1. Provides a platform to showcase your work

First and foremost, an online portfolio is there for you to show your final result to the world, on your own terms. You can choose the layout of your portfolio, what pieces to show at the forefront, provide background information on every piece/project and much more. Sure, you can technically showcase your work on platforms such as Instagram, but a website gives you the freedom and creativity to choose your display. For example, you can dedicate a section or even page to your latest projects, another section for award-winning pieces and even include an accessible archive. Moreover, your personality is also more likely to shine through when it’s your own website.

2. Amplifies your online presence

You’ve probably Googled people before, and taken them more seriously when their website was one of the first search results that popped up. A personal website will take your online presence to the next level and promote your brand. Moreover, it can also become a source of inspiration for other creative-minded people. Your website might start getting featured on various platforms across the web, and gain significant popularity if the aesthetics are up to par. Showcasing your work on your own platform will put you one step ahead in terms of professionalism and dedication to your craft.

3. Good for future clients and potential employers

Say you want to expand your client base, or are planning to send in your resume for that dream job position. An excellent addition to your CV and current internet presence is a digital portfolio. Considering that most employers do a background check on their employees prior to calling them in for an interview or hiring them, having your own personal website will definitely elevate you. If your portfolio is one of the first links that pops up when someone searches you up on Google, it will convey a degree of professionalism and dedication to your work. Moreover, it can put you one step ahead of other candidates.

Likewise, potential clients are also more likely to be impressed and consider your service if they see that you have taken the time to build an online portfolio. It allows you to present your work the way you want, in the context you want, and reflects your personal aesthetic. Future clients will be able to get a better idea of what image you are selling and will be encouraged to pick you over other artists/designers etc.

And finally, an online portfolio is an excellent time-saving tool for future employers and clients. Considering how busy the current generation is, looking closely through resumes and social media profiles is not at the top of most people’s lists. An website is like a one-stop shop for everything: your background, achievements and best works. Plus, it shows a degree of awareness from your side and the desire to make people’s lives a little bit easier.

4. Reflects your personality and creativity

As we briefly mentioned above, an online portfolio is a great reflection of who you are as a person and professional. You can choose how to present yourself, what works to display, what achievements to list and even the layout. Actually, design and layout are key here. Unlike social media or a resume, you can pick the colors, visuals, fonts and even animations which best reflect your personal style. You can even show your sense of humor if you wish to do so, and make yourself look more approachable.

The beauty of a portfolio also lies in the fact that you can edit it at the click of a button. Likewise, you can add as much new content as you wish. We recommend updating your website consistently, especially if you are constantly working on new projects and there is a lot going on in your life. And even if there isn’t, there will still be fresh content from time to time that you can upload to your website. Don’t let your portfolio just sit there and collect dust. You want people to click on it and see what you are doing now, and how you are progressing as a professional. An online portfolio is also a reflection of your learning process.

One tip to amplify this effect: start a blog. It’s a good way of letting your personality shine through whilst also updating your audience on the various aspects of your life. People do this with Instagram all the time - they post the best pictures on their profile, and everything else to their stories. The only difference is that a blog is permanent, so people will be able to click on your blog and see what you’ve been up to.

5. Establishes your personal brand

Building on the previous benefit, an online portfolio helps you to create your own personal brand and get your name out there. By choosing the design of your website, you are already creating your own aesthetic and “mood”, so to speak. Thrown in a logo, and you are good to go. It’s great to set an overall theme for your website, especially one that matches your work and personality. Unlike other platforms, a website allows you to create a specific image for yourself and therefore establish your personal brand.

6. Displays consistency and professionalism

You need to be passionate and dedicated to your work to go the extra mile and create a portfolio. This is both a visual and verbal example of the level of dedication you put into your craft. Likewise, it also shows your level of understanding when it comes to making a name for yourself, and how to do it the right way. The overall impression from this is that you prefer to showcase your work on your own platform, on your own terms.