It is nearing the end of my graduate program, which means my classmates and I are working towards completing our online portfolios. I thought I would address this topic from a web design point of view. I haven’t made a web design post yet, but I feel like I should since front-end development and web design are so closely linked. In fact, I have decided to change the title of my blog to: Desk Talk – Front-end Development + Web Design. One of my passions is graphic design, so I really feel like I should be exploring both topics since this blog is meant to be a learning tool for me. The more topics I write on both topics, the more I will learn in general about the web. Plus, I believe most web design careers involve a little bit of coding.
Anyway, let’s get back to today’s topic: portfolios.
Portfolio sites are supposed to be platforms to show off
your work. It is recommended that
you show 10 or 15 pieces. The
layout of the site is up to the creator, but generally you want to have it
pretty simple. Basically, you
don’t want your really awesome interactive features taking away from the meat of
the page, which is your portfolio work.
I am in the process of making my own portfolio site. I thought I’d create a list of things
to both do and don’t do when making your online portfolio.
Contact Details - Do
There is no point in making a portfolio if people can't contact you about your work. Create a way for other people to contact you. Make a contact form, create some social media buttons, and include a resume. While this may seem trendy, it is really a necessity. However, you could argue that the social media icons aren't needed. It really depends on the career you are striving for.
There is no point in making a portfolio if people can't contact you about your work. Create a way for other people to contact you. Make a contact form, create some social media buttons, and include a resume. While this may seem trendy, it is really a necessity. However, you could argue that the social media icons aren't needed. It really depends on the career you are striving for.
Code Your Own - Do
This might not apply to all portfolio work, but if you have the necessary skills to code your own portfolio, do so. You’ll have a more accurate representation of your skills and it will be more personalized. Plus, you’ll save money; themes can host anywhere from $10-100. You will also save some interview embarrassment when they ask if you have the skills to make what your portfolio portrays.
This might not apply to all portfolio work, but if you have the necessary skills to code your own portfolio, do so. You’ll have a more accurate representation of your skills and it will be more personalized. Plus, you’ll save money; themes can host anywhere from $10-100. You will also save some interview embarrassment when they ask if you have the skills to make what your portfolio portrays.
Skill Bars – Don’t
Those skill bars might look cool, but they are not that useful. I mean, they might give a general idea of what you are better at, but they are not measurable data. If you’re 90% in Illustrator, you might be at a 30% skill level compared to another graphic designer. Furthermore, you're making yourself look bad by stating you are a less-skilled in some areas. Don't speak of your weaknesses. Plus, everybody is using them. The number one rule in portfolios is to stick out. This rule will creep up again in more of these tips.
Be Generic - Don't
 |
| The generic portfolio that is taking over the web |
Don't follow trends when designing your portfolio website. Just because everybody else is doing, doesn't mean you should be doing it. And sometimes, the trend isn't exactly a good thing (looking back at skill bars). Design your own logo, layout, and color palette. Reach for the stars. Inspire others.
Write About Yourself Using Way Too Many Adjectives - Don't
You say you're a 23 year old web designer who likes taking long walks on the beach, taking national geographic quality images of the birds at the park, drinking awesome beer, and making it known that you're a creative individual. Great! But who cares? Nobody. You come off somebody that is really into themselves. Let your portfolio and resume do the talking. You'll have plenty of time to talk about yourself in an interview.
Blog - Do/Don't
If you are going to keep up with your blog and post at least once a week, then definitely keep the blog. It will be a great addition to your resume and it will show that you are knowledgable about certain subjects. It will also give your portfolio a personal voice.
Don't display a blog if it is something you haven't updated in weeks. It makes your site look like it has cobwebs on it and that you are inactive in your field.
And finally, a humorous example of what not to do:
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