How To Make An Online Portfolio

If you’re a designer, photographer or any sort of creative, you’ll know how important it is to have an outstanding portfolio to showcase your talent. This is not only good from a professional perspective but from a personal one too especially in terms of your development.

The handy thing about having an online portfolio is that it is instantly accessible from anywhere and you don't need to carry anything around with you. They can be updated easily and allow you to use features which will make your work look professional and displayed to its full potential. It's also a brilliant way to digitally show off design, photography and animation to impress both business and personal contacts.

Simplicity is Key

Keeping your portfolio simple is actually the easiest way to make it successful. Try and keep everything as relevant as possible. For example, if you're a logo designer then focus on your logo designs. If you're a photographer specialising in weddings then showcase your wedding photography. It should be clear to the visitor when they land on your page exactly what you're about. You'll need to ask yourself, how well does my online portfolio represent what I do? If you do have a few areas that you specialise in then consider making a separate portfolio for each or divide your portfolio into easy-to-find sections. Make sure your page is easy to navigate while your users look around your portfolio hence encouraging them to stay on your site.

Content

You'll need to place your work in order of relevance and quality. Display your proudest accomplishment at the forefront so that it is the first piece of work your visitor sees. You could have brief descriptions with your designs but remember they should be as short as possible. Only say what you need to and avoid lengthy explanations.

If you have a logo then it's a good idea to include this on your portfolio and the same applies to slogans. This will help your visitor to get a better idea of who you are and will show that you have established yourself and are serious about your work.

You could include links and videos. Don't be scared to make your portfolio dynamic and interesting. However, it should look clean and be free from clutter as this will only confuse your visitor.

About Page

This page should be easy to access and have your details stated clearly with a contact e-mail address. Use a formal address such as your name or company name to make your portfolio look professional and reputable.

Audience

Think about who would be interested in looking at your portfolio and if there if a specific audience that you can target. This can determine the work that you decide to showcase. It will come in handy if you have masses of material but are not sure which pieces you want to display. Having an audience in mind will allow you to be more selective when it comes to putting together your online portfolio. This will benefit you greatly as people surfing the web are often looking for something in particular. A good way to remain focused is to remember your goals and what you're trying to achieve.

Get Noticed

Once you have an impressive online portfolio you'll want to show it off and get it noticed. A great way of doing this is through social media. You can create a Facebook or Twitter page and provide links to your online portfolio. You can also include the link on your CV or any applications you may make. Don't be afraid to state on your portfolio what makes you stand out from the rest.

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How to make an online portfolio