3 Portfolio Platforms

Instructions: Compare the Pros and Cons of 3 different platforms for your online portfolio. Which one best suits your needs and why?

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1. Adobe Portfolio

Pros:

• Free with Adobe Creative Cloud -- No extra cost if you already pay for Adobe apps like Photoshop or Illustrator.
• Clean Templates -- Portfolio-focused, with responsive designs that look professional on all devices.
• Easy Setup -- Minimal learning curve, you can publish quickly.

Cons:

• Limited Customization -- Templates are somewhat rigid compared to platforms like WordPress or Webflow.
• No Built-In Blogging -- Not ideal if you want to share case studies, design process posts, or thought leadership.
• Dependent on Adobe Subscription -- You lose access if you stop paying for Creative Cloud.

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2. Behance

Pros:

• Large Creative Community -- Designers, agencies, and recruiters actively browse Behance, giving you exposure.
• Networking & Job Opportunities -- Built-in social features (likes, follows, comments) help you grow visibility.
• Easy to Use -- Uploading projects is straightforward; no coding or web design knowledge needed.
• Free -- No cost to set up a portfolio.

Cons:

• Less Control Over Branding -- Limited ability to customize beyond Behance's layout and structure.
• Crowded Platform -- Standing out can be difficult since there are millions of portfolios.
• Not a Personal Website -- Recruiters may see your work but not in the context of your own branded domain.

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3. Blogger.com

Pros:

• Community and Networking: A blog-based portfolio allows you to invite discussions and highlight collaborations, helping you connect with other designers, clients, and enthusiasts in the field.
• Showcasing Your Process: Unlike a traditional portfolio that focuses on final, polished pieces, a blog allows you to show your unpolished, authentic self and your learning journey.
• Content and SEO: Blogs are content-driven and can help you establish yourself as an authority in your field, which can attract more traffic to your website and enhance your online presence.

Cons:

• Time and Consistency: Maintaining a blog requires consistent effort and time. An outdated blog can reflect poorly on your professionalism.
• Less Professional Image: A blog may not convey a professional image because it often includes personal content and opinions.
• Limited Customization: While it is possible to use custom themes, the level of design control and customization is often not as high as with a platform specifically built for portfolios or a self-hosted solution like WordPress.

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I explored Adobe Portfolio and Behance and they are both excellent portfolio sites.

I am going to start with Adobe Portfolio after seeing Litcy's portfolio, I really like the way she set it up

As a backup platform, Blogger.com suits my needs because I am familiar and comfortable with the platform and I can include links back to the original post that has a full description of what I present in my portfolio.

My Blogger.com site also has the chronological posts of my Graphic Design journey on the right hand side of the screen.