My portfolio; Opinions good/bad

[poltek]

Hello

I'd love some comments from you guys on my portfolio, critiques or praise welcome.

http://thewebspin.com/sub/

Thanks a lot.

[budafist]

Would be better if there was a "next" button in your portfolio gallery.

I like the Sydney Music Guide logo with the Opera House in it.

Not really into the website templates. Either you design a working website for a client, or you don't. These templates look half assed and unfinished. It would be better if you inserted believable text/copy so that people have a better vision of what you are trying to achieve here.

This portfolio seems to be presented in a random order?! You should put them into some kind of semblance: websites, flyers, publications etc.

Most importantly, if someone likes your work, you haven't made it easy for them to find you to hire you.

[poltek]

Would be better if there was a "next" button in your portfolio gallery.

I like the Sydney Music Guide logo with the Opera House in it.

Not really into the website templates. Either you design a working website for a client, or you don't. These templates look half assed and unfinished. It would be better if you inserted believable text/copy so that people have a better vision of what you are trying to achieve here.

This portfolio seems to be presented in a random order?! You should put them into some kind of semblance: websites, flyers, publications etc.

Most importantly, if someone likes your work, you haven't made it easy for them to find you to hire you.

Hey thanks a lot for your reply.

There is a 'next' button on the gallery.. once an enlarged image is open, you'll see a button with 'next', and after it has passed the first one you'll find it will say 'prev' when you move your mouse over the left hand side of the image.

I'd prefer a detailed description of your "critique" rather than 'this is half assed & unifnished effort on the web tamplates!'...

Both web templates on there were going to be used, but under the specific circumstances they were not in the end.

If you could elaborate on your view that both of the website templates look 'unfinished' and 'half-assed' that would be fantastic. For the time being I think I'm going to give you less credit for such a vague stab in the dark, comment.

I also don't think text is relevant at all, it's not the content that people who are looking for a designer should be focusing on... if it were meaningful, insightful text then I'd distract the potential employee with random info which he/she may decide to read... a very bad thing if you ask me.

It's a good point you made on the order... I think I'll add some more description to each image.

I have bought the domain selentice.com but godaddys really ruined it.

[budafist]

I'd prefer a detailed description of your "critique" rather than 'this is half assed & unifnished effort on the web tamplates!'...

Both web templates on there were going to be used, but under the specific circumstances they were not in the end.

If you could elaborate on your view that both of the website templates look 'unfinished' and 'half-assed' that would be fantastic. For the time being I think I'm going to give you less credit for such a vague stab in the dark, comment.

I also don't think text is relevant at all, it's not the content that people who are looking for a designer should be focusing on... if it were meaningful, insightful text then I'd distract the potential employee with random info which he/she may decide to read... a very bad thing if you ask me.


It must be because I'm not used to dealing with templates. Ever. When I see something with a list on the edge like this:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/4437/picture3gu2.png

I find it very generic since they all look the same (unusual for a real website) and therefore distracting for me. I would prefer to see a finished website rather than lots of placeholder text. Do you really want to tell your future clients that you have started websites but for whatever reasons never completed them? Clients want to see finished work. Even if it's only finished for your portfolio. It's better to have a couple of personal projects that are finished than to have several real clients with unfinished projects.

There is a 'next' button on the gallery.. once an enlarged image is open, you'll see a button with 'next', and after it has passed the first one you'll find it will say 'prev' when you move your mouse over the left hand side of the image.

Can't see the next and prev buttons. Can you in this screen shot? Or is it at the top of the screen shot? I can only see Close.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2145/picture2bi7.png

Hope this helps :)

[teniworks]

Before I even saw Buda's comment, I was thinking the same thing. The templates are using repetitive text (and/or dummy copy) which does not work to complete the site(s) and make it easy for the potential employer to envision their product or service in the template. You are trying to do many things in short period of time to get that customer-so make it as easy as possible to gain their attention and keep it. I would prefer to see a finished site with finished text. As a matter of fact, if you feel that you must use dummy copy then use lorem ipsum but, make your headers actual titles. Make it inviting to the "customer".

