Online portfolios are great for creatives because they are easy to share and can be quickly and easily updated. They can also be edited to suit the types of work you are trying to attract.
Having an online presence also will make it easier for potential employers to find you.
Below are 5 steps to consider when creating a digital portfolio.
Select
Start by setting a goal for your portfolio. Are you aiming for a promotion? Or are you looking for a new job? With your goal in mind, select the pieces of work that will best demonstrate the qualities your audience will appreciate most.
Assemble
Begin assembling your digital material. Start saving and moving digital copies of your work into one place. If you have printed or physical copies of your work, take photos that match the aesthetics you want to achieve, and that fit with your mood board. Remember to adjust the exposure when taking your photos. You should edit your images to make sure the colours, brightness and contrast are consistent.
Reflect
Look at everything together. Think critically and evaluate if this is the best way to represent yourself. For example, if you are trying to secure a job using this portfolio, have you provided testimonials?
Peer reviews are also a great part of the reflection process. Ask someone you respect and trust to look at your portfolio--this can give you a great outsider perspective.
Direct
Your portfolio is not always about where you have been, but where you are going. Having a direction that can be seen in your portfolio shows viewers that you are committed to growing in your field.
Think about where you would like to be in 5, or even 10, years. Does your portfolio show these visions and aspirations?
Connect
Once you are confident in your portfolio, it's time to let it go into the world. Remember to include contact details. You can include your portfolio on your LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms.
Here is a bunch of portfolios we found and thought were amazing--look at the images and videos below for inspiration. Looking at other online portfolios is encouraged, but as always, create work of your own.
Choosing the right way to host your website is important. Creating your own website is sure to make you stand out from the crowd; however, there are also many free and reasonably priced platforms available for you to use.
When selecting a site, it is important to consider the cost of hosting, the look and feel, the types of media that can be used and whether the site will cater to your creative flare.
Here are some platforms worth considering:
