When it comes to portfolio websites, the choice of a content management system (CMS) can make or break your online presence. For years, I relied on a custom solution for my portfolio. While it worked, I was looking for something with more structure and scalability. Enter Statamic. Having used WordPress professionally for dozens of clients, I knew what it offered—and what it lacked for my specific needs. After experimenting with Statamic, I made the switch, and I couldn’t be happier. Here’s why.
Simplicity Meets Flexibility
WordPress is powerful but often comes with bloat that I didn’t need for my portfolio. Plugins, themes, and database dependencies added unnecessary complexity. Statamic, on the other hand, is flat-file based, meaning no database is required. This results in:
Faster performance.
Simpler deployment.
Easier backups (just copy your files!).
Developer-Friendly Workflow
As a developer, I want full control over my site without wading through clunky admin interfaces or dealing with outdated coding practices. Working with WordPress often feels like wrestling with its inconsistencies and legacy issues:
A lack of object-oriented programming (OOP) in several areas makes scaling and maintaining code more difficult.
The reliance on older coding styles and procedural PHP can be frustrating for developers used to modern tools.
The disparity between different parts of the platform (like the REST API versus the admin interface) creates a fragmented experience.
Statamic’s developer-first approach solves these problems by offering:
A YAML configuration system.
Easy integration with modern build tools.
An API-driven approach for custom functionality.
With Statamic, I can version-control my entire site, collaborate seamlessly, and deploy changes with tools like Git. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to WordPress’s more convoluted workflow.
Built for Customization
WordPress themes often force you to work within their predefined constraints. Even custom themes can require extensive PHP and template hacking. Don't even get me started on how often we have to use CSS tricks in a WordPress site on a page-by-page basis!
Statamic’s templating system, powered by 'Antlers', gives me the creative freedom to design layouts exactly how I envision them and create reusable components without hassle.
I found Antlers to be a slight learning curve compared to Laravel's Blade; however, both are equally capable. Besides, if you really want to stick with Blade, you can use it with Statamic with a little setup.
No More Plugin Chaos
WordPress plugins can be a double-edged sword. They’re powerful, but they often:
Slow down your site.
Create compatibility issues.
Require constant updates.
Statamic eliminates this headache by offering built-in functionality for things like forms, collections, and asset management. When I do need something extra, I can either build it in Laravel or use the Statamic marketplace for packages that other developers have created.
Why Statamic Works for Me
At the end of the day, choosing a CMS depends on your needs. Statamic offers the freedom to develop with modern tools while empowering creators to deliver high-quality content. Its structure and flexibility make it a perfect choice for developers who want to break free from the norms instituted by WordPress or other outdated solutions like Joomla.
Switching to Statamic allowed me to focus on creating instead of battling outdated workflows. This entire site, while still needs work, was made in 12 hours - including the time to learn Statamic! Whether you’re building a portfolio, a sleek marketing site, or even a robust platform for industries like banking or e-commerce, Statamic’s flexibility and performance deliver exceptional results.
If you’re considering a change, give Statamic a try—it might be the modern CMS solution you’ve been looking for.