Website Review and Suggestions

**Reckoner** · 06-14-2010, 05:19 PM

Hello there,

I'm starting to want to get into more freelance work, and everywhere that I apply wants me to send a portfolio.

What I've been doing is sending links and descriptions listed in my cover letter, but I think that an actual porfolio website would be more effective.

I'm just not sure about what to include, I mean essentially it would be just be a more jazzed up list of websites I've made and linking to them, but I don't know what the best way to approach this is, or what else to include.

I've looked at other portfolios on the web, but the contents were more just separate element's pertaining to a website's need (banner ads, graphics), is that what you all do when you create a web design porftolio? Can some kind soul here just send me some examples of an effective portfolio website showing off previous works?

Thanks

**vangogh** · 06-14-2010, 06:55 PM

There's no one way to build a portfolio site or what to include in one. Obviously you want the page or pages where you're showing off your work, but beyond that it's really up to you.

I've seen really good single page portfolios and I've seen multi-page sites.

Since you're looking to do more freelance work I'd suggest a site with a few pages. Have an about page, maybe a list of services, a contact page, and naturally the portfolio itself. You could have one of those pages double as a home page as well. There really isn't any one option. Try to do something that shows off a little of your personality.

If you're not sure what to include keep it simple. You can always add more pages later. The pages I mentioned above are probably a few you'd most likely want to include initially.

Hope that helps.

**Reckoner** · 06-15-2010, 01:38 AM

Thanks for the response, that actually helps my direction a little bit. I think I'm just going to create a small site similar to what you suggested; list out links to the stuff I've made, but mostly try to tell more about myself and "sell" the story about how I could have creative input as well as translate anything that potential clients think they might have an idea about.

I dunno, the whole concept of a portfolio seems kind of silly to me. I understand the importance of needing to stand out, but everything is so subjective anyway without actually having contact with the developer / designer to know the real context about what actually went into a previous website and what contributions were made.

**vangogh** · 06-15-2010, 06:04 PM

You might want to take screen shots or use your original design images. Sites have a habit of changing or being taken offline. Also most people will sooner want to view a gallery on your site instead of having to click to the sites.

I know people can only know so much without the context behind the site's creation, but you can't look at it like that. You're building the site with the goal of landing new clients. Show what you can. If they like the designs they see, they'll contact you for the context. It's also true that there's subjectivity to what people are going to like. The idea is that your design style will appeal to those people who like it. Yes that's subjective, but so what? You're never going to appeal to everyone. You're trying to be be visible to the people you will appeal to.

**jamesy** · 06-16-2010, 11:53 AM

The best way to create a good portfolio is by first know what you are about to do, have original works with you, create a unique way into which people will admire the site you will be developing.Make sure the flash type used is compatible with many browsers.