Choosing the Right WordPress Solution for a Design-Forward, Video-Heavy Portfolio

As a creative professional transitioning from Framer to a new web platform, I’m seeking recommendations for a WordPress-based website builder that aligns with my unique needs. My primary focus is to find a no-code or low-code solution that combines flexibility, visual appeal, and robust media handling. Here’s a snapshot of my current requirements and considerations:

Project Background:
– Previously, I built an intricate website for my design and motion studio using Framer. With a rebranding underway, a fresh website is essential.
– The content is heavily focused on videos and images. Therefore, the platform must support customizable video players—preferably Vimeo skins or equivalent solutions—with CDN integration (important since 60% of my traffic originates from the US, despite being based in the EU).
– My aesthetic ethos blends SaaS-like modernity with high-art visual storytelling, reminiscent of Cargo Collective. While these styles are achievable across platforms, I prefer tools that are tailored with this design language in mind.

Why I’m Moving Away from Framer:
– Cost inefficiency over time.
– Subpar analytics, despite Framer promoting its insights; even GA4 had glitches, though support resolved those issues.
– Slow update cycles make project management cumbersome.
– File size limits and lack of automatic optimization features like lazy loading hinder performance.

What I Appreciated About Framer:
– Quick onboarding with accessible tutorials.
– A genuine design-first approach that puts visual layout ahead of code.
– Powerful component system for UI elements like buttons and forms.
– Flexible breakpoint controls, allowing me to adapt designs effortlessly for mobile devices.

Current Platform Considerations:
– Upgrading to Framer’s higher-tier plan to access their CMS (though at a significant annual cost of around €400).
– Exploring WordPress builders like DevHunt, which offers a reasonable price point and a UI somewhat akin to Elementor.
– Considering Oxygen Builder for its impressive design capabilities and lifetime deal, but wary of potential longevity issues.
– Evaluating Bricks Builder for its content management prowess, despite a steeper learning curve.
– Looking into Semplice for portfolio showcases, although its studio layouts tend toward agency styles and site performance varies.

Content Strategy:
My goal is to develop a CMS that allows me to showcase projects and case studies via custom templates—visual designs that truly highlight my work.

What I’m Seeking in a Tool:
– Not necessarily the simplest or most user-friendly solution;