Creating A Successful Online Portfolio - Smashing Magazine. Advertisement Your portfolio is the showcase of your work, your skills and your potential for your future employers.
The more time and effort you dedicate for a usable and nice-looking design, the higher are your chances for getting better account balance in the end of the month. So how can you make sure your portfolio is better than the portfolios of your competitors? How can you point employer’s attention to your works? Creating a successful portfolio is easier than you think. There are some common mistakes designers make in their portfolios. Pitfall #1: Obfuscation Clarity and focus should permeate your portfolio. Over at Copyblogger there is an article that covers a simple list of writing tips from the man known for cutting out the fluff from writing in the early twentieth century. 2The Portfolio of Evan Eckard53 is an example of a website that promotes the work from the first page and Gets to it quickly. Pitfall #2: Information Cramming Pitfall #3: Overdoing It. 10 Characteristics of Excellent Portfolio Sites.
Recently we looked at the characteristics of effective blog theme design, and I’d like to take a similar look at the portfolio sites of freelance designers.
A designer’s online portfolio is a critical part of the business, and in some cases the most valuable asset of the business. A good portfolio site is a constant lead-generation tool, but what is it specifically that makes a great portfolio site? 1. Clear Communication A portfolio site should clearly and concisely communicate with visitors about the services that are provided and what the designer has to offer to potential clients.
The purpose of a portfolio site is to show the work of the designer and to attract new clients. Tony Geer not only has an attractive portfolio site, but he also uses prime screen real estate to quickly tell visitors what he offers and allows them to contact him or browse through his work. Leigh Taylor has a little badge on her site that lets visitors know that she is currently available for work. 2. 3. 4. 5. Creating The Perfect Portfolio. The web professional's online magazine of choice.
In: Articles By Collis Ta'eed Published on January 29, 2008 If you’re a designer looking for a job—whether of the freelance or permanent variety—then an online portfolio is pretty much mandatory. In many instances, your portfolio will be looked at without you present, without any other information about you, and probably by a person who has never spoken to or seen you in person. You should remember that a potential employer will probably make up their mind within the first half-dozen pieces you show—if you’ve got the goods, get them to the front of the portfolio so they act as a hook. I like to think I’ve seen all the angles on portfolios; I started out working as a designer, went freelance, expanded into an interactive agency where I hired designers, and finally cofounded a startup where we employ lots of freelancers. Identifying your audience Portfolios to get hired In this case your audience is clearly potential employers. 1. 2. 3. 4.