The "prev" and "next" buttons should be very prominent once the individual pages are opened. Right now, it's frustrating to move back and forth. It makes me want to instantly move onto another site b/c of that frustration- so imagine what other visitors would do? Also, when I close the individual windows, the portion of the page where your work is disappears and the page has to be reloaded.

[budafist]

Are you saying you can see the next and prev buttons teniworks? Can you do a screenshot? I couldn't see them. Maybe I need some new glasses.

[Two-Toe Tom]

you have to rollover near the side of the image for the buttons to appear, haven't you been to a site with lightbox before? :p

as for the site, i'd like the thumbnails to illuminate when you roll over them. having them greyed out like that defeats the purpose of a thumbnail as it doesn't really give you a good preview of the piece.

[budafist]

you have to rollover near the side of the image for the buttons to appear, haven't you been to a site with lightbox before? :p

Found them! Thanks for the clarification TTT. It seems that I've never come across this kind of lightbox before. Could it be possible then, that the OP's clients might not get it either? Or am I a special kind of stupid? :o

[Two-Toe Tom]

hmm, certainly something to consider :p

as for the dummy text, i agree that 'real' text would be better. ideally, graphic design isn't just about making stuff look pretty, it's also about supporting and effectively conveying the content. by having dummy text, you're giving off the idea that you're just interested in making things look nice without regard for whether the design supports their message or not. most clients want their designs tailored specifically for their business, otherwise they'd just buy a template site instead of hire a graphic designer.

[poltek]

I find it very generic since they all look the same (unusual for a real website) and therefore distracting for me. I would prefer to see a finished website rather than lots of placeholder text. Do you really want to tell your future clients that you have started websites but for whatever reasons never completed them? Clients want to see finished work. Even if it's only finished for your portfolio. It's better to have a couple of personal projects that are finished than to have several real clients with unfinished projects.That particular template isn't "unfinished", it's finished and also you totally ignored what I said in the last reply to your concerns for it being 'half assed'.

Just because it's not been whipped up yet by someone, or because someones not used it doesn't mean I shouldn't show it off.

Like many of my side projects - they aren't all used.. but they show what I am capable of.

I don't know what kind of clients you get but I'd prefer ones with brains who can tell that just because it's dummy text doesn't mean the site design is half assed.

I also made that particular design in Spanish if you didn't notice..it was to force the user to look at the design and ignore what the text 'says' because it is *not* important. What's important is for them to envisage what kind of information element should go where.

It's quite easy for them to assume for example that the large text on the top right is infact a 'header' and perhaps text on the left is the 'navigation'.

Hopefully I can make a time-out on the 'next', 'prev', buttons so users don't get lost.

otherwise they'd just buy a template site instead of hire a graphic designer.
A graphic designer has to make the template.. what do you think I am doing?

as for the site, i'd like the thumbnails to illuminate when you roll over them. having them greyed out like that defeats the purpose of a thumbnail as it doesn't really give you a good preview of the piece.Good point. I think I'll make the thumbs bigger.

[kevincdg]

I don't know what kind of clients you get but I'd prefer ones with brains who can tell that just because it's dummy text doesn't mean the site design is half assed.


i'm glad you're at a place in your career where you can only pick the select clients that 'have brains.' so far the majority i've found don't, so it's easier to spell things out and give them exactly what it will look like -- it also clears up confusion you might run into later when inputting their data and it doesn't fit or looks different then they expected.

i know what clients i'd prefer, but that hardly means i'll ever actually work for them. in fact, i think i've only had two clients i've actually liked, but i'm still fairly new also.

good luck.

i also agree that there should be real links and better text within the designs, not everyone can conceptualize a design that's "not finished."

other then that, i like a majority of your work. nice job!

