When you decide it’s finally time to build your portfolio, the first question is usually:

Which service should I use?

Maybe you pick one you saw on social media, or go with something that looks nice at first glance—only to later think, “I wish I’d chosen a different one…”

To help you avoid that regret, we’ve put together 10 key things to check before choosing a portfolio service.

We hope it helps you find one that truly fits your needs.

1. Is it mobile-friendly?

Most people—clients included—will view your portfolio on their phone.

If the layout breaks or the text is hard to read, that can cost you opportunities.

Make sure the site looks great and loads smoothly on mobile.

2. Can you organize all your links in one place?

You might be sharing your contact info via X (formerly Twitter) and posting behind-the-scenes content on Instagram.

But if your links are scattered across multiple platforms, it’s easy for people to get lost.

Look for a service that lets you group everything—socials, contact info, etc.—in one spot. It gives visitors peace of mind: “This page has everything I need.”

3. Can you sort your work by category?

If you work across illustration, comics, and merch design, you’ll want to separate them clearly.

Choose a service that makes it easy to group your work by theme or project.

It helps viewers instantly understand your strengths.

4. Does the design put your art front and center?

Even your best work can feel lost if the layout is cluttered or overly stylized.

A clean design with plenty of white space lets your art shine—and shows that you care about presentation, too.

5. Is it easy for people to contact you?

Sometimes, a potential client is ready to reach out—until they can’t figure out how.

Make sure the service allows you to clearly add a contact form or link to your socials.

If they have to dig for it, they might give up.

6. Can you update it easily?

If adding new pieces feels like a hassle, you’ll probably stop doing it.

Pick a service that makes regular updates easy, so you can grow your portfolio gradually and keep it current without stress.

7. Can you build it without knowing code?

If you want to focus on your artwork—not code—make sure the service is beginner-friendly.

It should offer enough flexibility to customize, without requiring HTML or CSS knowledge.

Especially important if you want it to look polished and be easy to manage.

8. Is it easy to introduce yourself and share your experience?

A portfolio isn’t just about your art—it’s also about you.

Choose a service that makes it easy to write a short bio, describe your specialties, and highlight any relevant experience.

This helps clients know who they’re reaching out to—and why you’re the right fit.

9. Is the pricing model sustainable?

Free plans are appealing, but often come with limits or ads.

On the flip side, subscriptions can get expensive the longer you stay active.

Look for a service that balances price and features well—something that lets you do what you want, at a cost that won’t hold you back.

10. Can you see how others are using it?

Services that showcase user examples and real portfolios make it easier to picture what yours could look like.

Bonus: if you spot artists in a similar genre using it successfully, that’s a strong sign it might work for you too.

Find the Portfolio Service That Fits You

Your portfolio doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. Choosing a service that matches your style and pace lets you build a space to showcase your work—gently, and in a way that lasts.

If it feels like the right fit for where you are and where you’re going, that’s a good sign. Now that you know what to look for, maybe it’s time to take that first step.

💡 Recommended

Illustfolio Lumina was built with illustrators in mind—and checks all 10 boxes above.

With a no-code setup, mobile-ready design, easy category organization, and stress-free updates,

it helps you take that important first step with confidence.