Design Your Own Website for a Winning Portfolio
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By Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@webdesignschoolreview.com
Web Design School Review Columnist
All new web designers struggle with establishing their credibility as professional web designers. By designing your own website, you can demonstrate your abilities to potential employers or clients by providing concrete examples of your design talent.
Every serious aspiring web designer has a portfolio, a sample of design work that demonstrates his or her design ability. But many of those works might not be your best. Maybe they represent a collection of projects completed for a college design course, or a design-related internship where you had little control over the direction of the design.
You can remedy this situation and improve your portfolio by designing your own website. It can be exactly as you envision it, highlighting your strengths and versatility as a designer. Here are a few tips to guide your work.
Keep it Professional
What should be included in your personal design website? Remember, this isn’t a page used to meet friends or potential love interests. It’s not for blogging about your personal life, your politics, or previous jobs. Use it to showcase your design ability and nothing more.
Take Creative Risks
At the same time, you shouldn’t hesitate to unleash your creativity. Consider a new format for your website, one that doesn’t include the ubiquitous navigation bar with the traditional “about” and “contact” tabs. Show your ability to craft a design that is unique, unconventional, and intuitive.
Design Your Own Website Content
At this point you may be wondering what the content of your site should contain. Think of your site as an online resume, one that’s interactive and colorful. You could include a bio, a collection of your photography, illustrations, and graphic art, for example. You could also include a traditional resume, but with a fresh interpretation of layout and design.
Designing your own website is also a great way to learn more about yourself as a web designer. It can help you discover your personal style and your design voice. So select a domain name and begin work on a web project that will improve your portfolio and, hopefully, raise your standing among potential employers.
About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.
Posted at 10:55 AM on May 1, 2007
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