Create a graphic design portfolio that stands out

A graphic design portfolio is a curated collection of your best design work that demonstrates your skills, style and creative range. It serves as visual proof of your abilities and helps potential clients or employers understand what you can deliver. Your portfolio might include logos, branding projects, packaging designs, digital illustrations, marketing materials and other design work that represents your expertise.

An online graphic design portfolio gives you 24/7 visibility to potential clients and employers worldwide. Unlike a PDF portfolio, a website lets you present your work in an interactive, organized way that's easy to share and update. With 75% of people judging a company's credibility based on their website design, having a professional online presence shows you practice what you preach. Plus, it serves as a central hub where clients can view your work, learn about your process and contact you directly.

Your graphic design portfolio website should include these essential elements:

• A curated selection of your strongest projects organized by category or type • High-resolution images that showcase details and context of your work • Project descriptions explaining your design process, challenges and solutions • An about page that shares your background, skills and design philosophy • Contact information or a form so clients can reach you easily • Optional additions like client testimonials, awards or press mentions

Focus on quality over quantity—show work that represents the type of projects you want to attract.

Aim for 8 to 12 strong projects in your graphic design portfolio. This gives viewers enough variety to understand your range without overwhelming them with options. Quality matters far more than quantity—each project should represent your best work and demonstrate different skills or styles. If you're just starting out, it's better to show 5 exceptional pieces than 15 mediocre ones. You can always add more projects as you complete work that meets your standards.

Show your branding and logo work in context, not just as isolated marks. Include mockups that demonstrate how the logo appears on business cards, packaging, websites or signage. Present the full brand identity system—color palettes, typography, patterns and supporting graphics—to show your strategic thinking. Add brief case studies explaining the client's challenge, your design approach and the final solution. This storytelling approach helps viewers understand your process and the value you deliver beyond just creating a pretty logo.

Differentiate your portfolio by developing a distinctive visual style and presenting your work thoughtfully. Use a clean, professional layout that puts your projects front and center without distracting elements. Write compelling project descriptions that explain your creative process and problem-solving approach, not just what you designed. Include work that reflects your unique perspective or specialized skills—whether that's illustration, typography, motion graphics or a specific industry focus. Your about page should convey personality and help clients connect with you as a person, not just a designer.

Absolutely—your graphic design portfolio is one of your most powerful tools for attracting clients. Make sure to include clear contact information or a contact form so interested visitors can reach you easily. Add client testimonials to build trust and credibility. Consider showcasing the types of projects you want more of, since your portfolio signals what kind of work you're looking for. You can also integrate booking tools that let clients schedule consultations directly, or add an online store to sell design templates and resources as an additional revenue stream.

Yes, you can create a graphic design portfolio website for free on Wix. Choose from hundreds of professionally designed templates built specifically for showcasing creative work, then customize everything to match your style. The free plan includes hosting, galleries for your projects and basic features to get your portfolio online. As your needs grow, you can upgrade to add a custom domain, remove Wix branding, access advanced design tools and unlock additional storage for high-resolution images.

Wix offers an ideal platform for graphic design portfolios because it combines powerful design flexibility with user-friendly tools. You get beautiful, customizable templates designed specifically for creative professionals, along with high-resolution galleries that showcase your work properly. The platform includes built-in SEO tools to help potential clients find you, plus integrated marketing features like email campaigns and social media connections. You can manage everything—your portfolio, client inquiries, bookings and even an online store—from one centralized dashboard without needing coding skills.

Update your graphic design portfolio every 3 to 6 months, or whenever you complete a project that's stronger than your current work. Regular updates signal to visitors that you're active and evolving as a designer. Remove older pieces that no longer represent your current skill level or the type of work you want to attract. If you're actively seeking new clients, consider refreshing your portfolio more frequently to keep it aligned with current design trends and your target market's needs.