[budafist]

I have to say, the majority of clients don't have a designer's eye. Which is why we need to be clear and concise to avoid confusion where possible. Don't be mad at me, I'm just seeing it from fresh eyes. It's not my fault that I see things differently to you.

Be thankful that you have never had a confused client before or been confronted with misunderstandings.

I like the style of the work too, just picking out the stuff that can be worked on.

[PrintDriver]

I guess the question no one's asked is
are the templates you have for your use, ie open templates a single client can purchase and have you fill out for them or are they templates that the masses download and fill in themselves? By "the masses" I mean those unsavvy enough to create their own, and by "download" I mean multiple times.

BTW, your images load at just under the threshold of a 10-chimpanzees count on a DSL line. I lost patience after 3.

[poltek]

Thanks for all your replies.

I've:

1. made it full xhtml 1.0 compliant, so it looks the same on all browsers.
2. optimized the full portfolio images & the sites images - thanks 'PrintDriver'
3. will be adding a few links to some animations I've done.
4. categrized each image - thanks 'budafist' (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/member.php?u=11348)
5. changed one of the web templates for a better one
6. added the 'next', 'prev' buttons so they are always visible - thanks 'budafist'

[tZ]

1. made it full xhtml 1.0 compliant, so it looks the same on all browsers.

?

Thats not the purpose of using valid mark-up.

Not a big fan of the images not loading in unison. Then again theres not much you can do about that since, your using tables… shrugs

[Drawing a Blank]

What is the point of having the partial build of the Toyota in a 3D program? It seems so out of place and unfinished. You should really have a finished piece there.

On the logos page the "prev" button is at the top and the "next" button is at the bottom.

[razuel]

Am I missing something or is there no form of contact?

Also, what's the point in the gigantic 'Portfolio' title? I don't see it serving a design purpose. You have a very dark and simple design, go with a more modern, simple type as the title. I'd also suggest using something other than just, 'portfolio.' Unless this is a sub page to an entire site that I haven't seen?

[poltek]

?

Thats not the purpose of using valid mark-up.

Not a big fan of the images not loading in unison. Then again theres not much you can do about that since, your using tables… shrugs
One of the main reasons for using standard valid xhtml is so that it doesn't brake on any browser.

What did you think xhtml was about?.. maybe I'm mistaken?

What is the point of having the partial build of the Toyota in a 3D program? It seems so out of place and unfinished. You should really have a finished piece there. Oh good point on the toyota, I will finish that soon - but it's still worthy of a feature in my opinion.. unless it's seen as a pretty easy thing to do.
QUOTE] On the logos page the "prev" button is at the top and the "next" button is at the bottom.[/quote]
Hmm, now that is odd. Coould you tell me what browser you're using?.. I don't get it here (firefox + ie 6)

Thanks


Am I missing something or is there no form of contact? No you're right, there's no form of contact.. This portfolio is the one I show to clients whom then contact me back.. though I guess there's no harm adding my email.

Also, what's the point in the gigantic 'Portfolio' title? I don't see it serving a design purpose. You have a very dark and simple design, go with a more modern, simple type as the title. I'd also suggest using something other than just, 'portfolio.' Unless this is a sub page to an entire site that I haven't seen? Gigantic 'portfolio title', quite simply because it's just a portfolio... and I like the font. - what's the problem with a big title?

I don't want to follow the herd of sheep with 'modern, web 2.0', i'd actually consider that design to be very futuristic infact.

and no, no other major site.

Thanks for all your comments and critiques, keep them coming.

[razuel]

I'm sick of the bandwagon of everyone considering anything that looks up-to-date to be web 2.0

I would've considered that to be futuristic in 1997 maybe, but it's an out of date style now. There's a difference between following a 'herd of sheep' and staying current with the field. Large titles are fine, but in an ms-dosish style font and a drop shadow it just screams 56k era trends.

