How to Create Your Online Art & Design Portfolio
An online portfolio represents your image online and your capabilities. So your portfolio needs to capture your spirit by representing you and your work faithfully. Strategic planning and preparation save hours of needless grief and ensures that your online portfolio is a knockout. The creation of a professional-quality online portfolio is no small undertaking. However, these steps illuminate a helpful path for the professional artist or designer to follow.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Writing tool
- Web designer
- Social networking memberships (optional)
- News or media clippings (optional)
- Photographs of your work or art
- Text content
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1
Create a master plan. Consider who will view your online portfolio and why. Your master plan should reflect your strengths and your mission as an artist or a designer. Jot this master plan down on a piece of paper so that you don't lose sight of your objective.
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2
Gain inspiration by reviewing the Web portfolios of those you admire, or do enough research to envision a unique portfolio that sets you and your work apart.
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3
Map out the portfolio's structure and create page titles. On a sheet of paper, document the page titles and categories for the art or work you would like to present. You may want to consider including a biography, a place for social media tools, a blog or a guest book. This step leaves you with a clear understanding of what your visitors will find when they explore your online portfolio.
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4
Assemble the elements of your online portfolio and burn them onto a CD. Include relevant news or media clippings, a written biography, a client or patron list, the images and text that correspond with the page titles, etc. Your Web designer will need all of it---and sharing it all at once is a great courtesy. Create a copy of this CD to protect your efforts.
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5
Enlist the aid of a reliable Web design professional. Examine Web designer portfolios and conduct interviews. Share how many pages you will need with the designers and compare quotes. Explore their references, client lists, policies and requirements. The designer should demonstrate an ability to capture your vision and image as an artist or designer. Once you have selected the designer, review the terms of his or her contract thoughtfully and with professional counsel if need be.
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6
Participate in your first project meeting with your Web designer. Present your signed contract, master plan, page titles, ideas, rough sketches and the CD containing your portfolio's content. Your input is a valuable and necessary contribution.
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7
Maintain an open line of communication with the Web designer. Never hesitate sharing your thoughts during this process. A good Web designer will present a few distinct design directions for you to consider.
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Tips & Warnings
Actively employ social media tools to market your online portfolio when it's completed.
If fulfillment of your aims fades at any point during the formation of your online portfolio, adhere to the terms of the contract and find an appropriate remedy. You will do yourself and your portfolio an injustice if you're unhappy.
