- Rachel Bistricer
- 3 days ago
- 15 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Ready to let your work shine? Build your portfolio →
Feel like your art deserves more than a cluttered Instagram grid or a forgotten folder on your laptop? A strong portfolio turns your work into a story people can see, feel and remember. It’s how the right audience discovers your talent and how you show them you’re serious about your craft. Here’s how to build an art portfolio that highlights your best pieces, reflects your unique style and gets your creativity noticed.
TL;DR: how to make an art portfolio
This guide shows you how to create a website for your art portfolio that attracts clients, galleries or schools. It covers every step: defining your purpose, selecting your best pieces, choosing a website builder like Wix, customizing a template, designing your homepage and organizing your artwork.
You’ll also learn how to add contact info, start an online shop, get feedback and keep your portfolio updated. Plus, we'll feature inspiring artist portfolios to spark your ideas and help you shape your creative vision.
Showcasing your talent should be easy. 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.
The basic setup is free and lets you put your art online easily. Paid options give you extra tools to make your work stand out, sell more and get noticed.
Wix's portfolio features | How artists can use Wix portfolios |
|---|---|
Gallery showcase | • Display high-res paintings, drawings or photos with zoom & hover effects • Organize by series, theme or medium • Add sketches, process shots or behind-the-scenes videos |
Art sales & merch | • Sell originals, prints or art merchandise • Run limited editions or print-on-demand • Manage secure payments and shipping details |
Marketing for artists | • Collect fan and collector emails • Send updates about new artworks, exhibitions or sales • Chat live with visitors to take commissions |
Interactive art media | • Embed timelapse videos, studio tours or 360° views • Add interactive galleries or hover animations • Image optimization for faster loading and enhanced visuals |
Insights & analytics | • See which artworks or galleries get the most attention • Understand who’s visiting your site • Track clicks on shop items to optimize sales |
Social integration | • Display your Instagram or other social feeds • Show testimonials from galleries, clients or students • Share new work directly to social media |
Search & discoverability | • Optimize artwork pages for Google and image search • Use AI-assisted SEO suggestions to improve visibility • Use structured data to help your art get found online |
Exclusive access & memberships | • Offer members-only galleries or content for collectors and fans • Share exclusive prints, tutorials or behind-the-scenes material |
Events & art commissions | • Promote exhibitions, workshops or pop-up shows • Accept bookings for commissions or art classes |
Professional art branding | • Use custom fonts, color palettes and layouts to match your artistic style • Ensure mobile-friendly fast-loading galleries |
What is an art portfolio?
An art portfolio is a collection of your best and most representative artwork, curated and presented in a cohesive and professional manner. It serves as a visual representation of your skills, style and creative voice.
Traditionally, an art portfolio would consist of physical copies of your work, such as paintings, drawings or photographs, carefully arranged in a folder or binder. With the rise of technology and digital media, many artists are now choosing to showcase their portfolios online. Online platforms have become increasingly popular, with 31% of young buyers and 37% of new art buyers purchasing their first-ever artwork online. This indicates a growing trend of art enthusiasts embracing the digital realm to discover and purchase artwork that resonates with them.
Ready to build an online portfolio? Start designing yours today.
How to make an art portfolio online
01. Define your purpose
The first step to creating a captivating art portfolio is to define your purpose and audience. Ask yourself why are you making a portfolio and who is it for? Your portfolio should have a clear goal, whether it's selling your work, applying for a grant, or showcasing your talent. Consider what they're looking for, what they value and what they expect from an art portfolio. Your portfolio should speak directly to them and highlight the unique aspects of your art.
Identify your audience
Your audience can vary depending on your goals. Knowing your target audience will help you customize your portfolio so that it resonates with the intended crowd. For example, if you primarily illustrate for children's books, you may want to showcase these pieces prominently in your portfolio. You can focus your portfolio towards:
Gallery curators: If you are looking to exhibit in galleries or museums, highlight pieces that display a sense of your overall aesthetic.
