Building a website for portfolio
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So what websites have you guys been using. Should I consider things like Wix or squarespace? Is there a free version that is preferred? Would love to hear what some other artists are using to then send a link for portfolio submissions to publishing companies and art directors.
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Also, on social media accounts I go by KayleenArtLover. Should I make my business/domain name my actual full name “Kayleen Sokol”?
( I don’t exactly have many subscribers/followers so changing the name won’t hurt. )
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@kayleenartlover I use Squarespace for my two websites (Author/Illustrator WIP as well as Copywriter). Squarespace and Wix are really good options – if you have a passion for websites and don’t mind spending a little for a little more customizeable design.
I like websites. I’ve gotten to write website copy for big brands in regular web copy management as well as website refreshes. I also taught myself to code a little while in college. Then let it go when Squarespace came out and I didn’t have time to pay attention to coding anymore.
There are good free options, too, though. I know a lot of authors (and marketing creatives) use Wordpress. It looks ore bloggy, but it’s a clear template and you just have to fill in the words.
If websites are just something you have to do rather than something you get to design to further your brand, I recommend sticking with something free and more structured like Wordpress.
If you’re excited to build a website, and want to spend time designing the experience to fit your brand, go have fun with Squarespace or Wix.
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@kayleenartlover I use WordPress. I pay annually though, and have my own domain. I have no issues with the paid version and I was able to learn how to use it myself (I'm not very tech savvy so that was a big feat) haha.
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@kayleenartlover Hi Kayleen, I use Wix. I also pay an annual fee for the website and an annual fee for the domain but feel it is worth it. If you get business or any jobs that you have to claim on taxes, your website and domain annual fees can be claimed as deductions. I am not tech savvy either, and thought Wix was very user-friendly and I liked the template choices which some can be modified to your liking. I can go in any time and add or change things as needed and it’s very easy. I’d suggest looking at other people’s websites for design and function to see what features and designs you like and don’t like and then look at the bottom of the website to see which website builder they used. Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!
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@kayleenartlover if you already have an Adobe subscription, you can use Adobe Portfolio for FREE. You just have to buy a domain separately. i think u can buy a domain on NameCheap for around $10 yearly.
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@kayleenartlover I think using your real name is more professional
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@kayleenartlover Hi Kayleen! I just set up my domain and additonal email with Wix. I love it. It's drag and drop and super easy to use, once you become familiar with all the tools. I found it helpful to go on YouTube and watch some basic tutorials so that is a big plus. I like the price structure and the apps they integrate within the program... I opted to pay for my own domain instead of the free one only because I want to have something memorable and easy for people to remember. So far I'm happy!! Hope that helps...
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Hi, Kayleen.
I use Squarespace and have been really happy with it. Like Wix, it's super user-friendly. I also have a custom domain name and business email, which does cost extra, but like Maureen said, it's a business expense and deductable.
As far as your domain name, your website will be your hub, your online presence. Make it as simple and professional as possible. It will help potential clients remember who you are (and an easy-to-remember website name is more likely to be recommended or mentioned).
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@kayleenartlover I use wordpress. There are two options for wordpress. One is wordpress.com and the other is wordpress.org. I use wordpress.org. It's the cheaper option, because you have to do more building. You don't need to know HTML, but you do need to be somewhat tech savvy, or have the time to look up everything on youtube lol. Even though it's more work, I've been happier with it than the other options I looked into because it's more customizable, and probably the most affordable option in the long run too. It's also gotten more user friendly over the years. There are youtube videos to help you set up almost everything on it (I didn't know much when I started, but was able to learn from youtube.)
