Feedback appreciated.

[6644Graphics]

hey there. Im kind of new on here. Im starting out in the professional world and I have a site up.

www.6644graphics.com

please check it out and let em know what you think, please. honest opinions and suggestions would be VERY greatly appreciated.

thanks guys

[cjoe]

1st thing: The with of the body copy is way too much. ideally, the width should be about 45 - 60 characters. Some of the stuff in your digital art section of the portfolio is very amateurish. I dont think you should be showing it. Some of your designs aren't super, but if you are just starting I guess thats okay. The overall style of the site is okay, i am not amazed by it, but its not bad. Maybe a little sparse.
The layout could do with a bit of tweaking, the navigation is not the greatest.

[6644Graphics]

may sound silly but, what can i do to be better? What should I look into, or read, or learn.

Im only 17, planning on going to an art school after high school. Im really interested in improving my skills. I really want to "wow" the admissions people at college when i submit a portfolio. Im currently working on learning ASP.

please, any tips would be great. :)

thanks for your input, by the way.

[that mike guy]

If you want to improve your online portfolio, research more websites out there...

And not just for design. Take a look at Big Budget websites...anything from BMW to expedia to banking websites.....these people put a lot of effort into the marketing aspect... which is something you need to work on more so than your design.

Visit sites like these, get the feel of your first impressions, and ask yourself, "Why does this site make me feel like 'this'? why do i look at this part of the screen first? what type of information hits me first, and why?"

The psychological aspects are what you want to focus on more.
Of course your design could use some more work, but that will inevitable come in time... what you need is to get people interested in you as a professional in the first place.

So take a look at your site again...the main page... and ask yourself, "Is the information relevant to a client looking to hire me?"

Also, you might want to lose the 'clients' page... i've often thought about a section like this for my own website, but unless your doing shit for Nike, pepsi, or Playboy, it's not really worth it.

hope that helps some. good luck.

[6644Graphics]

thanks for the tips. This stuff so far is helping me alot.

My brother is a full time designer, www.sgcreative.com , and he's been doing really good in the Detroit, MI area. He recently did a total over haul on his site, which really inspired me to do something of the sort. i was considering either going more business or going more personal portfolio... or possibly breaking off my personal stuff from the business stuff.

thanks again for your help.

[distruktor]

i agree with that mike guy, research is a good start point. Even if its only to get you creative juices flowing. try sites like these:

www.linkdup.com

www.designiskinky.com

www.surfstation.lu

all these sites have interesting stuff on them and hundreds of links to great sites, that look stunning.


some of the best things i have spent my wages on is books... i love books and they are a valuable source of inspiration and reference. An individual can gain inspiration from anywhere and anything but books about brochure design, logo design, corporate CI, typography are always a good start.

Here are some which i have found useful over the years:

los logos, dos logos, Magculture - new magazine design, Experimental formats 1 & 2, picto plasma, ryan huges - device, 55 degrees north, why not associates ?2, best of brochure design 7 & 8, 1000 type treatments, 1000 graphic elements, Business cards - the art of saying hello, making and breaking the grid....

i could go on but im probably boring you :D

on your site i think you need more graphic design, personal stuff like your photography and graphic art is cool but to get work you are going to have to show people more substantial real world stuff....
brochures, identities + stationery would be a good place to start. If you dont have anything like that already pick some companies and design them a new CI, or make some companies up (thats what i did when i was starting up) or if you have any connection in the industry (like you brother) ask if you can have a copy of some of his briefs to work on in your own time. this is a good way to build up a decent portfolio.

anyway, hope this was of some help

Dis.

[that mike guy]

I read those 'best of brochure designs' books too.....!

first thing i thought when i flipped throught them, was "ooohhh....so THIS is how brochures are supposed to look like..." lol!

they were a good kick in the ass.

[6644Graphics]

Ive defiantly been looking into books. I recently picked up the big Training From the Source: Dreamweaver book from macromedia. Its really cool, i just havnt had a chance to start doing the stuff from it.

[icekitty37]

books are one thing... but im one to build by experience. ive found it to be better than college classes by far.

[distruktor]

books are one thing... but im one to build by experience. ive found it to be better than college classes by far.


i never went to college, so i cant comment. To be honest there is a fifty fifty mix where i work of people that went to college and people that didnt... the only real difference between us is that the ones that didnt go have more experience...

Bit of a sweeping statment here but i am a great believer that you cant teach someone to be a good designer. As well as having an eye for what looks right design is about instinct and passion, its an emtional thing... not a set process there is no, equation you can follow to an award winning piece of design.

[tZ]

foget the site… before you start offering up your services I suggest you learn how to design.

Non of work really conveys an understanding of design… maybe the software but, other then that- not really. It is especially evident in your photographic work- where are the focal points?- Where is the impact? Where is the purpose? Where is the communication?. Withut all that your work just looks… blah.

This isn't meant to be harsh just honest. I realize your only 17 but, you shouldn't be selling yourself as something you are not. First learn… then sell. I don't find it fair when people learn on a clients penny… call me crazy. I realize when I say that as graphic designers we are allways learning but, not the basics such as unity and balance which most of your work is missing due to the lack in repetition.

However, all and all not to bad for being 17. However, not worth paying for- in my opinion.

That assessment wasn't meant to harsh just honest.

[Emmanize]

Bit of a sweeping statment here but i am a great believer that you cant teach someone to be a good designer.

I agree 110%. You’re either a designer or your not. I suppose you can teach someone the basics of design. But if you’re a born designer you will always have that extra something.

Keep trying and don’t give up. It takes a lot of practise (talented or not). Maybe offer to do some work free or for half the cost. This is great practise and you will get a lot of offers. Not to mention more projects under your belt. I did this to start with and it has really paid off for me. However everyone is different. Good Luck :)

[lesliegraphics]

I agree with tZ's comments. Although a bit harsh, they are honest. I even feel that maybe a website is a bit premature for you. You are still in high school so not only do you have alot to learn, you have plenty of time to do it. It's great that you have found this website. GDF is someplace you should spend alot of time on. You will learn so much! So you see you are onto a good start!

One last thing: don't make claims that you are the "best" graphic design solution in Dayton Ohio. I realize that you are only trying to sell yourself but it just seems like you haven't earned those bragging rights yet, eh? If you claim to be the best you should have the work to back it up, otherwise don't claim it.

Good luck to you, just like everyone else in this business, you'll need it!

[cojemeachin]

try to use fonts such as: Arial, Tahoma, Verdava, Times New Roman
thats it! do not use others!

[6644Graphics]

I thought century gothic was a pretty basic one... I know its standard on macs and windows.. but yeah, I see where youre coming from.

[chris_bcn]

Trebuchet MS is a pretty safe one too - I use it quite a lot

[cojemeachin]

Trebuchet MS is a pretty safe one too - I use it quite a lot

I agree! That is very nice font! Just use it! ;)