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Free Customizable Writing Portfolio Header Templates (with Examples & Color Palettes)

Written by Monica Shaw

A stylish header image is an easy way to add a dose of professionalism to your online writing portfolio, and you don't need to be a graphic designer to create one. Canva is an awesome (and free) tool for making custom headers without need for design skills. To inspire you to improve your personal branding with Canva, we created a set of free, customizable writing portfolio header templates you can copy and use right away.

Free Writing Portfolio Header Templates

We designed this Canva collection specifically to shine with our Writer's Residence writing portfolio templates. We've also suggested colour palettes to go with each layout so you can create a chohesive site-wide brand. That said, these header templates will work with pretty much any website builder or writing portfolio site, whether you're using a dedicated portfolio builder like Writer's Residence or Copyfol.io, or a generic website builder like Wordpress.

Free Writing Portfolio Header Templates

The above are Writer's Residence writing portfolios made with our header templates - we recommend choosing layout one in in the design settings for the best effect.

How to use these free writing portfolio header templates (takes ~30 seconds):

  1. Scroll down to view the header templates and click on the link to open the Canva file that contains the template.
  2. Click Use template in Canva (creates your own editable copy).
  3. Swap in your name, tagline, colors, and imagery that fits your niche. (Top tip: in Canva you can use their "background remover" tool to create an outline of you / your headshot.)
  4. Download the header (PNG/JPG), then in Writer’s Residence go to Settings → Design → Header and upload your new header as a custom header.
  5. Colour palette bonus: We've also included a colour palette scheme to match the header. In Writer's Residence, you can add those over at Settings → Design → Color Palettes. Or use the design tools associated with whatever website builder you're using.

Jump straight to our header templates on Canva or scroll down for a header preview + colour palettes to use with Writer's Residence or your portfolio builder of choice.

What makes a strong writing portfolio header?

  • Clear name and tagline (your promise in one line).
  • Readable typography with high contrast (Canva makes that easy).
  • A cohesive color palette to match (we've included suggestions you can paste right into Writer’s Residence).
  • Optional photo for trust + personality. Or use something reflective of your niche (See Anna's header image below).
  • Visual tone that fits your niche (tech, travel, lifestyle, editorial, etc.).

Notice how an effective illustration can be just as effective as a headshot - and Canva has loads of free illustrations to choose from.

How to use these free, customizable header templates

  1. Open a template collection: Set 1 (8) (updated for November 2025) or Set 2 (15) (our original set of custom headers).
  2. Click Use template in Canva.
  3. Swap in your name, tagline, colors, and photo.
  4. Download your header as PNG or JPG.
  5. In Writer’s Residence go to Settings → Design → Color Palettes and paste the hex codes above.

FAQ: Writing Portfolio Headers

What size should my writing portfolio header be?

Most headers look great at 1920×600–800px. Canva templates are set up to export crisp, responsive images.

Can I use these templates for free?

Yes — they’re free, customizable Canva templates designed specifically for writers. No design experience required.

How do I choose a color palette?

Pick a base color that matches your niche and personality (calm greens for nature, cool blues for tech, playful pastels for lifestyle). Then copy the exact hex codes above into your site so the header and site theme match perfectly.

Ready to upgrade your brand? Grab a free customizable writing portfolio header template and start building a portfolio that opens doors. All of the header templates and colour palettes can be easily used with Writer's Residence. Just head to Settings → Design where you can easily upload your new awesome custom header and add the colour palette details.

Need a hand with any of this? Just reach out to support@writersresidence.com - those emails go straight to my inbox and you'll get a reply from me personally.

Monica Shaw

I founded Writer's Residence alongside my own journey as a professional writer in 2008. Today, I continue to work as a writer among other side hustles that contribute towards my freelance lifestyle. I write for other businesses - white papers, research reports, web content, and other forms of copywriting - as well as for pleasure on my own personal websites, eatsleepwild.com and smarterfitter.com.

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