As far as just using 'portfolio,' that's fine-- but for a one page layout I'd expect a little more creativity and clarity.

The style is less of what I was critiquing, it's more of the place it holds within the design as a whole. If you want a nice, fluent design then you need to work on finding a balance that flows well from banner to content. I could go into detail, but I have a feeling you won't take my sheep-minded critique warmly.

[poltek]

I'm sick of the bandwagon of everyone considering anything that looks up-to-date to be web 2.0

I would've considered that to be futuristic in 1997 maybe, but it's an out of date style now. There's a difference between following a 'herd of sheep' and staying current with the field. Large titles are fine, but in an ms-dosish style font and a drop shadow it just screams 56k era trends.

As far as just using 'portfolio,' that's fine-- but for a one page layout I'd expect a little more creativity and clarity.

The style is less of what I was critiquing, it's more of the place it holds within the design as a whole. If you want a nice, fluent design then you need to work on finding a balance that flows well from banner to content. I could go into detail, but I have a feeling you won't take my sheep-minded critique warmly.
I'm open to critiques and other peoples views.

It's good you're being fully honest, and I'm not doubting what you're saying to be false, but I'd beg-to-differ on the claim that it's "ms-dosish style font", if you got ms-dos looking like that then congratulations..

Funny thing you mention drop shadows - because there isn't one. I multiplied the text layer, edited the paths so that when I stretched each bottom vector point down you were unable to see the fonts serif. Also, a 'shadow' constitutes a darker tone.. if you'll notice it's actually, lighter. - hence in photoshop the layer style is assigned as 'subtract', thats why you have to change it to 'add' or 'normal' to view such a "shadow".

As far as just using 'portfolio,' that's fine-- but for a one page layout I'd expect a little more creativity and clarity.
Fair point, could you show me some examples of where you think I should be heading?

[razuel]

I'm open to critiques and other peoples views.

It's good you're being fully honest, and I'm not doubting what you're saying to be false, but I'd beg-to-differ on the claim that it's "ms-dosish style font", if you got ms-dos looking like that then congratulations..

Funny thing you mention drop shadows - because there isn't one. I multiplied the text layer, edited the paths so that when I stretched each bottom vector point down you were unable to see the fonts serif. Also, a 'shadow' constitutes a darker tone.. if you'll notice it's actually, lighter. - hence in photoshop the layer style is assigned as 'subtract', thats why you have to change it to 'add' or 'normal' to view such a "shadow".


Fair point, could you show me some examples of where you think I should be heading?

I was referring to the exta ears on the fonts, like the 'i' and 'l.'

I know it's not a drop shadow, it's a quicker way of saying another layer behind your primary to make it pop.

Where I think you should be heading? I don't know, I've never seen anyone with this sort of page. If I were creating a page with nothing but a portfolio-- I'd at least put, 'portfolio of john smith.' I don't understand why you put 'portfolio' and 'recent works'-- unless you plan on putting older work there too. If it were me I'd get rid of that header all together. It goes back to my comment about the flow of the design-- in its current state it looks like 3 pieces of text plopped onto the page. All three have equal contrast almost with very similar weight due to their positioning.

For a more literal understanding of what I'm saying-- close your eyes then open them quickly and see where your eyes focus. Right now it's a mess between the four pieces of text and large centered block of portfolio pieces.

This is getting nit picky though-- your page serves the purpose of displaying your work. I'm just critiquing the manner in which you display it.

[budafist]

I don't know, I've never seen anyone with this sort of page. If I were creating a page with nothing but a portfolio-- I'd at least put, 'portfolio of john smith.'

I catch it before, but this page needs to have your name on it. Imagine if someone else got a hold of your portfolio url and emailed it to your potential employers? I'm not saying they would, but they could since there is nothing on this page to suggest that it was done by you (or anyone else specifically). An employer might also want to confirm that this page was done by you.