Potential buyers: Present high-quality images of your pieces and include details on pricing and availability. You may also want to think about including an online store directly on your portfolio site for easy transactions.
Art schools: For students looking to apply to art schools, focus on highlighting your artistic range, techniques and development over time.
02. Select your best art pieces
When choosing the specific pieces to incorporate in your art portfolio, think about quality over quantity. Pick a range of work that highlights the scope of your distinct approach and abilities. This will give your viewers an idea of what you are capable of as an artist. Keep these concepts in mind when curating your collection:
Create a cohesive portfolio
Your art portfolio should have a sense of unity and flow. Select pieces with a similar style, color palette or subject matter to make a cohesive collection. Also consider the specific materials and medium of your work and think about the entire story the pieces tell collectively.
Learn more: What to include in a portfolio
Highlight your artistic strengths
Use your art portfolio to display what sets you apart from other artists. Be sure to include pieces that demonstrate your technical skills, creativity and notable perspective. This will help others see what makes you stand out in the art world.
Look at other portfolios for inspiration
Exploring different portfolio website ideas and art blogs can help you gain insights into what works and what doesn't when it comes to showcasing your own pieces. Seeing other artists' portfolios can help spark new ideas and concepts to incorporate into your own site. Websites like Behance, Dribble, Carbonmade and Coroflot are full of excellent examples of how to present your work in the best possible light and provide another platform to showcase your work.
Get started with an AI generated website today.
Learn more about how to build a portfolio for college.
03. Choose a website builder for artists
Now that you have curated your artwork, it’s time to pick a website builder that best suits your goal of displaying your pieces. When it comes to showcasing your art portfolio, drag and drop website building platforms like Wix offer portfolio templates and tools that cater to the needs of an artist's portfolio. Take a look at some of the best website builders for artists , some of the best portfolio builders and consider the following factors when creating an online art portfolio of your own:
User-friendly interface
Since you’ve likely spent hours refining your artistic practice and honing in on your overall aesthetic, you want a platform that is easy to use and regularly update content. A user-friendly interface will streamline the process of creating your art portfolio and updating it as needed.
Customization options
Having a variety of customization options, like different templates, color schemes and font choices, offers plenty of creative freedom as you carve out your online presence. This allows you to build a distinct portfolio that reflects your personal approach.
04. Customize a template
Find a website template that best suits your style and purpose. When determining your options, go for best portfolio templates over a personal web page, that will provide you with the website layout you need to share your collection. Your art portfolio should be easy to navigate and engaging. Avoid cluttered layouts or too many distractions that may take away from the main focus–your artwork.
05. Design a compelling homepage
Your homepage is often the first impression viewers will receive of your portfolio. It's frequently the most visited by new and returning users, playing a major role in your website experience. The objectives for your homepage should be to engage new visitors quickly and channel them to the right content. To achieve these objectives, include the following elements:
An eye-catching banner or slideshow
Craft a striking banner or slideshow that will immediately draw visitors in. Slideshows provide a way to add motion to your website, displaying rich content.
Introduction and artist statement
Include a brief introduction, offering readers a sense of who you are as an artist. You can also write an artist statement to add more context and meaning to your portfolio.
Navigation menu
Make it easy for viewers to navigate through your portfolio by including a clear and organized navigation menu. This will help them find specific pieces or sections easily.
06. Showcase your artwork
The main purpose of an art portfolio is to exhibit your collection, so be sure to display it in the best possible way. Keep the following tips in mind when determining your website design:
Organize effectively
Create distinct categories highlighting different art techniques, such as abstract, landscapes, portraits, comics, etc. This enables visitors to filter through your art pieces and narrow in on their preferences.
Use high quality images
Make sure to use high-resolution images that accurately represent the colors and details of your pieces. To photograph your art, use natural lighting and avoid shadows or reflections. You can use this image resizer tool to make sure each photo is sized for optimal viewing.
Include relevant details
Along with each image, display the title, medium, size and other background information about the piece. Tell engaging visual stories as it helps convey the essence and narrative behind the artwork. You may want to share details about your artistic process and any backstory to the specific piece. This will give viewers a better understanding of your artistic identity and workflow.
