Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Narrative portfolios usually contain a few very carefully chosen works, because
it's important that the viewer experience the entire portfolio for it to deliver its mes-
sage. A large narrative portfolio only works if the narrative is contained in “chapters.”
These chapters, like case studies, can be experienced as individual modules. No partic-
ular format is required for a narrative portfolio, although Flash presentations lend
themselves to this metaphor because they allow more control of page access.
Experience
Experience portfolios take you for a ride. They differ from diary portfolios by
their emphasis on entertainment. These portfolios are almost always visually or tech-
nologically rich, and frequently are a humorous outlet
for the portfolio maker. Always interactive, they say,
“Play with me.”
Although brilliantly memorable when handled
with a sure hand, this is an extremely difficult portfo-
lio metaphor to carry off successfully (see the section,
“Concept versus style,” below). It can just as easily
put people off as suck them in. Experience portfolios
sometimes have experimental interfaces and are often
complicated to create. They lend themselves to Flash
presentations.
I think the worst thing is a site that
works against you and becomes
annoying. If I have to look for hidden
corners to click and reveal a con-
cealed menu that doesn't explain
what and where I can find things,
that browser window could get shut
just as quickly as it was opened.
—Layla Keramat
A metaphor can be applied literally (“Welcome to my gallery”) or simply be
a way to think about your portfolio site map. For example, a capabilities portfolio
requires you to think about which of your projects best demonstrates your skills.
Perhaps you'd highlight a project and show how you applied your knowledge through
process sketches.
You are not limited to a single metaphor. These ideas are flexible enough that
some can overlap. For example, large studios frequently combine the spec sheet with
outreach. However, you should mix and match with care. Don't combine metaphors
with radically different objectives. Outreach and diary simply don't mix, and will leave
you ping-ponging between pleasing yourself and pleasing others—ultimately pleasing
no one.
