UMGC - LDTC Portfolio Guide

When creating and maintaining a design portfolio for the LDTC program, it’s important to choose a platform that balances ease of use, customization, and long-term maintainability. Common options include Google Sites, WordPress, and Wix. Google Sites offers a straightforward, no-cost way to build a clean portfolio with minimal technical skills, ideal if you want simple maintenance. WordPress provides extensive customization and scalability, making it suitable if you prefer more control and are comfortable with a steeper learning curve. Wix combines drag-and-drop design flexibility with a range of templates, which is great for visually rich portfolios requiring frequent updates. It’s recommended to try out at least two platforms to experience their interfaces firsthand and determine which aligns best with your workflow and aesthetic preferences. If you already have a favorite platform, leveraging its familiar tools can streamline your portfolio updates. This approach ensures your portfolio accurately reflects your work quality while remaining easy to update as your skills and projects evolve.

Yes, but moving content can be time-consuming. If possible, pick a platform you can use throughout the program.

No, you are not required to pay to create or maintain your design portfolio site. While you have the option to pay for premium services such as removing company branding—like the Wix watermark that may be automatically inserted—these expenses are optional and not mandatory for participation in the program.

Canva is not recommended for creating your portfolio site. While Canva is an excellent tool for creating graphics, presentations, and other visual materials, it is not well suited for organizing the large amount of content you will add to your portfolio throughout the program. Students who have used Canva in the past often find that their sites become difficult to organize and navigate, and in some cases require a complete redesign later. WordPress can be used, but it often involves a steeper learning curve, especially for students without prior web design experience. Because creating a website is not a course objective, it is usually better to choose a platform that allows you to focus on organizing and presenting your work rather than learning complex website tools. In general, select a platform that is easy to update, easy to navigate, and capable of organizing multiple pages and subpages clearly as your portfolio grows throughout the program.