[poltek]

I catch it before, but this page needs to have your name on it. Imagine if someone else got a hold of your portfolio url and emailed it to your potential employers? I'm not saying they would, but they could since there is nothing on this page to suggest that it was done by you (or anyone else specifically). An employer might also want to confirm that this page was done by you.
Nah it's pretty useless really, if someone can't trust you to the extent of them believing you about a URL, then there's no point doing business with them.

[tZ]

The default element tag may be rendered differently across browsers regardless if the mark-up validates.

Improper use of css would be the reason a site differs across browsers.

One thing I noticed on the mark-up end is that the thumbnails should be placed in an unordered list not separate div. Semantically, a div is meant to be used for a division. The thumbnails are not a division they are a list. Therefore, you should use the proper element to define that in the mark-up.

The design itself is not very interesting or innovative but I get the impression thats not your intent.

You may also want to consider an appropriate screen size to limit your portfolio images to. Some of your images are so large that they are adding a scroll bar and its quit annoying.

Furthermore, I'm all for image replacement but you should still include the images typographical content in the mark-up. Whether this is done through flash, negative text indent really doesn't matter but you should consider having an alternative to the image. For example, you should use heading tags to mark-up the portfolio and work. Then use a background image with a negative text indent for example. This way you can add the images as backgrounds to the heading tags and keep the sematic meaning along with the content.

[tZ]

deleted

[frankster]

Nah it's pretty useless really, if someone can't trust you to the extent of them believing you about a URL, then there's no point doing business with them.

I'm not sure, but I think what Buda meant is that someone could say that your portfolio is actually thiers at a job interview or showing to clients, because you haven't made it obvious that it's yours.

[budafist]

I guess the question is, why don't you want to claim your website as your own? I would have copyright to myself all over the show.

[kevincdg]

I guess the question is, why don't you want to claim your website as your own? I would have copyright to myself all over the show.

yea, one of the more popular methods is putting meta author and copyright information in the html header.

this site is built to sell yourself -- if you don't it sends a message that you aren't either impressed with your work or one that you don't really want to take credit for it.

you don't have to go all out and tile your name as a background image behind the design, but at least enough so they can relate your name with the website or work in general. you're branding yourself, remember.

[budafist]

By "all over the show" I only meant once per page. Not a tiled bg of my name ;)

[kevincdg]

By "all over the show" I only meant once per page. Not a tiled bg of my name ;)

oh, i know, i just like exaggerating things to make a point. i guess i speak in excess. :D

[Drawing a Blank]

Hmm, now that is odd. Coould you tell me what browser you're using?.. I don't get it here (firefox + ie 6)

Thanks

I'm was using IE7 here at work when I saw that. Just took alook with firefox and the buttons were both on the top.

[poltek]

I catch it before, but this page needs to have your name on it. Imagine if someone else got a hold of your portfolio url and emailed it to your potential employers? I'm not saying they would, but they could since there is nothing on this page to suggest that it was done by you (or anyone else specifically). An employer might also want to confirm that this page was done by you. It's all a bit unnecessary in my opinion.

I have no care if people wish to steal my images, they can if they like.

fact is, if people have to steal these images then they're not good enough to produce them theirselves, which will only come back to them and bite them in the ass later - also the fact that those same types of people would also be able to get *any* images and claim it is theirs.. I really have no problem with that fact and it is up to that person to decide what he/she wants to do.

The employee would know it is done by me, because I tell him it. If he needs written solid proof that it is mine then I'll show him some more work, or even my c.v. I have no control weather someone has trust in me, if they do then fantastic, if not then oh well - but I'd be best without them if they can't even believe it's my work.. you know what I mean?

I'm was using IE7 here at work when I saw that. Just took alook with firefox and the buttons were both on the top.Thanks, I'll fix that later on.

