Most portfolio websites will provide you with a domain name, but they will often include their branding in the URL (ex. www.cargocollective.com/yourname). To avoid this and to "own" your own URL - www.yourname.com, you can and should purchase your very own domain name. If your ideal domain name is already taken, you can add your middle name, an initial, or a descriptor such as design or art to your URL. A good way to see what is out there is to google your name and see what comes up. However, searching for your specific URL is not advised, as it will likely re-direct you to a domain name purchasing site and they might charge you more because you searched for it.
Think of your domain name as the store window to whatever site you choose to build for your work. Linking your domain name to your portfolio site is fairly easy, but different for each vendor, so use the help features for your particular website host to determine how to do this. Owning your domain name allows you to change hosts and re-build your website but keep a consistent place for the public to find you - www.yourname.com.
Think of your domain name as the store window to whatever site you choose to build for your work. Linking your domain name to your portfolio site is fairly easy, but different for each vendor, so use the help features for your particular website host to determine how to do this. Owning your domain name allows you to change hosts and re-build your website but keep a consistent place for the public to find you - www.yourname.com.