
Tips Before You Choose
Still not sure which one’s for you? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you need a store? Choose a builder with e-commerce support like Wix or Squarespace.
- On a tight budget? Check out Carrd or Weebly.
- Already subscribed to Adobe CC? Use Adobe Portfolio!
- Need client galleries and proofing? Format is your best bet.
Also, take a peek at the templates before signing up. A good template can save you hours of work.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just stepping into the creative world, a solid online portfolio is key. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard. These website builders make creating your site fun and easy—so you can get back to doing what you love.
Happy creating! Your work deserves to be seen.
