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Thread: Designs for your First Portfolio?

  1. #1
    Senior Member Hellsbellboy's Avatar
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    I was going to start putting together my first Portfolio but have never done a "Professional" webpage or Flash. I've always just done them or fun or hobbie. Anyhow.. I showed someone a Demo Flash that's just suppose to show what I can do, wasn't suppose to be a project or anything, just something fun to show what is possible with Flash (thru me that is) and he thought it was cheesey. So my question is should I make a mock "Professional" webpage and Flash.. like something on based on a fack company or product? Or should/can I just use the Flashes that I made for fun?
    Thanks

  2. #2
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    The Minister of No Crap

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    It all depends on who you're trying to attract I guess. I would use whatever looked better.

    -scott
    http://www.scottmanning.com

  3. #3
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    I think that might depend on what parts of Flash
    really turn you on. A mock website is a good idea,
    I think, and if you built it in a sort of "standard"
    format, i.e. a home page, menu items that link
    to areas, etc. it would prove that you are capable. However, if you get sidetracked into a passion for actionscripting or particular things that really stick out, maybe you could showcase those in your own portfolio and just go nuts.
    I assume you want a high degree of gratification
    from your efforts, so I'd say don't sideline the things
    that give you a blast, 'cause that's what'll leave
    a lasting impression, and somebody will pick up on it.

  4. #4
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    I'm in the process of re-doing my website and I have a few mock websites that I'm going to put in there along with actual websites I've already done. Whatever works to portray to the potential client that you've got the goods.

    -scott
    http://www.scottmanning.com

  5. #5
    Modding with Class JabezStone's Avatar
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    There are a couple things to add here...

    1) if you DO make a "mock" site, don't call it that, and don't pass it off as real, either. A nice way to show your work is with a "Template" site. This way, they might even choose the "Template" design for their site, reducing work for you.

    2) Instead of making up a fake site, offer to build a site for a company free of charge, or in return for their services, even. Go to your local chiropractor and say, "Hey, you might not really even need a website, but I could build you one in exchange for a couple adjustments!" This would give you a real-world example of a legitimate business site.

  6. #6
    Senior Member Hellsbellboy's Avatar
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    Cheers.. thx for the good ideas, cause yeah I don't have any websites that aren't just mucking about. But I'm just trying to start from scratch and get a really professional looking site that can show off what I do know.

    I like your site nocrapchurch and like the cartoons that are on it. Real good idea.

  7. #7
    Moderator
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    Originally posted by Hellsbellboy
    Cheers.. thx for the good ideas, cause yeah I don't have any websites that aren't just mucking about. But I'm just trying to start from scratch and get a really professional looking site that can show off what I do know.

    I like your site nocrapchurch and like the cartoons that are on it. Real good idea.
    Thanks, Hellsbellboy. Got I site I could check out?

    -scott
    http://www.scottmanning.com

  8. #8
    Senior Member Hellsbellboy's Avatar
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    No sorry I don't at the moment. But hope too soon. I'm working contract with 3M (not doing web design) now and it ends in a few months so I'm trying to get things ready.

  9. #9
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    Our first jelve design site had nothing but samples/examples/mock-ups. I think that this is a valid way to portray to the prospective clients what you can do. We chose to use a mix of templatt-style examples and fictitious 'businesses'. We did ID them as fictitious, of course.
    The suggestion to do a site for free is also a good one. Bear in mind that there can be some expenses involved and that the recipient of the free work should at least be willing to pay for a domain name and hosting. A domain name is important, since a portfolio site with a URL like http://www.jelve.com/sample_site.html does not have the clout that a 'real' URL does.
    I would suggest that you try approaching a local non profit or charity group to offer free services. At least with a reg'd charity, you might be able to get a receipt for the value of your work to write off against income tax. And, you're doing something for a good cause.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Hellsbellboy's Avatar
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    Thanks for the suggestion Jelve, I like your site too.. I like how it can tell your connection speed, OS, screen resolution, etc. Very nice. The Flash version is so much more enjoyable then the HTML version. It's the way I myself invision the web to be.
    You and nocrapchurch are really good at what you guys do. Thanks again.

  11. #11

    my two cents...

    Do a "case study" or two. That's what I call them. Pick a subject/company. Possibly a company you would like to pitch business too, you can write it up as a case study, studying the elements it would take to create the site, going through the process without actually meeting with the client. I have seen many really professional firms do this.

  12. #12
    Modding with Class JabezStone's Avatar
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    Re: my two cents...

    Originally posted by nollieflip
    Do a "case study" or two. That's what I call them. Pick a subject/company. Possibly a company you would like to pitch business too, you can write it up as a case study, studying the elements it would take to create the site, going through the process without actually meeting with the client. I have seen many really professional firms do this.
    Just be sure that you don't infringe on a comany's copyrights.
    [Edited by JabezStone on 07-10-2001 at 11:12 AM]

  13. #13

    an idea

    Originally posted by Hellsbellboy
    I was going to start putting together my first Portfolio but have never done a "Professional" webpage or Flash. I've always just done them or fun or hobbie. Anyhow.. I showed someone a Demo Flash that's just suppose to show what I can do, wasn't suppose to be a project or anything, just something fun to show what is possible with Flash (thru me that is) and he thought it was cheesey. So my question is should I make a mock "Professional" webpage and Flash.. like something on based on a fack company or product? Or should/can I just use the Flashes that I made for fun?
    Thanks
    just a thought. If you are going to do some work on a ficticious company, then why not find a charitable organization, and do some pro bono work for them. You get to show your stuff, and it could be a tax write-off if they use it.

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