5 Tips on Creating an Efficient Online Portfolio
An online portfolio has the same uses as those of a physical portfolio, however, an online portfolio is up 24/7 for anyone who is interested or happens to stumble across your work. It also acts as an extension to your applications and resume by allowing you to market your skills and professional work.
- Where to Create an Online Portfolio
You’re in luck! Because there are a number of different options to choose from when it comes to creating a location for your online portfolio. Your first option, and possibly the simplest, is to create a portfolio using a dedicated platform such as: Carbonmade, Crevado, Portfoliobox or Big Black Bag. Your second option, is to buy a domain name and hosting and set up your portfolio on your own website. This can be made very simple by using a WordPress website and using one of their pre-made themes. Of course, if you want your own unique design to your portfolio website, there is always the option of paying someone to design a website for you.
- Content
Just like we discussed last week in our blog about creating a physical portfolio, your online portfolio should not be spammed with all your projects just because you have much more space to upload your work. You should carefully select your best work that fits into the job description you plan on applying for. However, you do have the option of uploading slightly more projects than if you were to create a physical portfolio (Equivalent to about 30 pages of a physical portfolio).
- Organization
In an online portfolio, it is much more important to carefully select and organize your pages of work. Your projects need to be able to complement each other and if your page does not flow it could take away from the actual work itself. Just like in a physical portfolio, don’t forget to organize your work with titles and notes specific to that project.
- Adding and Removing Work
Having the option to easily switch up content and the way your portfolio looks online is a huge plus! Use this to your advantage! Don’t be afraid to add new projects you worked on that you’re proud of. This also applies to removing work. Any old projects you think are outdated or you simply see don’t apply to the position of your choice, simply remove it. It’s not wise to keep your portfolio looking the same as the first day you made it.
- Navigation
It’s vital to have your website be easy to navigate. If a potential employer is browsing through your website and finds it difficult or frustrating to search through your projects, needless to say they will not bother spending any more time on your website. You can fix this by keeping things simple and having projects be one click away. Also, having a simple logo with a design that is easy to the eyes can be very appealing as well.
With an online portfolio, don’t forget to promote it. You can do this by uploading your projects to websites like deviantArt, Flickr, etc. Being an active member on social media pages can help spread your work as well. To revisit some of the topics we covered on creating a physical portfolio, click here.
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