Looking for alternative portfolio sites? While you're probably well aware of the pros and cons of sites like Behance, there are other options that you might not be familiar with. With so many design portfolios out there, it can be hard to make an impact. However, these alternative portfolio sites could be a stepping stone towards standing out in a crowded industry, whether you're just starting out or looking to refresh an existing portfolio.
If you're looking at creating your own website to use as a portfolio, make sure you read our guide to the best website builders. And if you're looking for inspiration, see our collection of standout design portfolios. Meanwhile, read on for our verdict on six alternative portfolio sites.
6 alternative portfolio sites
01. Fabrik
If you're looking for a simple way to make your own professional-looking portfolio website, Fabrik (opens in new tab) is a brilliant option. It strips away technical hassles to allow to make a stunning site in no time at all. It's versatile, offering plenty of good themes to choose from, and it doesn't overload you with options for customisation. Simply pick a general theme, then alter each project according to the presentation option that best suits your work. You can easily customise fonts and colours if desired.
The drag and drop interface is simple and intuitive and there's integration with Vimeo, YouTube, Soundcloud and Slate. You can switch themes whenever you want without causing any impact on your projects. Pricing for Fabrik starts at £6.75/$9.17 a month for an annual subscription. If offers a 14-day free trial. with no credit card required.
02. Cargo
Cargo (opens in new tab)is a curated community site that offers templates designed for any size or purpose. You get a free-standing website with its own URL, open-source design and aesthetically pleasing templates that place the emphasis on content. Templates can be customised or used as is. Cargo sites are free to try. to go public, a standard site upgrade costs $99 per year or $13 per month.
03. Indexhibit
It's not hugely well-known, but Indexhibit (opens in new tab), from designers Eatock and Vasta, is an old-school favourite among many. The Indexhibit CMS lets you create your own website combining image, text, video and sound. The simple layout allows images and all-important descriptions of work to shine through. You get that unmistakable Indexhibit feel, which leans towards a stamp of designer quirk. Everything looks like it's been written on a typewriter first. It costs 25 Euros, but there's no web hosting.
04. Squarespace
If you want a portfolio site that looks to a CEO like you know what you're doing, then Squarespace (opens in new tab) might be the option for you. This slick, trendy template portal offers glossy portfolios, custom domains and e-commerce – everything you need to get up and running online. It even offers logos, just in case. The price for a personal site starts at £10/$12 per month, and a more customisable business site at £15/$18.
05. Berta
This is the fun underdog in this pack of alternative portfolio sites. A joint collaboration between designers in Latvia, The Netherlands and San Francisco, Berta (opens in new tab) is a simple, flexible open-source online tool for creating websites. Prices are pretty reasonable, hosting is offered, and you get the feeling that the company gets the whole portfolio ordeal. Their 'happy websites' look great too. A pro plan that allows you to remove Berta branding starts at €8.99 per month.
06. Tumblr
Finally, Tumblr (opens in new tab) is not to be dismissed as an alternative portfolio site. There's a huge range of minimal, clean and quite unique themes available to use Tumblr as a design portfolio. Some of the best portfolios come from its re-imagined spaces, self-made coded sites and the combo-draw of social media and blogs.
Many Designers offer an alternative take on the whole portfolio angle, with a mix-and-match DIY online presence in self-styled portfolios. You can easily add or remove content like with a CMS, and there's the bonus of free hosting. We'd recommend getting a custom URL is you go with Tumblr however.
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