I guess the question is, why don't you want to claim your website as your own? I would have copyright to myself all over the show. Becuase I'm not that type of person. The internet has an anonymous feel to it anyway and I don't feel the need to plaster my name over it, after all - what is a name anyway?.. I don't need to feel respect or gratification from my work... I'm proud of it, but I also understand I have a long way to go... Also, when people have water marks on images it pisses me off, I just can't understand why people feel the need to do that.

this site is built to sell yourself -- if you don't it sends a message that you aren't either impressed with your work or one that you don't really want to take credit for it.I have to disagree with this. Putting my name, or any credit on any work I produce for the sake of showing I am proud of it is flawed. Your reasoning makes little sence when thought through properly.

A name is a name, just another person producing work. I don't need a name to speak for myself, I need my work to do that job - and if it doesn't?.. well, then I need to try harder.

you don't have to go all out and tile your name as a background image behind the design, but at least enough so they can relate your name with the website or work in general. you're branding yourself, remember. I understand you, but giving them the link and saying 'this is my portfolio' is enough for me.

The default element tag may be rendered differently across browsers regardless if the mark-up validates.Improper use of css would be the reason a site differs across browsers.One thing I noticed on the mark-up end is that the thumbnails should be placed in an unordered list not separate div. Semantically, a div is meant to be used for a division. The thumbnails are not a division they are a list. Therefore, you should use the proper element to define that in the mark-up. Thanks for the tip, I'll try it out.

The design itself is not very interesting or innovative but I get the impression thats not your intent. If you're going to say that, then atleast back it up.. why do you feel it isn't?..I need to know why so I can understand.

Also, I quite liked the design myself of course and yes I found it interesting myself, not so much innovative but still nice on the eyes.

You may also want to consider an appropriate screen size to limit your portfolio images to. Some of your images are so large that they are adding a scroll bar and its quit annoying. A horizontal or vertical scroll bar?.. If you're on about a horizontal one then I will highly agree, though if you mean a vertical then I choose to leave the images the size they are. Some of the images are websites, and rarely will you get a normal sized website which all fits on screen.

Furthermore, I'm all for image replacement but you should still include the images typographical content in the mark-up. Whether this is done through flash, negative text indent really doesn't matter but you should consider having an alternative to the image. For example, you should use heading tags to mark-up the portfolio and work. Then use a background image with a negative text indent for example. This way you can add the images as backgrounds to the heading tags and keep the sematic meaning along with the content. I'll be honest with you, I'm no great coder. I don't see code as art myself and I choose to stay away.. I will try my best for the sake of making a website work, but as far as elegant code goes - count me out.

I understand what you're saying, but I'm looking for more freelance design work, not code... - though, if you're willing to explain a bit more indepth and give me some examples I'll happiyl have a look.


Thanks a lot you guys - you're really giving me a nice unbiased opinion.

[razuel]

I have to disagree with this. Putting my name, or any credit on any work I produce for the sake of showing I am proud of it is flawed. Your reasoning makes little sence when thought through properly.


About as much sense as spelling it 'sence.'

I agree with everyone else. This page is lacking the necessary elements to be successful. If all you want to do is show some images, then you've done it. If you want to increase your business as much as possible, it needs work.

[tZ]

I would like to see thought beyond throwing image thumbnails in the center with lightbox.

For a non-coder I'd like to see more emphasis placed on the design. This site looks like something a more code oriented designer would come up with not someone selling print design.

The site itself is usable and accessible, but as far as interest goes its not very interesting – aesthetically or structurally.

[budafist]

I have to disagree with this. Putting my name, or any credit on any work I produce for the sake of showing I am proud of it is flawed. Your reasoning makes little sence when thought through properly.

A name is a name, just another person producing work. I don't need a name to speak for myself, I need my work to do that job - and if it doesn't?.. well, then I need to try harder.

I have a really hard time selling myself to others, but there is no room for being humble when looking for a job. If you seem to believe in yourself, why should anyone else? You could have the best portfolio in a list of potential candidates, but if you can't sell, sell, sell yourself to your employer, someone else with a weaker book just might.

