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Read time: under 4 minutes
How to find your portfolio builder
Every UX designer knows the weight of a portfolio.
It's not just a digital footprint; it's a showcase, a personal narrative, a gateway into their unique universe of design.
But, just when the creative juices start flowing, there’s a hiccup—how to find the RIGHT tool for you in the sea of thousands of different tools?
The sheer number of platforms and tools can be overwhelming, especially for junior Designers.
This week I am to go through the top portfolio builder tools in the market and help juniors make informed decisions (This is a part 1 of 2).
Without further ado, let's dive in to first 7 of the best portfolio builders 🚀
If you're looking to showcase advanced interactions and rich animations, Webflow is what you need for your UX case studies.
Its responsive design capabilities ensure a smooth experience for your audience, regardless of the device.
💸 Pricing: Mostly FREE
🔥 Rating: 8/10
❤️ Why I Love It: Webflow gives me the freedom to bring my most ambitious UX case studies to life without the need for extensive coding. Its high customizability ensures that your UX portfolio stands out, making it truly yours.
✅ Pros:
- Provides extensive customization options
- Easily integrates animations and interactions
- Features responsive design capabilities
❌ Cons:
- Has a learning curve
- May not be suitable for basic portfolios
For those wanting immediate exposure and feedback, Behance's community-driven platform is a goldmine for UX Designers to build porfolios.
Its networking opportunities can open doors for collaborations and potential job offers.
💸 Pricing: Mostly FREE
🔥 Rating: 6.5/10
❤️ Why I Love It: Behance offers a vast community of like-minded designers. It’s a platform where you can not only display your work but also derive inspiration from others.
✅ Pros:
- Community-driven platform
- Easy to use and set up
- Provides visibility and networking opportunities
❌ Cons:
- Less personalized than standalone sites
- Can get lost among the multitude of portfolios
- Doesn’t optimize for writing and explaining your design decisions
If you prioritize time and want a hassle-free setup without a steep learning curve, Squarespace, with its beautiful templates, is your UX portfolio go-to.
💸 Pricing: $15+/month
🔥 Rating: 8.5/10
❤️ Why I Love It: Squarespace delivers elegance in simplicity. I can quickly set up a sleek design for my UX projects without diving deep into the customization, perfect for times when I need to get something up swiftly without compromising on aesthetics.
✅ Pros:
- Intuitive design
- Beautiful templates
- No coding required
❌ Cons:
- Less flexibility compared to Webflow
- Can be pricey for long-term plans
- Limited advanced interactions
While primarily catering to visual displays, Dribbble is fantastic for getting your UX portfolio, UX project or UX designs in front of a wide audience quickly.
It’s a must for those wanting to stay engaged with the global design community.
💸 Pricing: $8/month for Pro
🔥 Rating: 6.5/10
❤️ Why I Love It: Dribbble allows you to share design snippets, get feedback, and stay updated with design trends. It's like a social network tailored for designers.
✅ Pros:
- Great for bite-sized showcases
- Networking & job opportunities
- Popular among design communities
❌ Cons:
- Limited to small 'shots'
- Might not reflect a comprehensive UX process
- Doesn’t optimize for writing and explaining your design decisions
If you're in the initial stages of your design career or need a quick UX portfolio solution, Portfoliobox, with its user-friendly interface, is a dependable choice.
💸 Pricing: $3.5/month
🔥 Rating: 7/10
❤️ Why I Love It: Portfoliobox offers a straightforward, no-fuss approach. It's perfect for when you need to set up a UX portfolio quickly without delving into intricate details.
✅ Pros:
- No coding required
- Offers both free and pro versions
- Easy-to-use interface
❌ Cons:
- Limited templates
- Might lack advanced features for seasoned designers
Adobe Portfolio shines for those already invested in the Adobe ecosystem.
If you're an Adobe Creative Cloud user, this platform ensures consistency and integration across tools with your UX Design.
💸 Pricing: $20+/month
🔥 Rating: 7/10
❤️ Why I Love It: As a frequent Adobe user, the seamless integration Adobe Portfolio offers with other Adobe products is invaluable. It allows for a cohesive workflow for your UX projects.
✅ Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe products
- Simple to use
- Responsive designs
❌ Cons:
- Limited customization
- Best used in conjunction with Behance
- Can be pricey for non-Adobe users
For Junior designers just embarking on their journey or more experienced designers seeking a balance between flexibility and speed for their UX portfolios, Wix offers a harmonious blend.
💸 Pricing: $14+/month
🔥 Rating: 8/10
❤️ Why I Love It: Wix provides a balance between customization and ease of use. Its drag-and-drop interface is intuitive, and the plethora of templates ensures a fresh look every time.
✅ Pros:
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Large variety of templates
- Integrates with various third-party tools
❌ Cons:
- Less flexibility for advanced designers
- Some templates aren't fully responsive
Summary
Creating a UX portfolio is a rite of passage for every junior designer. It’s the bridge between you and the world, showcasing your talent and passion.
But choosing the right tool is crucial.
To recap, here’s the first 7 top portfolio builders to consider:
- Webflow - Best for intricate designs and animations
- Behance - For community interaction and feedback
- Squarespace - For elegance and simplicity
- Dribbble - For bite-sized visual showcases
- Portfoliobox - For a quick and easy setup
- Adobe Portfolio - For Adobe enthusiasts
- Wix - For a stylish, drag-and-drop experience
Next week, we take a look at another 7 portfolio builders!
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 types of designers I help:
1. Entry-level designer? Transition into UX by crafting an unforgettable portfolio 2. Mid-level designer? Step up and become a design leader 3. Senior, Lead, or Manager? — Start your journey as a designpreneur
So, what do you think? Liking the new shorter format?
Hit reply and let me know! I'll keep writing if you keep reading.
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That's it for today. Speak soon 💛
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