Making A Portfolio Website As A Designer
Professional online presence is crucial for any individual in the creative or designer industry. An online portfolio with an ideal website design can be a business card, a project showcase, or your business’s resume all in one. That is where clients visit when they want to hire you.
That said, why should you make an online portfolio?
An online portfolio gives you the ideal publicity
A lot of freelancing work is done internationally in this day and age. Freelancers must employ sales tools that are independent of those pesky time zones. Your clients should be able to learn about your business and see what kind of work you offer whenever they feel inclined to do so.
Generates credibility
The biggest perk of building your portfolio website is that you gain more credibility. Building an online portfolio allows people to see your work and what you can do. That brings you closer to the clients and also makes it more likely for them to deem you fit to help them work towards their mission, vision, product, and company. It also portrays you as objective, motivated and multidimensional.
Explain your professional narrative in a compelling manner
A portfolio website can showcase your professional career, highlighting all of your accomplishments as well as your desired contributions. When created to serve a purpose, portfolios can combine your core values, talents, and strengths with your education, experience, and passion projects.
Potential clients visualize working with you
The perk of having a professional portfolio is that employers and clients can have an idea of your growth over time. It is difficult for a potential client to visualize and get an idea of what it will feel like to work with you professionally and creatively, and having a portfolio website helps them to really imagine what you can do for them.
Competitive advantage
When you make an online portfolio, especially one that is available online, it sets you apart from your competitors. It gives an idea of the kind of work you do and shows how you have evolved. That makes it easier for others to view your achievements, giving you a better competitive advantage. It really just makes you stand out and gives you an edge that they don’t have.
Demonstrate consistency
An updated portfolio website is the best way to showcase the consistency of the message you represent and your style. When you utilize verbal and written examples, you can effectively demonstrate how and what you communicate. When your delivery and messages are in sync, you will stand out from your competitors.
Showcase your creativity
When you make an online portfolio, you get the chance to showcase your work in any format that appeals to you. That could be through a podcast or a YouTube video, for instance. You are not limited to how you present your work. Being creative and thinking out of the box will help you stand out and contribute to your success.
How to make a portfolio website as a designer
Seek inspiration
Creating your online portfolio starts with visual research. Researching other online portfolio websites in your niche will inspire you and generate creative ideas. As you go through other portfolios, start envisioning what you would like for yours and jot down some notes, so you will not forget anything during the creative process. Consider crucial details such as the typography, site structure, and color palette that you fancy. Ensure that you are up to date with the latest when it comes to web design trends.
Choose a template
How would you like your visitors to move from one page to the next? By scrolling down for more information? Would you want your website to be a one-page or one with full-screen pictures that popup into individual pages?
When you come up with these answers, research various templates that suit you. You may find something in line with your vision or one that you might have to tailor-make. Choose one that gives you the freedom to express yourself online.
Showcase your best project
When you make an online portfolio, there’s a need to showcase it appropriately. The site should be easily accessible and stand out on the menu. Clients should see your creativity and skills. That way, you get to expose your strengths and showcase a consistent level of quality throughout the portfolio.
Also, you must make sure to keep your site updated so that people can see your most recent work and achievements. That will show that you are actively working and have the relevant experience. Also, if you neglect your portfolio website or put minimal effort into it, it could end up harming you, as people might find it and judge you based on it.
Use the best quality images
To ensure that your online portfolio stands out, invest your time and effort into photography. If need be, work with mockups to create perfect visuals. High-quality images will ensure your work looks impressive online and in real life.
Include the right features and content
Last but not least, know the kind of information you would like to be displayed on your online portfolio. And learn how you can present it strategically. That includes images, texts, and other media. Depending on what kind of portfolio you would like, consider critical pages such as the homepage, about page, contact information, client testimonials, and other professional features.
