I recommend setting something up with wordpress or even tumblr (there are some pretty good free layout themes for both that could serve as a decent portfolio site). Even setting up a flickr account would be okay if you’re really looking to put as little effort into your portfolio as possible. But really, if you’re serious about your own work and are serious about wanting to find real paying work as an illustrator or cartoonist then you should put some effort and maybe even a little money into presenting your work in a professional manner. If you aren’t taking yourself seriously enough to set up a decent looking website, art directors probably aren’t going to take you seriously either.

I noticed a few people commented on that DeviantArt thing I reblogged and said  that I was being a jerk or that DeviantArt is totally great. But I stand by that advice! I don’t take it back! My opinion is that DeviantArt is seriously a terrifying, difficult to navigate mess. I know a lot of art directors would agree with me. But that’s just my opinion as a person who has spent a few years now as a professional illustrator/cartoonist. I’m not trying to ruffle anyone’s feathers, I’m just passing along what I consider to be good advice.

I’m sure there are some incredible artists on DeviantArt and there are certainly some art directors out there who are willing to spend time looking at stuff on that site. But if DeviantArt is the only place your portfolio can be found on the internet, you’re absolutely cutting yourself off from being seen by a huge number of people like myself who simply can’t be bothered to deal with such a mess of a website. And why would you do that to yourself?