I guess we'll just have to disagree on this one.

[hood]

dam poltek, didnt you come here for advice?
it sounds like 8 out of 10 crits u get, u reject.

heres what bothers me about the site. (im not saying i dont like it)
1: no name, no contact, no job description. I read waht you wrote
about the whole "i dont need my name there" thing, but honestly,
i think it would serve more of a purpose than having that text saying "selentice.com". after all, i know what site i pulled up... just put your name there!!!! doesnt have to be big.

2: i am good at browsing the web, but for the first few seconds, i couldnt find the links. maybe some kind of rollover or something? i like the max cropping of the image buttons tho. very nice.

3: now this one doesnt bother me, but i can guarantee it will bother someone else (i think this is the major problem of the site): the size is too big for your average screen. and someone who is hiring a graphic designer, most likely doesnt have huge screen resolutions. try to set your screen res smaller and look at it. i have 1680x1050 and STILL have to use the scroll bars on some images! thats nuts. dont be scared to think that shrinking the image will loose too much detail. remember the client most likely wont HEAVILY analyse them.


ok, heres what i like:
1: the portfolio image. i like all of those illustrator paths, VERY creative.
2: thumbnails with max crop
3: your after effects animations.
4: some of your posters/flyers

[budafist]

dam poltek, didnt you come here for advice?
it sounds like 8 out of 10 crits u get, u reject.

I think poltek is just giving us a run for our money :) Making us work harder to get a point across maybe?

[graphicsmama]

I have to disagree with this. Putting my name, or any credit on any work I produce for the sake of showing I am proud of it is flawed. Your reasoning makes little sence when thought through properly.

A name is a name, just another person producing work. I don't need a name to speak for myself, I need my work to do that job - and if it doesn't?.. well, then I need to try harder.
I don't understand this...why wouldn't you want your work to speak for your name? Isn't that the point of why you do what you do? To give yourself a name so you can get the clients you want? Not that you have to watermark your name in 72pt font over your work, but definitely give yourself credit for what you're doing. :)

I've been following this thread and the thing I keep wanting to say is to look at razuel's website. I'll find the link....but it's simple and clean and professional and it does its job...it shows off his work. But it doesn't leave a person wondering where the rest of the site is, which I think is what most people feel like yours does...(?)

I'll post a link to the thread...

[graphicsmama]

my portfolio, finished at last (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32815)
here it is....maybe you've already seen it....

[Two-Toe Tom]

ur site is a gdf thread? interesting format :p

[budafist]

ur site is a gdf thread? interesting format :p

Lei goh mah-luw!

[Two-Toe Tom]

haha, dat's me :D

[budafist]

I learned that from my parents. Though that was my sister more than me. She liked to swing on things. One time she swung on the mantlepiece thinking it was fixed. It wasn't. It was just a plank of wood sitting on the mantle. It had a whole lot of precious porcelain ornaments, one of those coloured sand things that you flip over like an hourglass. There was sand and porcelain everywhere and my little sister underneath it. To make matters worse, we were being babysat! Poor babysitter. I think she was only about 15 then. She must've shat herself.

[poltek]

About as much sense as spelling it 'sence.' I don't mind you giving me critiques but don't take the piss.

I agree with everyone else. This page is lacking the necessary elements to be successful. If all you want to do is show some images, then you've done it. If you want to increase your business as much as possible, it needs work. I can understand the posts here, the site is severely lacking information, for example each piece of work I have done doesn't have much of a description.

I made this site as a quick one to show some images for a particular job I am going for, I've yet to hear what the boss thinks but hopefully he'll like what he sees.

I don't have much time on my hands to make it better, that's not to say I am incapable of doing it - because I am it's just I'm very busy doing graphic work right now so it's been put on hold.