Consider additional features
Depending on your chosen platform, you may have the option to integrate elements such as videos, 360-degree views or zoom capabilities. These can add an extra layer of interactivity and engagement for visitors.
07. Add a contact page
Don't forget to build a contact page in your portfolio. This simple addition will make it easier for individuals to get in touch with you. Investing in a business email and business phone number is an easy way to elevate your professional presence. Be sure to have the following:
Contact form
Email address
Phone number
Links to your social media accounts
08. Start an online shop (optional)
If you are interested in selling art online, consider adding an online store to your portfolio. Having an online store provides the convenience and accessibility that modern buyers seek, allowing them to browse and purchase your artwork from the comfort of their own homes. When creating your shop, make sure to:
Write product descriptions
For each piece, include a thorough description with the title, medium, size and any other relevant details. You can also write background knowledge or stories behind the creation of each piece.
Set up secure payment options
Select a platform that offers secure ways to accept payments online. This will ensure the safety of both you and your customers' data.
Offer shipping and handling information
Be transparent about your shipping and handling process, including estimated delivery times and any additional fees or policies. This will help manage customer expectations and avoid any misunderstandings.
Tip: You can also start a print-on-demand business to help you make money as an artist. If you’re new to eCommerce websites, check our guide on what is eCommerce to get started.
09. Get feedback from others
Ask someone with experience in creating or evaluating art portfolios, such as an art teacher or a professional artist, to review your work. Outside advice and objective feedback can provide fresh perspectives and help you identify areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.
Constructive criticism from knowledgeable sources can be invaluable for refining and enhancing your portfolio. Additionally, they might offer tips on how to present your work in a more compelling way or suggest pieces to include that better highlight your skills. Don’t hesitate to ask questions during the review process to fully understand their feedback and make the most out of the experience. Remember, every critique is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.
10. Edit your art portfolio over time
Your portfolio should adapt as your artistic style evolves and grows. Regularly updating your portfolio with new pieces can keep your website fresh and engaging for both regular visitors and potential clients. It's important to have external eyes review your site and be open to feedback, as it can provide valuable insights for improvement. Utilize analytics tools like Google Analytics to track popular pages and user engagement, allowing you to focus on the most impactful content. Don't be afraid to experiment and make changes over time.
Learn more:
Learn more: How to make a portfolio
Why is it important to have an art portfolio
An online art portfolio is a digital collection of your art, typically built on a website hosting platform. It serves as a central hub for your oeuvre, making it easily accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Here are some key reasons why you need an online portfolio:
Gives you artistic freedom
An online art portfolio grants you control over how your work is presented. You can curate and organize your web content in a way that best represents your style. This allows you to feature the diversity of your talent, making it easier for visitors to see the full range of your abilities.
Maintains an up-to-date presence
Your portfolio can be accessed anytime, anywhere—meaning anyone who wants to see your talent can view it at their own convenience. Be sure to regularly update your site with new and improved content, keeping it fresh and relevant.
Attracts potential buyers
An online art portfolio is an effective way to persuade potential buyers to invest in your art. By showcasing high-quality images of your artwork and including information about pricing and availability, you can entice clients to purchase, or even hire you for a commissioned piece. It facilitates easier communication and transactions between you and potential buyers.
Demonstrates your identity as an artist
Your online portfolio is a representation of you as an artist. It not only showcases your work but also provides insight into your creative process, inspirations and overall artistic identity. By displaying your art and accompanying it with meaningful descriptions or stories, you can connect with viewers on a deeper level. This helps build your personal brand and establishes yourself as a professional in the art world.
Art school admission requirement
If you're an aspiring artist looking to apply to art schools, having a well-designed online portfolio is a prerequisite of the admission process. Art schools want to see not only your technical skills, but also your creativity and ability to effectively present your work. An online portfolio is an excellent way to showcase all these elements in one place, making it easier for admissions officers to evaluate your potential as an artist.
