Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
The chapter begins by exploring the types of portfolio you can design, and how
much technical knowledge each one requires. It connects concept and technology, and
introduces the metaphor as a development tool. By the end of this chapter, you
should understand the choices that will define your portfolio, and be ready to create a
site map and start brainstorming your interface design.
Technology has a big effect on design, particularly at the beginning, when you
are looking at how much time your project will take and figuring out how to optimize
your work. (See Chapter 7, “Repurposing and
Optimizing.”) It will certainly act as a constraint on
your design decisions, perhaps making it difficult to
implement some of them. So you'll need to understand
the limitations before you allow your creativity to go
wild. The following overview moves from least- to most-
technically demanding.
Everyone seems to approach digital portfolios
thinking that theirs must be an interactive masterpiece.
Unquestionably, a web developer must display both cre-
ative and technical knowledge, and many other design
professionals are finding it advantageous to indicate their comfort with interactive
technologies as well. But for people whose
métier
is more traditional, or whose portfo-
lio will primarily be a DVD demo reel, too much technology and interaction can be the
wrong move. In all cases, what's most important is to show your work in a favorable
light. And indeed, no matter what technology level you're comfortable with, simple
interactions are often best.
Being able to bookmark pages is
always super-important, especi-
ally if you're giving a recommen-
dation to somebody. If it's a Flash
site, there's no way to bookmark
things and say, “I really thought
this person was good because of
this particular project.”
—Layla Keramat
Instant portfolios
Instant portfolios are the "just add water" solution...with water, in this case,
being images. They require no design decisions, just the ability to upload optimized
pictures to a site. In most cases, the site provides step-by-step instructions on how to
do this, and sometimes even offers a small desktop application to help you prepare
and upload your files. Most social networking and group portfolio sites make it easy
for you to turn your space into a gallery.
An instant portfolio can be a life-saving stopgap while you either find a part-
ner or get comfortable with web design and production. And there is no reason to
take it down once you do have a personal site, so the time you spend in the process
of making an instant portfolio is never lost. In Chapter 4, “Delivery and Format,” I go
over the options and their pluses and minuses in detail.
