Whether you’re an actor, dancer, or musician, talent alone isn’t enough to build a thriving career. You also need to market yourself in the best possible way and connect with the right people at the right time. That’s where an online portfolio can help.
A digital portfolio makes it easier to document, promote, and “sell” your skills. For example, you share it with talent agencies on LinkedIn or via email, link to it from your Instagram bio, or include it in your applications for casting calls. It’s more convenient than digging through clips scattered all over the place or sending oversized files.
Booked a role or performed live? You can add it to your portfolio instantly. Got press coverage or a glowing review? Showcase it in your digital portfolio. It’s that simple!
That said, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of having an online portfolio and how to create one that gets you noticed.
Stand Out Online Before You Step into the Casting Room
Depending on the role you’re applying for, you could be up against hundreds of talented artists, all striving for the same chance to shine. The only way to stand out is to build a personal brand that tells your story before you say a word. One that shows casting directors who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re worth their time.
The solution? Create a digital portfolio to highlight your skills. This could be a website or online profile featuring video reels, photos, testimonials, and any awards you have won. You can also link to your resume, IMDb page, and press mentions.
An online portfolio is more detailed and engaging than a resume. It also leaves more room for creativity and lets your personality shine through. You can use video, imagery, sound, and unique design elements to tell your story in a way a static résumé never could.
As your career grows, your online portfolio becomes a timeline of your work—that is, if you update it regularly. For instance, you can add a clip, poster, or behind-the-scenes photos after each gig.
Your portfolio could also help you get discovered without waiting for an audition, as casting agents often look for talent online. Think of popular artists like Shawn Mendes, Chloe x Halle, Bo Burnham, or Noah Centineo, who started out on social media.
For example, singer Shawn Mendes gained fame from Vine, where he posted song covers in 2013. A year later, he signed with Island Records and released his first hit.
But that’s not all. A digital portfolio can also help you build credibility, establish your reputation, and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Plus, you get to decide how people see you instead of relying on what others say or post about you.
How to Create an Online Portfolio That Sets You Apart
Creating an online portfolio doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. First, look for a website builder with pre-built templates and helpful features like drag-and-drop functionality, custom fonts, and image filters. A good example is Wix, which has both a free and premium version.
Next, decide what you want to include in your portfolio. Below are some ideas to consider:
- Your resume
- Demo reels
- Professional headshots
- Self-tapes
- Testimonials from fellow artists, directors, coaches, etc.
- Links to your social media accounts
- References or letters of recommendation
- Past and current projects
- Achievements (e.g., awards)
- Contact information
If you’re an actor, keep your resume focused on role-specific skills. For instance, highlight acting workshops, monologue performances, and stage experiences when auditioning for a dramatic role. It’s also a good idea to prominently display relevant credits that align with the roles you’re after.
As a general rule, include at least three recent headshots. You could also add a full-body shot and mid-shots, especially if you’re auditioning for acting roles. Keep your photos natural-looking and avoid overly stylized poses or heavy filters.
No reel yet? Use clips from student films, theater performances, or self-tapes highlighting your skills. Alternatively, shoot a couple of scenes with a fellow actor while waiting for “real” work to show up.
Don’t forget to add a compelling bio that captures your personality without sounding like a résumé recap. Tell your story, describe what makes you unique, and write about the roles you thrive in. Emphasize who you are, not just what you have done.
Your Portfolio Is Your First Audition, So Make It Count
Casting director Erica S. Bream explained on Instagram that only a few applicants get a shot. Sometimes it’s just 1-2%, occasionally up to 25%, but rarely do all submissions get seen.
The takeaway? You’re not being overlooked—it’s just a numbers game, and the only way to improve your odds is to make a great first impression.
Your portfolio is often the first thing casting directors see when screening applicants. If it’s bland and generic, it will go unnoticed.
However, this doesn’t mean you should overload it with photos, clips, and irrelevant credits. Be selective and include your best work. Consider the following practices, too:
- Make your portfolio easy to find: Optimize your portfolio for search engines to boost its visibility online. For starters, include relevant keywords in your bio, image alt text and descriptions, page titles, and blog posts (if any). Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or KWFinder to identify keywords with low competition and high search volume. Also, try to acquire links from IMDb, Project Casting, IndieWire, and other authoritative websites.
- Start a blog: Consider adding a blog to your online portfolio to share personal stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and lessons learned from auditions. Your blog posts will give casting directors a glimpse into your personality and work ethic, showing you’re more than a headshot. This is also an opportunity to strengthen your online presence, build an audience, and keep your site fresh.
- Share diverse media: Casting directors want to see variety to get an idea of your strengths and the roles you can play. That’s why you should include diverse media, from commercial clips and voiceover samples to comedic scenes, dramatic monologues, and self-tapes. The goal is to show you can lead, support, or switch genres as needed.
- Use a simple, clean design: A cluttered portfolio can feel overwhelming and divert viewers’ attention from your work. Ideally, stick to a clean design with intuitive navigation, legible fonts, and clearly defined sections. Steer clear of animations, autoplay audio, awkward typography, or other distracting elements.
- Promote your online portfolio: Add your portfolio link in your email signature, casting submissions, and LinkedIn profile. Also, promote it on Instagram and other social media platforms. For example, you could post a snippet of your reel on Instagram, then share a caption like, “Check out my full reel and latest projects at [link to portfolio]. Let me know what you think!”
As a final word, use your portfolio to build connections on social media and beyond. Share it with casting directors, fellow actors, and filmmakers to ensure you’re on their radar.
Don’t just promote yourself—instead, find common ground with these people and engage in meaningful conversations. They may not need you for a project right now, but if you have their attention, they may reach out when you least expect it.
