A portfolio is a curated collection of work samples, projects and accomplishments that showcases your skills and expertise as a professional.

Unlike a resume that lists qualifications, a portfolio website provides tangible evidence of your abilities through actual work samples. It serves multiple purposes because it:

• Demonstrates your competence and skill level

• Showcases your unique personal and professional style and approach

• Documents your professional growth over time

• Provides concrete examples for job interviews or client pitches

• Establishes strong credibility in your field or specific profession

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 website templates and easy-to-use tools let you present your skills with confidence–leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits your site.

What is a portfolio by type?

Portfolio types by industry

Creative portfolios

Used by designers, artists, photographers, writers.

• Web design portfolio examples

For example, Olya Black’s web design portfolio excels in its simplicity.

Designers portfolios should include high-quality images showing their final work, process sketches and development stages, detailed project briefs and client constraints, before and after comparisons where possible.

• Art portfolio examples

In this example, Jessie’s art portfolio is full of flair.

• Photography portfolio examples

We love how Vanessa Mckeown uses her photography and art portfolio to show off her colorful work—and to sell it.

• Writing portfolio examples

See how Sam Carlson takes his writing portfolio a step further by putting his client work front and center.

Writers portfolios should focus on showing a variety of content types and formats, a range of voice, tone and style samples, as well as published pieces with contextual information plus results and performance metrics when available.

Technical portfolios

Used by developers, engineers, architects.

• Software engineering portfolios

• Architecture portfolio examples

Explore how Gage Home Designs nails the essentials of a strong architecture portfolio website—especially when it comes to building trust and showing off their work.

Developers portfolios should be made up of code samples with explanation, project repositories with documentation, technical challenges and solution approaches plus deployment examples and functional outcomes.

Professional portfolios

Used by business professionals, marketers, consultants.

• Business portfolio

See how Mega Green Solutions’ portfolio effectively demonstrates a personal touch while maintaining a professional feel.

Business professionals can use their portfolio to include case studies with measurable results, strategy documents and implementation examples, plus leadership initiatives taken and project management experience.

• Marketing portfolios

Explore how Web design agency Lets One works closely with businesses to create an integrated marketing strategy that involves website creation, branding and social media.

Academic portfolios

Used in educational settings to demonstrate learning.

• Homeschool portfolios

 The Eclectic Homeschool's portfolio is bursting with personality and creativity.

• Teaching portfolios

Be inspired by how Sunflower Scaffolds’ teaching portfolio embraces a bold, expressive color scheme.

Investment portfolios

Used for collections of financial assets managed for specific objectives

Portfolio types by format

• Physical portfolios: Tangible collections in folders, binders, or presentation cases

• Digital portfolios: Online presentations via dedicated websites, PDFs or platforms

Portfolio types by purpose

• Resume portfolios: Create by job seekers, often to complement not replace a resume. Learn more about how to make a portfolio for a job.

• Client portfolios: Designed to win client business or a specific project.

• Growth portfolios: Documenting professional development over time.

  
  

What are the essential components of a portfolio?

While contents vary by field, effective portfolios typically include:

• Carefully curated work samples to show the range and quality of your work.

• Case studies that show specific projects of yours from concept to completion.

• Documentation of your process with insights into your methodology and approach.

• Context setting, including explanations of challenges, solutions and outcomes throughout each project.

• Relevant technical information about tools, technologies or techniques used.

• A professional biography with a brief introduction highlighting your background and expertise.

• Testimonials and results centered around client feedback or measurable outcomes of your work.

How to make a portfolio that wows

1. Choose from one of the best portfolio website builders like Wix

2. Select the right portfolio template for your industry and portfolio type

   
   

   - Resume portfolio templates

   - Personal portfolio templates

   
   

3. Curate your work and case studies

4. Structure your portfolio with clear navigation, page hierarchy and a consistent presentation format and design.

Learn more about how to make a portfolio.

Main advantages of having a digital portfolio

• Acts as a dynamic showcase of your work. Its easily accessible to anyone with the URL link, regardless of their location in the world or time zone. People respond more positively the more accessible an asset it and it opens your work up to a global audience. Sharing your portfolio is as simple as sending a link, making it an efficient way to network and apply for new opportunities.

• Its a visual proof of your skills. Whether you use images, videos or audio to to visually show your capabilities, they're bound to be more engaging and impactful than a traditional one dimensional typed resume.

• Visibility boosting. A digital portfolio boosts your visibility, makes it easier for potential employers and clients to discover your work.

• Its super easy and fast to update. It allows for quick and easy updates, ensuring your portfolio always features your most recent and impressive projects.

• You tailor the content. You have the ability to customize your portfolio to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to specific opportunities.

• Reinforce your personal branding. It serves as a strong tool for personal branding, allowing you to express your professional style and stand out from the competition.