Online art portfolio examples
Looking for guidance on creating an art portfolio that will make waves in the art community? Check out these Wix-made portfolio websites. They're chosen to inspire and empower you to showcase your talent.
LIŔONA
Liron Eldar-Ashkenazi has simplified the menu options to make it easier for website users to navigate the entire site. Each gallery image contains titles that, when clicked, open to a unique page with a detailed project description.
Zaria Forman
Zaria Forman’s homepage opens with a captivating fullscreen photo of her engrossed in her painting. The image serves to highlight the immense size of Zaria's canvas and offers a glimpse into her inspiring vision.
Jessie Maxwell Bearden
With an Instagram feed on her site, Jessica Maxwell Bearden can showcase more images of her work, grow her followers and ensure that her site is always up-to-date.
Timothy Goodman
The combination of a cheerful yellow background with black and white text creates a lively contrast, making important aspects of Timothy Goodman's site stand out. Timothy takes the color scheme a step further on his About page, using color blocks to highlight distinct sections that showcase his bio, press images, client list and press. The result is a visually appealing
design that captures attention and guides visitors through the site.
What common mistakes do people often make when creating a portfolio, that I should avoid?
Creating a portfolio for the first time can be a little daunting and it’s easy to make mistakes that might prevent your portfolio from accurately reflecting your skills, talents and expertise.
One of the most common mistakes is including everything you’ve ever worked on, rather than choosing your best pieces. A cluttered portfolio makes it hard for people to see your strengths. This also means carefully choosing work that reflects the range of skills or experience that you have. Focus on quality over quantity—choose pieces that showcase your skills and align with the type of opportunities you want.
Another mistake is not tailoring your portfolio to your audience. If you’re applying for different roles or projects, tweak your portfolio to highlight relevant skills and projects. Very general portfolios can feel impersonal and fail to make an impact.
Avoid neglecting the narrative. Your portfolio isn’t just a collection of work; it’s your story. Explain the context behind each piece—what problem you solved, your thought process and the outcome. This makes your work and you much more relatable.
Lastly, don’t forget to focus on building a professional presentation — both in terms of how it looks and works. Broken links, typos or clunky navigation can ruin a great portfolio. Test it thoroughly and seek feedback from others.
Remember, your portfolio represents you—make it authentic. Let your personality shine through.
Other types of websites to create
How to make an art portfolio FAQ
What should I include in my art portfolio?
Your art portfolio should have a variety of your best work, along with relevant facts such as titles, mediums and sizes. You can also write an artist statement and any other additional features that highlight your artistic strengths.
How many pieces should I include in my art portfolio?
The number of pieces you decide to incorporate will vary depending on your chosen platform and the length of your body of work. Generally, it is recommended to have at least 10-15 pieces to give viewers a well-rounded sense of your style and abilities.
Can I use my social media as an art portfolio?
While some artists may decide to display their work solely on social media platforms, having a dedicated art portfolio website allows for more customization and a more professional presentation of your art. Additionally, having an online portfolio can make it easier to reach potential clients or employers who may not be active on social media.
How do I create an online art portfolio for free?
You'll want to choose a user-friendly portfolio website builder, like Wix, which can help you take your portfolio from start to finish with templates and customization options to best display your work.
What should I avoid adding to my art portfolio?
Avoid adding art to your portfolio that doesn't represent your best work or is unfinished. Also, steer clear of including art that's too similar to other pieces you have in your portfolio. Remember, quality over quantity is key.
What should I focus on when creating an art portfolio for College?
For a college art portfolio, focus on showcasing your best and most recent work, demonstrating your artistic growth and skills. Include pieces that display your understanding of different mediums, techniques and concepts. Highlight your unique style and potential for growth in a way that aligns with what you've learn from your program.
How do I keep improving my art portfolio while making sure it's updated?
Keep your portfolio fresh by regularly adding new pieces that showcase your latest skills and growth. Create a schedule for updates, such as adding three new art pieces every month. Continuously experiment with new mediums, techniques and styles to showcase your versatility. It's worth also keeping up with new styles and trends.
Comments