- Sharon Hafuta
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
Ready to showcase your best work? Start building your portfolio →
I’ve seen it happen over and over: an illustrator finally pulls their work together in a proper online portfolio—and boom, they start getting better clients, faster responses and projects that actually excite them. That’s the power of having a site that looks as good as your art.
If you’ve been putting off building your portfolio because it feels overwhelming, I’ve got good news. With the right website builder—especially an AI website builder—you can create a sleek, professional portfolio in a matter of minutes. No coding, no second-guessing.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make a website from scratch that shows off your best work, feels totally you and helps you land the gigs you want. I’ll also show you examples of the best portfolio websites out there and give you expert tips along the way.
Ready to learn how to make a portfolio that not only shows off your talent but puts it to work? Let’s get started.
With Wix’s portfolio builder, you can create a professional, eye-catching portfolio that shows your best work in just a few clicks. Wix’s customizable templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site.
Why you need an illustration portfolio
You might already share your work on Instagram like everyone else—but a professional portfolio website gives you something those platforms can’t: full creative control. It’s your space, your voice, your rules.
More importantly, clients, recruiters and creative directors expect to see a link to your portfolio when they’re considering you for a project or job. If it’s missing or if you’re hard to find, they move on. Fast. That’s why strong, well-designed illustration portfolios make such a difference—they help you show up and stand out.
An online portfolio helps you:
Show off your best work in a clean, curated space
Tell your story and highlight your creative process
Add testimonials or case studies
Let clients contact you directly
Stand out in a competitive field (especially when your style is niche or unique)
"An outstanding portfolio is all about storytelling. It’s not just a showcase of work but a narrative that weaves together a professional’s skills, creativity, and personality. Features like dynamic presets, AI setup and beautiful templates let creators bring their stories to life, ensuring that every portfolio not only stands out for its aesthetic appeal but also tells a compelling story about the creator behind it." - Hani Safe, product lead at Wix
How to make an illustration portfolio in 10 steps
Creating an illustration portfolio doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools (and a little strategy), you can go from a folder of artwork to a polished, professional site that attracts clients and opportunities. Here’s how to make an illustration portfolio step by step:
Keep your illustration portfolio updated
01. Set your goals
Before jumping in, think about the why behind your portfolio. Are you trying to snag freelance clients? Apply for a dream position? Or maybe you just want a polished space to showcase your favorite pieces.
Your goals will guide everything—from the tone of your portfolio to what artwork you feature and even how you organize your site. Write down those goals and refer back to them as you build.
Get your creative ideas flowing with these handy resources:
02. Choose the right website builder
Here’s the good news: creating a stunning portfolio doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or complicated. With the right website builder, you can craft a professional, eye-catching site without breaking a sweat or the bank.
Start by looking for a builder that offers free website hosting (like Wix). This feature not only saves you money, but also handles the hosting legwork for you, ensuring your portfolio can be easily accessed by anyone, anywhere.
Next, think about your domain name. Your domain should be simple, memorable and represent your brand or style as an illustrator. Many website builders make it easy to secure your domain name right from their platform, so you don’t need to juggle multiple services.
The best builders handle everything—from the technical setup to website maintenance, they take the back-end work off your plate. Choose one that combines hosting with intuitive design tools so you can focus on what matters most—showcasing your illustrations in the best light.
Learn more about website infrastructure:
03. Organize your work strategically
Here’s a quick tip for putting together the best portfolios in the biz: less is more. You don’t need to include every single sketch you’ve ever made. Instead, curate your strongest, most unique pieces that truly represent your range and skills.
To take it a step further, divide your portfolio into sections based on work type. For example, if you’ve done both children’s book illustrations and branding design, create separate pages or categories for those. This helps potential clients or employers zero in on what they’re looking for.
Pro tip? Add a brief caption under each piece. Tell the story behind the work, highlight its purpose, or explain your process. It doesn’t have to be long, but it adds depth and connection.
Need inspiration? Check out these portfolio examples: motion graphics and animation portfolios, digital portfolio examples, tattoo portfolios, photography portfolios, model portfolios, web design portfolios.
04. Start with a portfolio-ready template
Don’t feel like you have to start from scratch—there are plenty of website templates designed specifically with portfolios in mind. Using a template can save you time, help you maintain consistency across your pages and ensure your work is presented in the most professional way possible.
Look for portfolio templates that match your style and the type of work you do. Prefer to keep things clean and minimal? There are tons of simple website templates that let your work speak for itself without distractions.
Remember, the template is just a starting point. Make it yours by customizing fonts, colors and structure so it reflects your personal brand.
"Once you pick the right layout or template for you, it's really important to take the time to customize all the content. Many people overlook this step. Make sure you remove any unrelated images or paragraphs, and focus on creating a clear flow for the content that tells the story you want to share with your audience." - - Dafna Rabin, Wix Templates design team lead
05. Add must-have features
When building an illustrator portfolio, it’s the little details that set you apart. Here are a few sections to include along with your gallery of work:
About you: Share a short bio, your inspiration and what you offer. Keep it personal but professional. Check out these about us pages for inspiration.
Contact information: A contact us page should include your email and links to your social media. Consider adding a contact form for inquiries.
Services: List the services you offer, like freelance illustration, custom commissions or prints for sale.
Testimonials: If you have glowing feedback from clients, showcase it.
06. Optimize your portfolio for SEO
It doesn’t matter how stunning your work is if no one can find it. Search engine optimization (SEO) is your best friend when building your portfolio.
Here’s how to level up your visibility without breaking a sweat:
Use a custom domain name that’s easy to remember (like yourname.com).
Write descriptive headings and image captions that include relevant keywords like “illustrator portfolio” or “branding illustrator.”
