While building my new website, one of my main focuses was building out my portfolio projects to show how I can envision a brand beyond just a logo, and mockups are an excellent tool for that. So, within this post, I will share what a mockup is, why I think they are vital to your portfolio, and where to find high-quality mockups for free.

What is a mockup + why is it important?

A mockup is a model of your idea. Usually, in a PSD format, a mockup uses smart objects within Photoshop to place a flat design and then transforms your flat design into a 3D-looking masterpiece. You can find a lot of high-quality mockups built by talented designers, but you could also create one yourself with stock imagery if you have the skills and find the right image to bring your idea to life.

Mockups can help you showcase your work in ways that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to. Instead of having to go through the actual production of products (hello, time and money that may not be available), you can show your ideas with a few simple steps!

Here are a few of my favorite sites:

Site 1: mrmockup.com

The Mr.Mockup site is one I have been using for years. This site is excellent because they have a ton of Freebies. Their mockups are always good quality and easy to use with a mix of environmental and straightforward backgrounds. They also have paid mockups that are super customizable and detailed!

Bonus: They also have incredible font bundles at a discounted price! Sign up for their newsletter to get notified when they have new freebies and font bundles!

Site 2: unblast.com

Unblast is a website I started using recently, but so far, I love it! (You might even recognize some mockups on my site.) One of the best parts about this site is that all of their mockups are free! Many of the mockups on this website are product-based with simple backgrounds, but you can also find a handful of more scenic mockups with environmental backgrounds.

Bonus: This site also has fonts, icons, templates, graphics, 3D models, & color palettes.

Site 3: ls.graphics

Is.graphics is very similar to Unblast, in my opinion. Many of the same mockups can be found on both sites. However, this website has a mix of free and premium mockups that require payment. Premium mockups often allow for even more personalization, making the final product feel super unique to your project. They also have animated mockups which will bring your work to a whole new level!

Bonus: This site also has illustrations.

Site 4: anthonyboyd.graphics

Anthony Boyd is a Graphic Designer with many beautiful mockups on his site. A huge plus about using mockups from his site is that they are more original, especially his photography-based mockups. In addition, there is a mix of free and for purchase mockups on his site.

Bonus: This website also includes textures that can be great to add to your graphics for more interest.

Site 5: graphicpear.com

The final website on my list is Graphic Pear. This website is a tried and true site that I have used in the past, and it is updated weekly! Graphic Pear has a wide variety of product and stationery mockups. Most of their mockups have a simple color background as opposed to an environmental or photographic background. This website also includes a mix of free and for purchase mockups.

Bonus: This site also includes templates, icons, vectors, fonts, UI/UX, infographics, photos, patterns, design articles, and 3D Models.

Note: I am not affiliated with these sites, and these opinions are all my own.

My Top 5 Websites for Mockups