6 tips for creating a great online portfolio

Whether you already have an online portfolio, or are in the process of creating one, here are some tips to ensure it looks great.

1.      Ensure your images are optimized for the Web. The best image size is 640 x 480 pixels at 72 DPI. You want your images to look great, while not making people wait around for huge files to load. Also, viewers may not have a data plan that supports large file downloads.

• Refer to Why size matters when it comes to digitizing art for details on how to optimize your files.
• Avoid watermarks. They are distracting and won’t stop someone from stealing your art. If you must use something, put the © symbol in the image captions, or put a small signature on your art.

2.      Ensure your portfolio looks professional. As noted in Artists: What makes good Web design?, you have less than a minute to impress someone.

• Ensure your online portfolio is easy to navigate.
• Ensure your images are well documented – don’t photograph them against cluttered or poorly lit backgrounds.
• Use services noted in Artists: What makes good Web design if you need help building a portfolio.
  

3.      Showcase your best content. Less is more.

• Show only your best work – even if it is only 5 pieces.
• Show work that is consistent in quality and style.

4.      Don’t show too much. Limit your portfolio or portfolio section to 20 images.

• Organize images into categories such as “Personal Projects”, “Children’s Illustration in Ink” – if you have more than 20 images.
• Keep your category titles concise and easy-to-understand.
• Present your content in a series of “thumbnails” rather than a long scrolling page of actual-size images. The page will load faster, and people prefer having a larger-view option.

5.      Ensure your content is well organized. Make it easy for people to understand what they’re looking at.

• Use proper headings and if necessary, sub-headings on all your pages.
• Start with your strongest piece in your portfolio and end with your next strongest piece.
• Ensure your page does not appear cluttered – use “white” (empty) space so it is easy for the viewer to scan for information.
• Ensure menus, contact information and social media links are on all pages and in the same location – make it easy for people to navigate through your portfolio.

6.      Ensure your portfolio is clean and non-distracting.

• Avoid the use of busy page backgrounds – they take the focus off your work.
• Avoid putting non-relevant info in your portfolio – keep the focus entirely on your illustrations.

Portfolio menu page with “Connect” (contact) link

Portfolio page with consist layout and headings

Good luck with the portfolio creation! Don’t forget to test how your portfolio looks on more than one system and device. If you have further questions, you can connect with me online.

If you liked this blog post, you may also like:

• Design: why you need to know your audience
• Artists: What makes good Web design?
  
• Is it surprising that we see things differently?