Add meta descriptions to each page. Most website builders, especially those with AI, have built-in SEO features to make this easy.
Optimize images for fast loading without compromising quality.
Pro tip? Regularly update your site with new projects to keep it fresh and engaging.
Discover the best website builders for SEO and make sure your portfolio’s platform offers the tools you need to stay ahead of your competition.
07. Include a blog
To further boost your SEO efforts, create a blog for your illustration portfolio. Blogging helps search engines understand what your site is about—and it gives you more chances to show up in search results for the topics you care about.
You don’t need to publish daily, but a few well-written posts can go a long way. Share your creative process, talk about recent projects or offer tips for clients in your niche. Not only does this build credibility, it also keeps your site fresh—something search engines love.
New to blogging? Here’s a quick guide on how to start a blog and what to write about when you're building a creative portfolio. Even one or two thoughtful posts can make a difference in how discoverable you are online.
"Optimizing your content to appear in search results (SEO) should be part of your blog post creation workflow from the start. That way, it'll take a fraction of the effort, and you can get maximum exposure for the content creation you're already doing anyway." - George Nguyen, editor of the Wix SEO Hub
Learn more about blogging:
08. Promote your illustration portfolio like a pro
You’ve put time and talent into creating your portfolio—now it’s time to get it in front of the right people.
Start by sharing it across your social channels. Whether it’s LinkedIn, Instagram or even TikTok, social media marketing works. Tailor your posts to each platform and don’t be shy about showing off your latest work. Got an email list? Use email marketing services to send out updates when you add new projects or launch something fresh. It’s one of the most direct ways to keep past clients and fans in the loop.
Another pro move: join online communities in your niche. Designers, photographers, illustrators—there’s a space for everyone. Comment thoughtfully, share your insights and when it feels natural, link to your portfolio. The goal is to create genuine connections that lead to clicks (and gigs).
And don’t forget to keep your link handy. Add it to your bio, pitch emails, resumes—anywhere someone might want to learn more about what you do.
09. Consider adding an online store
Want to turn viewers into customers? Add a free online store to your portfolio. Whether you’re selling prints, templates, merch or digital downloads, an eCommerce website makes it easy for people to support your work—and for you to earn passive income doing what you love.
Check out the best eCommerce website builders to start selling your illustrations online.
10. Keep your illustration portfolio updated
Your portfolio isn’t a one-and-done project—it should evolve as you do. Make it a habit to refresh your work regularly, swap out older pieces and highlight new projects that reflect your current style and skills.
Even small updates—like adding a recent client logo or tweaking your bio—can show that you're active, engaged and growing in your craft. And if you’re giving your site a bigger overhaul, don’t forget to run through a website launch checklist to make sure everything’s polished and ready to go.
Set a reminder every few months to give your portfolio a quick check-in. Future you (and future clients) will thank you.
Remember, building your illustration portfolio is more than just putting your work online. It’s about presenting your best self, opening doors to new opportunities and showing what makes your art one of a kind. So go ahead, take that first step and turn your vision into a portfolio you’re proud to share. The world is waiting to see what you’ve got.
Illustration portfolio examples built on Wix
Need a little visual inspiration? These illustration portfolio websites, all built on Wix, show just how creative, polished and personal your portfolio can be. Each one takes a unique approach to layout, color and storytelling—proof that there’s no one “right” way to showcase your work. Browse through to see how other illustrators are making their mark online (and pick up a few ideas for your own site while you’re at it).
01. Nathanael Oz
Nathanael Oz’s illustration website feels vibrant and full of personality. From the color choices to the animated cursor effects, every element adds to his fun, approachable brand. His “About” page also includes a few playful touches that help readers connect with him as a person, not just an artist.
Takeaway: Your portfolio is part of your personal brand—don’t be afraid to let your personality come through.
02. Jorell Rivera Illustration
Jorell Rivera’s portfolio is sleek, minimal and laser-focused. The homepage immediately communicates his style, with bold, high-impact illustrations and a short, confident bio. His navigation is clear and intuitive, making it easy for potential clients to find what they need fast.
Takeaway: Lead with your strongest visuals and keep your layout clean so the work can shine.
03. Sammy K
Sammy K’s portfolio takes a storytelling approach, combining narrative-driven project descriptions with a clean grid layout. The consistent color palette and typography create a polished, professional feel, while each project includes context that adds depth.
Takeaway: Use short captions or stories to give your work more context and connect with viewers on a deeper level.
04. Clar Angkasa
Clara Angkasa’s site is a masterclass in simplicity and focus. She limits distractions and puts her illustration front and center, while her use of white space keeps the experience light and easy to navigate. Plus, her “Shop” integration makes it easy for fans to purchase her work.
Takeaway: Simplicity sells. Let your work breathe, and consider adding a shop if you want to monetize a website.
05. Allegra Peng
Allegra Peng’s portfolio is a strong example of interactive websites, with hover effects and smooth transitions that give the site a dynamic, modern edge. Her work is thoughtfully categorized, making it easy to explore everything from editorial pieces to comics.
Takeaway: Interactive elements and clear organization can elevate the browsing experience and help users engage more deeply.
The websites featured here were built with Wix and show what’s possible with real, DIY designs. They represent functional, effective and thoughtfully crafted options that help people run their businesses.
How to make an illustration portfolio FAQ
What should be in my illustration portfolio?
Your portfolio should include your best work that reflects your personal style and versatility. Focus on quality over quantity by selecting 10–15 strong pieces. Include a mix of projects that showcase different skills, such as character design, editorial illustrations or conceptual work, depending on your niche. Also, provide context where possible, like project descriptions or the story behind the piece.