Imagine how difficult it is to build a ship. Every component, from the hull designed to withstand the crushing forces of the ocean to the intricate navigation systems ensuring its safe journey, requires precision engineering and careful planning. Add to that the complexities of propulsion systems, safety protocols, and the sheer logistics of assembling such a massive structure, and it becomes a monumental task.

Now imagine a ship that ships other ships. It would need to perform all the functions of a regular ship, but also carry, secure, and manage other vessels, adding layers of complexity to its design and operation. It sounds a little absurd, but such ships do exist. They’re marvels of engineering, built with painstaking care to streamline one of the most challenging tasks imaginable.

And as I rebuilt my portfolio from scratch, I found myself reflecting on their digital equivalent: website builders. Tools like Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow are the ship-shipping ships of the internet. They don’t just create websites; they create websites that help others create. It’s an achievement worth admiring.

When I started my portfolio project, I seriously considered using one of these platforms. Website builders have undeniable appeal. They’re fast, accessible, and packed with sleek templates that promise professional results with minimal effort. For someone like me—balancing the demands of creativity and functionality—they seemed like the perfect solution.

But the more I explored them, the more I realised they weren’t quite right for this project. These platforms, for all their polish, are built around compromise. Their simplicity comes at the cost of flexibility. The templates, though beautiful, can feel restrictive. The drag-and-drop editors, while intuitive, don’t always allow for the level of customisation I wanted.

It wasn’t an easy decision. Building from scratch meant grappling with HTML, CSS, and the occasional bug that threatened to derail the whole project. It was slower, messier, and far less forgiving. But it also gave me control over every detail. Every line of code became an opportunity to make the site truly mine.

That’s the trade-off: effort for individuality. Website builders streamline the process, but they can’t replicate the sense of ownership that comes from crafting something by hand. They’re designed for efficiency, not personality—ships that carry other ships across the digital ocean, delivering beautiful but standardised cargo.

Still, I admire what they represent. Website builders embody the power of technology to democratise creation. Not long ago, building a website required specialised skills and significant time. Platforms like Squarespace and Wix have changed that. They’ve lowered the barriers to entry, allowing anyone with an idea to bring it to life. In doing so, they’ve reshaped the internet, making it more accessible and diverse.

And that’s where their true value lies. Not in the templates or the tools, but in their ability to empower. Whether you’re an artist showcasing your portfolio, a small business owner launching an online store, or a writer sharing your thoughts with the world, these platforms offer a starting point. They remind us that creativity doesn’t have to be exclusive.

In the end, I chose to build my portfolio from scratch—not because website builders aren’t incredible tools, but because this time, I wanted the process to reflect the project. The act of creating felt as important as the result. But I understand why someone else might make a different choice, and that’s the beauty of it.

Whether you’re building a website, a ship, or a ship-shipping ship, there’s no right or wrong approach. There’s only the approach that fits your needs, your vision, and your journey. So if a website builder gets you where you want to go, embrace it. And if you choose the slower, more custom path, savour the process. In the end, what matters isn’t how you build—it’s that you do.