I have a really hard time selling myself to others, but there is no room for being humble when looking for a job. If you seem to believe in yourself, why should anyone else? You could have the best portfolio in a list of potential candidates, but if you can't sell, sell, sell yourself to your employer, someone else with a weaker book just might. This depends what you mean. If you're talking about slapping a name on there then I don't see that as anything major, or even a slight selling point. I find it useless to be honest. As I said before, a name is a name, but a piece of work that stands out is something else entirely.

Now, if you're talking about more indepth info for a particular piece of work then I'd have to agree - a lot of those pieces on my portfolio are being used in a commercial front but the chances of someone reading every description at the bottom of the image is quite low.

I would like to see thought beyond throwing image thumbnails in the center with lightbox.

For a non-coder I'd like to see more emphasis placed on the design. This site looks like something a more code oriented designer would come up with not someone selling print design.

The site itself is usable and accessible, but as far as interest goes its not very interesting – aesthetically or structurally. I honestly think you deserve little credit as a critique. You've given your criticisms, but when asked to give examples as to how to help me - you just repeat yourself.

I know what you said last time, I read it and quoted you.

You've given your opinion and I said If you're going to say that, then at least back it up.. why do you feel it isn't?..I need to know why so I can understand.

Also, I quite liked the design myself of course and yes I found it interesting myself, not so much innovative but still nice on the eyes. so it saves me time typing it out all again for you.

I like the design and you do not. You seem to like the code more than I do myself, I just used the code to facilitate the design - not to overbear the design work.

If you think my work isn't good enough, then that's totally fair and I would *LOVE* some examples of work which in your opinion, are far better or far more 'aesthetically pleasing' like you keep talking about.

hood I don't need a name. I refer it in my email.

job description, yes as I say the information side needs work, I'm going to fix that later on.

i am good at browsing the web, but for the first few seconds, i couldn't find the links. maybe some kind of rollover or something? You should see a hand when you move your pointer over the images. I guess I should emphasize the thumbnails more.. it just seems so obvious to me.

the size is too big for your average screen. and someone who is hiring a graphic designer, most likely doesn't have huge screen resolutions. try to set your screen res smaller and look at it. i have 1680x1050 and STILL have to use the scroll bars on some images! thats nuts. Scroll bars horizontal or vertical?.. If horizontal then I'd have to agree - which I already said in my previous post - but if it's just vertical then I really don't care. My images are the size they are because thats what size they *really* are! Some of the images are in fact scaled, but the webpages I'll be keeping the same cos as I said previously which you didn't read - they are webpages, and they are full ones - .. therefore, you're going to need to scroll to see the lower sections.

dont be scared to think that shrinking the image will loose too much detail. remember the client most likely wont HEAVILY analyse them. see, now that's where we differ.. I personally hope my clients are the ones who *will* heavily analyse them.

I think poltek is just giving us a run for our money Making us work harder to get a point across maybe? Time and time again you really frustrate me, I mean, you're doing a fine job - so pat yourself on the back for such accomplishments, not that it's a very good thing to feel proud about but, to each their own.

my portfolio, finished at last
here it is....maybe you've already seen it.... I have seen it. I like it and some of those logos I really like. The other work doesn't satisfy my tastes that much but that's why we are both unique, we like different things. Hope you have a good graphic design career.

[urstwile]

Poltek, I suggest you refresh your memory on your thread title. You asked for opinions good/bad.

And in terms of lacking time, it seems to me that you've spent quite a large amount of time coming back and point for point arguing about why your way is the way it's going to be.

I'm not sure why you asked for opinions in the first place.

[poltek]

...

Eh?.. if you're going to spam my topic then atleast spam it with something entertaining.

Your comments are useless and you add no help to the meaning of this post. Therefore, if you're not posting about my portfolio, then I suggest you have a little browse about the other topics.

[Red Kittie Kat]

Ok Poltek .. thats about it .. this topic is closed.

Go get an attitude adjustment before you post again.

You will not talk to Moderators or members of this board in that manner again!

You have been warned several times on this already.

This is now closed!