For a graphic or web design student, creating a show-stopping online portfolio is one of the best ways to grab the attention of future clients.
Your resume will only get you so far – your portfolio is what will get you the interview.
As such, it’s important to spend a bit of time and care to create the most appealing portfolio.
It should be clean, simple, user-friendly, and most importantly showcase your best work.
Be sure to make the best possible first impression by avoiding these common design mistakes.
1. You got overly ambitious
It’s only natural that you want to show off all of your hard-earned design skills, but overdoing the Flash animation and pop-ups will distress rather than impress your viewers.
If a recruiter can’t easily navigate to your main projects, they will quickly look elsewhere.
Don’t overload your site with so many bells and whistles that it becomes off-putting.
You have most likely already learned the rules of good web design , including how to make a site more user-friendly.
Apply these same minimalistic principles to your own work that you would learn in web design or other IT-related courses. A clean, simple layout will best highlight your work.
2. You tried to include too many contrasting samples
Along these same lines, it’s time to carefully curate your work rather than include every project you’ve ever completed.
You may be proud of all of your projects, but which will work best as an introduction to your strengths as a designer? Less is more when it comes to portfolios.
It’s always better to include paid work over school projects if possible, but if you’re just starting out you may not have much to work with.
Cut your best content down to size and make sure that it stays focused on your personal brand as a designer.
2. You overdid the copy
As a web designer, you already know how important copy is for a website.
Used effectively, it will make a great first impression and tell viewers more about who you are and what your work is all about.
However, don’t clutter your website with lengthy paragraphs, especially if copywriting is not your strong suit. Keep it concise, relevant, and snappy.
Writing for an online audience requires short sentences and bullet points rather than long, meandering thoughts.
If in doubt, cut it out and let your visuals tell the story.
4. You forgot to include personal information
There’s no need to write down your life story on your portfolio, but a short bio lets employers learn a little bit about your work and study background.
Provide details about your studies and experience, preferably on an ‘About’ page where it won’t detract from the work.
Naturally, you’ll also need to include your contact information and name front and center.
This should be placed on every page of your portfolio, clearly labeled with your name, phone number, and email address.
You can also include social media icons along with a contact form.
5. You picked an unprofessional domain name
When you design your own portfolio website, pay extra attention to the domain name. Is it catchy, professional, and memorable? If not, find something else. Your name is an obvious choice, but if you have a common name this may already be taken.
Avoid using adjectives, puns, and overly elaborate domain names. Avoid these common portfolio-killers, and you’ll stand a far better chance of your work getting the recognition it deserves.
If in doubt, ask your friends, family, and colleagues for their opinion. As with any design work, sometimes a bit of market testing can alert you to issues you wouldn’t notice on your own!