+ project navigation on the left and project images on the right is simple and intuitive and project images are a great size.
+ Variation of media such as video with images creates an interactive feel
+ Project text on left is a good size and about the optimal amount (verging on the lengthy side however)
- Navigation buttons to switch between different images in a project are not as intuitive and harder to find
- Direct posting of project boards instead of individual images make site less engrossing
- The web design is light on unique details, and therefore it is hard to get a sense of the personality of the artist from exploring the webpage (the about section is also very short)
+ Beginning animation is unique and grabs viewers interest and loads quickly
+ Photo collage provides visual information about the projects and creates a unique aesthetic
+ Loosely organized navigation makes exploring the site more exciting and allows for opportunities for discovery
+ Artist's eclectic and creative personality comes across with the website design
- Sometimes difficult to find and somewhat unintuitive links can be confusing
- Abstract project categories can make navigating to a particular page or interest difficult
- Lack of color at main project navigation creates a somewhat bland aesthetic
In this portfolio it is mostly visual with very few words. This style of portfolio allows his work to do all of the talking. To me it was very powerful and bold.
What I liked best about this portfolio:
1.It is quick and easy to navigate
2. The photos are captivating and large so you know what you are looking at
3. The landing page is clean, precise and different then others I've seen (it looks professional).
4. When you glide over the elongated photos of the works he has been involved in, large white titles show up to tell you right away what file you are about to open. Example: photo of the production Cinderella, hover your curser over the image and click! Now you have several more photos to look at, all on the production of Cinderella
5. The main menu is large and bold, always visible.
6. There is a small text that shows up "move your mouse over me" encouraging the host to explore and help navigate the site.
7. I like that there are current projects he is working on, he includes awards he has won and he has both a contact page and a resume (that you can download)
My suggestions of changes this portfolio could have are:
1. It could use more text, all I see is the work, but where are his ideas and contributions (his experiences in this field?)
2. Does he draw his designs or make models, how does he work?
3. I did not see an about page-what is he like?
4. There is nothing too personal about him. For example: no picture.
5. Resume is all one size and same color of text, nothing jumps out at you.
6. His name and title could be larger (on each page). Because as you scroll down you loose his name and then you ask your self who's work am I looking at again, because this is good and I want him to work for me! (although all you have to do is scroll up or click on the back button to return to menu... there his name is prominently displayed again)
Overall: It was very hard to find anything that this portfolio needs to change because I really like what James has done with