• Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 1

Topic: Portfolio Questions

Hi am just found the killersites.com web site today. I am blown away with all that is offered I only read a few forums,and watched a few sample videos.  I am so excited to venture into freelance web design,and with so many unaswered questions I am so glad to know that this site is avaliable.  I have gained more information here in the 2-3 hours that I have been reading and looking around your page than I have learned or found any where else on the web! I did want to ask a basic question.  I hear a lot about having a portfolio...in lames terms can you please tell me just how I put that together.  (1)I know it is a collection of your work but can I just use templates?  I have built a web site once with the help of front page and did a little HTML http://www.shaysmart.faithweb.com (project is currently on hold until I get 501 C 3 status).  (2)I will be taking a Web development class this quarter that includes how to build a web site and CSS, and Java Script after completing this class and purchasing the beginners CD video from killersites.com, will this be enough for me to start some small freelance projects? (3)And lastly for now do you guys plan to do any seminars or workshops on running a succesful web design business? Thank you so much, for your time and GOD bless your whole team.
-Shayla

  • Gender: Male
  • From: Chico/Sacramento, CA
  • Registered: 2008-12-19
  • Posts: 2,343

Re: Portfolio Questions

Depends on what sort of portfolio you want. There are some sites that will basically provide you with the site, and you simply have to add your own images (http://www.carbonmade.com/, for example). You could do a one page portfolio site, simply with contact information and portfolio thumbnails (along the lines of http://www.myjustdot.com/) or something more complex with multiple pages (my site, for example)

Yes, you can use templates, though there is the chance that someone who visits would recognize the template and then wonder what your skill level is. It may be a good way to get you started, and you can always revise the site later. Ultimately, it is probably better to have something that you have designed yourself.

Taking a class or two and working on the beginner's CD is a good start. I do think you want to make sure you have the basics down before you start offering your work to clients. Get involved online, participate in blogs, forums, on Twitter, etc, and always keep learning. (and stay away from FrontPage, it generates horrible code)

I don't think that Stefan does any seminars/workshops, but he has done a podcast series about the business of web design that could be useful: http://www.killersites.com/magazine/cat … b-design/.  There is also a book that helped me get started a couple years ago (http://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Home-Ba … 0762705612) that provides some basic, general-sense information.

Additional links for you to look at:

web development related:
http://www.css-tricks.com

portfolio related:
http://www.coroflot.com/creativeseeds/2 … post_1.asp
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/03 … portfolio/
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/02 … o-website/

  • LSW
  • Moderator
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  • Gender: Male
  • From: Juneau AK
  • Registered: 2008-12-20
  • Posts: 7,429

Re: Portfolio Questions

If you make templates that is fine. But to use someone else' template for your portfolio would leave me as an employer wondering just what you think you are.

Also web development portfolios are usually customer based. So keep tight rains on it. Customers will sometimes change things and when an employer looks at it... "You" misspelled something and chose poor colors... you didn't but your name is on it, you offered it so no one asks if the customer changed things. Also be sure it is online... I missed a job because the business went under without telling me and they visited the site to see a place holder from the host  roll.

Good to note somewhere if possible that you are not responsible after a certain date... as I did in Germany, so if anything is screwed up I can say I have not touched it since 2006.

  • Gender: Male
  • From: Chico/Sacramento, CA
  • Registered: 2008-12-19
  • Posts: 2,343

Re: Portfolio Questions

Also web development portfolios are usually customer based. So keep tight rains on it. Customers will sometimes change things and when an employer looks at it... "You" misspelled something and chose poor colors... you didn't but your name is on it, you offered it so no one asks if the customer changed things. Also be sure it is online... I missed a job because the business went under without telling me and they visited the site to see a place holder from the host  roll.

You'll need to figure out what works best for you to handle this issue. My solution was to host screenshots of everything, and then offer a link to the live site (if applicable) with a disclaimer that the client had control of the site, and it may have changed since it was launched.

  • LSW
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • Gender: Male
  • From: Juneau AK
  • Registered: 2008-12-20
  • Posts: 7,429

Re: Portfolio Questions

I did that for a while on me site... but most sites I have done are now offline. But it is important either way as you will be held responsible as it has your name on it. Believe me it is embarassing to find your premier site no longer online in a job interview...   hmm Keep checking, expecially just before interviews or meeting customers.