http://strangelove.me/
http://www.jessewillmon.com/
http://okaydave.com/
These are some Portfolios that I like, not only for their content , but for their layout and navigation (though I would try center-aligning them). I know these are all designed similarly, but I like white space and simple graphics that make it easier to navigate. I don't like portfolio sites that are confusing and difficult to sift through.
Sam - #1 Strangelove is a great illustrative portfolio site, and the mouse "roll overs" that give short background information about the project is really quite fun and informative. Clicking on each project opens a new window with an expanded explanation - and I find that the roll overs help get me interested to make that further "click". The reason all these projects are easily viewed is that they are set up in a grid... so I'm not sure what you mean by "center aligned" or what purpose that would serve.
ReplyDelete#2 Jesse Willon's site is all about line work and illustration - even the navigation is hand drawn in Photoshop and sliced up for the links. What a great way to promote what you do if it isn't the normal, run of the mill, graphic design. She is playing to her strengths even though. We get the feeling that she brings lots of fun, crazy creativity to whatever she produces.
#3 Dave Werner's site appears cluttered and a bit chaotic. The handwriting used for navigation at left is bulky, inconsistent, and actually quite ugly. I'm not sure why this font has been chosen, since the illustration he shows on the site isn't this style at all. I'm not sure why I have such a clear and negative reaction to this homepage - maybe it is because it is so clearly not as successful as the one I just saw (Jesse Willmon). I wouldn't hesitate to move further into his site because the design leaves me confused rather than intrigued. Just my opinion!
Thanks Sam - there is lots here to inspire you as you put together your own portfolio!
All I meant by "center aligned" was that I might try putting the content of each site in the center of the page, as opposed to the way it is left justified now. I certainly wouldn't change the grid layout.
ReplyDeleteOK, great - this makes sense to me now.
ReplyDelete1) The first website (Strangelove) gives me some great ideas of how to showcase a series of designs that are related by theme. This site works well for me. It is easy to follow and allows the reader to scroll down to see more examples after clicking on the left-hand navigation. My only criticism is there are so many examples on this website. However, I clicked on almost all of them, too, because I found the format and examples engaging.
ReplyDelete2-3) I found the other two websites less appealing. I found myself not as inclined to proceed through either of them.
2) On the second website, I liked the illustrations, however, the artist's web page designs were too crammed with information. I found myself yearning for white space on those pages. Also, it felt like this website required too many clicks to see everything.
3) It is interesting that Coni had such a negative reaction to the third one (Dave Werner's site). I found this one more appealing than the second one. I did not like the cluttered look of the navigation bar on the left at all, but once the navigation bars were selected, I found the information to the right to be presented in a clear and logical way.