Creating Portfolio Showcases

This article shows you how to create professional portfolio showcases on your Web60 website to display your work to potential clients.

1. Choose Your Portfolio Layout

First, decide how you want to display your work. WordPress offers several ways to show portfolios:

• Gallery blocks - Best for photographers or visual artists
• Separate portfolio pages - Good for detailed project descriptions
• Grid layouts - Works well for multiple types of work

Log into your WordPress admin dashboard to get started.

2. Create a Main Portfolio Page

Create a dedicated portfolio page to house all your work:

1. Go to Pages > Add New in your WordPress dashboard
2. Title your page "Portfolio" or "Our Work"
3. Write a brief introduction about your work or services
4. Click Publish

For more details on creating pages, see our guide on adding pages to your website.

3. Upload Your Portfolio Images

Before adding images to your showcase:

1. Resize images to web-friendly sizes (1200px wide maximum)
2. Keep file sizes under 500KB each
3. Use descriptive file names like "kitchen-renovation-dublin-2023.jpg"

To add images:

1. In your portfolio page editor, click the + button
2. Search for "Gallery" and select the Gallery block
3. Click Upload and select multiple images at once
4. Choose your preferred layout (columns, masonry, or slideshow)

For more help with images, check our adding images and media guide.

4. Add Descriptions to Your Work

Make your portfolio more engaging by adding context:

1. Below each gallery or image, add a Paragraph block
2. Include project details like:
   • Client name (if permitted)
   • Project timeline
   • Materials or techniques used
   • Location
   • Brief description of challenges solved

5. Organise by Categories

If you do different types of work, create separate sections:

1. Use Heading blocks (H2 size) for each category
2. Examples: "Residential Projects", "Commercial Work", "Branding Projects"
3. Add a gallery block under each heading
4. This helps visitors find relevant examples quickly

6. Add Your Portfolio to Your Website Menu

Make your portfolio easy to find:

1. Go to Appearance > Menus
2. Add your portfolio page to your main navigation
3. Position it prominently (usually second or third item)

Learn more about creating WordPress menus.

7. Test Your Portfolio

• View your portfolio page on mobile and desktop
• Check that all images load properly
• Ensure text is readable
• Test that your navigation works

If you're still stuck or need help setting up your portfolio showcase, contact our support team through your Web60 portal.

FAQ

Q: How many portfolio images should I include?

A: Start with 12-20 of your best examples. Quality matters more than quantity, and too many images can slow down your page.

Q: What image format works best for portfolios?

A: JPEG works well for photographs and detailed images. PNG is better for graphics with text or logos. Keep file sizes under 500KB.

Q: Should I include prices in my portfolio?

A: Generally no. Portfolio showcases work better when focused on the quality of work rather than pricing, which can vary by project.

Q: Can I password protect my portfolio?

A: Yes, WordPress allows you to password protect pages. Edit your portfolio page and look for the "Visibility" settings in the publish box.

Q: How do I update my portfolio with new work?

A: Simply edit your portfolio page, add new images to your galleries, and remove older work that no longer represents your current standards.

Q: Can I create separate pages for each project?

A: Yes, you can create individual project pages and link to them from your main portfolio page. This works well for complex projects that need detailed explanations.