I am working on an article about “Don’ts” for online portfolios. While I was working on it, I found loads of information. So instead of just one article, this topic has turned into a series. I am starting the series by discussing some very cool online portfolio communities. Online portfolio services allow you to easily add projects and showcase them in a simple, clean format. This is a good option for anyone without the time, money and/or skills to create a customized portfolio from scratch.
There are many choices available, but I have narrowed the list down to my four favorites. I based this on usability, community and overall aesthetics of the portfolios you are able to create with the service.
- Carbon Made makes it super-easy to quickly create a very professional-looking portfolio. For free, you get 5 projects with up to 35 images. For a quite reasonable (I think, anyway) $12 a month, you can showcase 50 projects with 500 hi-res images and 10 high-quality videos.
- FigDig is a new service that allows you to create your portfolio in HD for free. You only get 8 images, but as I mentioned above, you should stick to just your best projects. Because it’s so new, FigDig still has some stuff in Beta, but it has the potential to become a robust, interesting community for those wanting to showcase their work. This site also includes a “projects” section (in beta) where potential clients can post their projects and accept bids from anyone with a portfolio on the site.
- With nearly 100,000 users, Coroflot is a free, thriving community for online portfolios and creative jobs. Your uploads are unlimited with Coroflot, butOne of my favorite things about this site is that you have built-in stats for your portfolio without having to add any extra code.
- Behance might just be my favorite of all the choices. Though it’s still in beta, this free network of online portfolios is popular, feature-full and just plain fun to look at. The only thing is, you have to be invited to join. You can request an invite on the main page. I haven’t done this yet because I’m working on my own design, but every time I look at the site I almost change my mind. If you don’t have an invite, I suggest trying to find someone who has some - try Twitter or other social media sites. For now, you can sign up as a Watcher and just check out some of the really awesome portfolios on the site.
Though there are some obvious drawbacks to using an online portfolio service - like not being able to use your own domain name - for some people this is the perfect solution. You can customize your portfolio enough to make it stand out, but you don’t have to spend a ton of time (or learn the skills) planning and designing it. The other great thing about these sites is that you immediately become part of an online community that allows you to find new creative contacts, pick up new projects and showcase your work without having to rely completely on your own advertising.
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Thanks! I do a lot of advertising and this is great. The FigDig can be something useful as its free and HD. Good read
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Those are some great sites. I don’t have a portfolio yet, but if I ever get one, it will have to be in HD. There is nothing better.
i think this is an awesome idea! An Online Portfolio takes the trouble out of creating a website or webpage — and the best bonus is that you immediately become part of a creative community. You don’t have to struggle as much to be found on the web. Great stuff!
I’m skeptical of course, but what the hell, let’s give it a try.
hey - great resource here. Love how the sites are building community too. what a great idea for creatives.
Enjoy your site. going to read about shameless self promotion now.
I will definitely read about them. Well I don’t have an online portfolio yet but i would like to have one soon. Thanks for your piece of information.
All of these are fine sites, the one thing I would say about them is if you can figure out how to do it yourself, why pay
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I think it would be worth it to pay — this is a small investment for your career — and it’s just like hiring a virtual online assistant to help you market yourself. I would totally go for this.
Yeah…this sounds like a good idea. An online portfolio which will allow others to see my work.
Great find you have here. I was just planning to make my own portfolio out of my Geocities account but what you have here saves me the time and the effort of doing all the necessary coding and stuff. Keep it up.
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Thanks for the info. Very useful.
Great list. Thanks. This would be helpful to me. Im doing advertising and with online porfolio it would definitely help me out in promoting my ads.
[...] Online Portfolios Part 1: Using an Online Portfolio Service [...]
I have bookmarked this site. I realy liked the link you shared with us. Excellent share. Keep it up.
Excellent resources listed here. I had no idea these services were even out there–guess I’m a little behind the times. I’m still thinking of someone carrying a little briefcase around (LOL).
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[...] Online Portfolios Part 1: Using an Online Portfolio Service [...]
its the first time im hearing this but its something very interesting. I didnt understand it at first but with some reading and research i appreciate what you shared with us. Keep it up and please update us with some other informations as soon as possible. Cheers!
It sound to be an excellent service, seems that i would have to be around here when i would have to make a portfolio. Thanxx for the share.
for those who do a lot of advertising , this is indeed a lovely service !
Portfolios are absolutely necessary for anyone looking to build a career, and online presence is another necessity as well, because if you can’t be found on the net, it would be a surprise if you can be found at all.
Thanks for this post — I think this is an excellent idea — every artist and freelancer needs a portfolio — it is your work profile.
A portfolio is a person’s badge online. It can mean more business, but it can also mean you still need to do a lot of work.
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Thanks for compiling the best online portfolio service.
I am looking forward for the don’t of online resume.
Thanks for the post!
thank for the post very interesting .thanks for sharing