When I started my surface pattern design journey, I just wanted a beautiful space to showcase my work. Adobe Portfolio was the perfect solution: easy to set up, visually stunning, and an inspiring digital gallery. It allowed me to focus on what I loved most: creating patterns that bring joy and warmth to others.
But as my business has grown, so have my needs.
Reflecting on Adobe Portfolio
Adobe Portfolio served me beautifully in the early stages of my business. It’s simple, elegant, and integrates seamlessly with the Adobe suite. For any artist focusing solely on licensing or showcasing their portfolio, I’d still highly recommend it. If you’re starting out and want an easy way to build a beautiful website, it’s a great choice.
That said, as I added e-commerce to my business, I realized Adobe Portfolio wasn’t built for that kind of functionality. I linked to my Shopify store, but the setup isn’t seamless, and technical issues can make the site feel unpolished.
Exploring My Options
After doing some research, I came across Adobe Commerce. It’s a powerful e-commerce platform that could be a great fit for a larger business. I’m sticking to my budget, so I’m exploring options that better align with my goals.
One possibility is building a Wix website to combine my portfolio and shop into one streamlined platform. Wix offers creative flexibility, integrates easily with print-on-demand services, and allows me to add buy buttons directly to my designs. For now, I plan to stick with Shopify for the store, as it’s reliable and already set up. If everything goes smoothly, I may possibly expand my platform setup.
Sharing the Journey
As I navigate these challenges, I’d love to hear how others in the creative community balance their portfolios and e-commerce. Each step is a learning experience, and sharing insights helps us all grow. Connect with me on Instagram—I’d love to hear about your journey!
Tips for Beginners
- If you’re focusing solely on licensing your work, Adobe Portfolio might be the perfect starting point. It’s easy to set up and puts your designs front and center.
- If e-commerce is part of your future, consider exploring platforms like Wix or Squarespace early on. It’s worth investing time to find a solution that can grow with your business.
- Decide on your business name before setting up your website, if possible. Changing it later can be tricky and disrupt customer trust.