After months of learning the basic fundaments of designs and then practicing technical tools such as Sketch or Illustrator, now the next major step would be to design a unique portfolio with a lasting impression.
The portfolio is a public presentation which should reflect the brand style, skills and point of view; hence, for any professional working in the creative industry, the original portfolio is the key to success. A unique portfolio will have the power to open doors and create new prospects to work with dream clients, so it’s worth taking the time to create one.
One needs a correct plan of action for outlining that perfect portfolio, there are seven guidelines which one can follow and create their portfolio.
1. SELECT YOUR BEST WORK
When we are busy talking about pretty portfolio site, we forget the project to be displayed on it should also be equivalently beautiful and worth watching. Right plans will help to create an effective first impression or else the competitor with flawless projects displayed will gain a competitive advantage over yours.
Don’t try to showcase every project done, keep restricted to quality projects and not quantity. Always make sure to answer few questions before finalizing the final plan such as if it is authentic, will that project be speaking about USP of the brand, will it leave customers with a feeling of envious that they dint think of it.
2. ENSURE PROJECT IS SOLVING REAL LIFE PAIN-POINTS
In today’s competitive world, people value brands that are honestly solving their pain points. Hence make sure if someone is scrutinizing your portfolio than he is eagerly checking out what solutions you have given clients through projects. Therefore make sure not to redesign the homepage think about real-life problems try to be in the client’s shoes and then analyze their experience and concerns.
Undergo research, and various testing’s to understand problems and then by analytical skills suggest solutions and display everything in your project which audience can refer.
3. DISPLAY IN FORM OF CASE STUDY
Case studies are the best way of communicating the whole story, which has gone through the project. A lot of recruiters have only 60 seconds to look around the portfolio before they decide to move ahead with competitor’s site. So make sure the best project case studies are mentioned so that it will keep them engaged.
The outlining of the case study should involve from the briefing about the company, its pain point discussions challenges faced, opportunities identified to final results. Even post-market launch feedbacks are also involved, which will provide statistical facts and data.
Discuss what role agency have played to solve the issue, through sketches and early wireframes showcase the final beautiful designs which are rendered and mocked up into relevant surfaces or packaging.
source: “cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3nDjgwGNAJqcCcEaZ4ZxWj-650-80.png”
4. PLAN UNIQUE “ABOUT” PAGE
Make a distinctive and strong first impression the movement someone landing on your page should be aware of the brand idea, style and its specialties. Same way even the “about page” acts as a very crucial thing as it will open the essential book of company details. It should showcase the company background, strengths, current role and previous employees. Make sure brand personality will shine through this and make work memorable.
‘About page’ should have a clear and straightforward way for someone to get in touch with you either by simple contact form or just by adding your mail-id.
source: “vanschneider.com/the-most-important-page-on-your-portfolio”
5. DISPLAY PASSION AND BRAND PERSONALITY
Each is having its personality, which can be Urban, cheerful, trendy, mature depending upon its target audience. Hence the portfolio should be reflection of overall brand personality and identity this will help the brand to gain competitive advantage. The consistency plays a significant role in the structure of the project page, photos, videos, links and colours should be aligned with brand emotion.
The overall presentation should be familiar and cohesive, which should be creative and easy to review. One can start uploading blogs and write up articles which are related to brands niche expertise, knowledge sharing about trends and critical information will always keep portfolio alive.
6. PAY ATTENTION TO MINUTE DETAILS
Check grammatical mistakes which hamper the impression of the portfolio within no time. Spelling mistakes, pixelated images, broken links, alignments, image selections are all factors which will encourage people to cut you form the shortlist.
Ensure the portfolio is filled with exciting info-graphics, graphical representation, and if required, statistical data should be mentioned.
7. EASY NAVIGATION
The portfolio should not be a narrative, but it should have an aligned structure and coherent flow, which will allow for easy navigation. Person navigating your site will barely have an only minute or two before they have to decide for you. Being user-friendly is a significant characteristic in which portfolio should take care of to be quick and easy to browse.
- Ensure a persistent navigation bar which will help them to get on any page of the site
- Build pages with an uncluttered and clean design
- Use simple page titles and outlines
- Keep layouts clear
- Make sure projects grouped by type
CONCLUSION:
Now that everyone is aware of how should be a portfolio and its importance, treat your portfolio site also as a project and spare quality time to make it look beautiful yet feasible. Understand the end-user of your brand site and according to that, outline the layout and process of the website. Design unique projects which are versatile and backed by a relevant strong database and plan to showcase them. Make sure the site is easy for navigation and is aesthetically satisfying, which will establish your brand as a professional. The sooner you start thinking about your portfolio as a tool, the sooner it will deliver you with a new business model. Remember any help required contact us so that we can help you to establish creative designing for portfolio.
