Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
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Images.
Images should all be in one image folder, and accessed through a
relative link (such as “images/mypix.jpg”), so they won't generate broken
links when you upload your files to a server.
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Downloads.
When you download a video clip, does it play on both Macs and
Windows? How long does it take to start? Does it play correctly?
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Coding.
Different versions of browsers, and browsers on different platforms,
can read your code in a variety of ways. Layers, for example, don't always
work on older browsers. You may need to change your code so it works in
more browser versions.
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Speed.
How long does it take your homepage or Flash preloader to finish?
How long does it take each of your artwork images to show up? Are these
acceptable times for your target audience?
Once you're confident that your portfolio is in good shape technically, get
some feedback. The more interviews and reviews you can get, the better. Even an
accomplished professional can miss things that a fresh eye will notice. Trusted, dis-
criminating friends are a valuable source. But sometimes, especially when you have
created something in a new format, objectivity is very valuable.
It's easiest to get feedback if you're a student. In fact, enrolling in a profes-
sional development or certificate program at an art school or university can give an
older professional access to some of the school's faculty and placement services—and
their portfolio reviews. Don't be shy about asking a favorite professor for an appoint-
ment to discuss your portfolio. How well you do reflects on them, and on the school.
Local professional organizations also sponsor portfolio reviews, often in the
spring. They offer the opportunity to get feedback from faculty and professionals from
different schools or companies—offering a new perspective on your work.
No matter what your position, look for opportunities for informational inter-
views. Many design studios, for example, offer a specific process on their website for
portfolio feedback. Another great place for feedback is a placement agency. You'll get
unvarnished reactions from a place that sees hundreds of portfolios in your area.
Of course, the online community offers endless feedback. Too endless—there
are lots of critique sites. Unfortunately, I can't recommend one in specific that consis-
tently gives good creative advice, although you are likely to get a better quality of
response by posting on a professional portfolio site like Behance or Coroflot than on
most technical forum sites (they're best for software tips and feedback on site func-
tion). To figure out if a site will be useful to you, look for three warning signs:
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The site's design.
Even blogs and forums can be designed with taste or
without. If they're using an off-the-shelf look and feel, the feedback they
provide may be just as generic.
