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Question: How do I choose an online portfolio layout? What do different layouts express about the designer? This website shows a number of Wordpress themes, and outlines the type of design work they are made for and the kind of feeling they present. Even if you didn't want to use Wordpress, I thought it would be useful to have examples of portfolios with different intentions. There are key words in the layout descriptions, like "elegant" or "artsy" that might tie in with the reading, which doesn't really say what these might look like. A few characteristics stood out to me. "Elegant" portfolio theme tended to have a simple, clean layout with understated backgrounds in neutral colors. The work showed well, but was often uninteresting because there was little wow factor. "Artsy" portfolio themes tended to be more colorful or include a decorative graphic elements, but the work was sometimes overwhelmed by the backgrounds. Work-focused themes tended to have dark backgrounds with a dimensionality to them, which makes the work almost "hung" in space. Text seemed a little awkward in these theme however, since they also "hung" above the background (perhaps if the image and text were in the same window above the background?). Photography had a layout reminding me of a magazine article, exciting and narrative, but more confusing if the information is complex. Some general comments while looking at sites: Some of the architectural portfolios tended toward neutral colors and crisp fonts, however, they often left little impression of who the designer IS, and what their approach is. Some of the graphic design portfolios were highly graphic and visually bold, but were a little "loud" and in the interest of being trendy or current, again left me wondering who the designer IS.

At first glance this portfolio seems to be impressive. I think Josh is good at first impressions, but maybe tends to lose people after they start talking with him. He has a layout that is simple to read, but after you hit an icon it takes you through a labyrinth of pages and outside links. I scrolled down one page for about 2 minutes reading about his project, just to realize I was stuck scrolling all the way back to the top. One project was just an NYT article about a project he worked on at a firm, but not sure do to lack of information. Likes- This portfolio clearly shows the vast amount of experience Josh has. It includes his architecture school work, professional practice work, graphic design work, and a link to his blog. It seems that Josh is all over the place, and wants everyone to know, but maybe he could do better if he concentrated more on a few things instead of drowning us in his all star achievements. I'm going to give Josh a B-, with plenty of room for improvement.

three great things:chronological direction. graphic text.cursor lighting/animationcontext great monochromatic design  three poor things:no direct image perhaps too much text? text cursor could be too intense or distractonly projects highlighted/ no bio or contact

Glen's portfolio is fun and personal. What a fantastic way to meet future clients and letting them meet you. What I liked best about this portfolio: 1. I immediately love the homepage image and how you interact with it, what a refreshingly new idea that I haven't seen before. 2. When you click on the image you go inside the book bag or you zoom in onto the notebook paper to read the resume. Its fun and inviting. 3. I love that you get a feeling for who this guy is and what he is like. Its personal and friendly. The guy is waving at you, saying hello. 4. I like how everything is black and white until you hover your curser over an area on the drawing like the tie. It all of a sudden gives you a punch of color and a clear definition of what file you might be opening. 5. When you have opened one of the files like his book bag-the photo icons are clean cut and clear, plus the return to homepage is prominent and easy to spot in the upper right hand corner. Easy navigational tools. What could be improved in this portfolio: 1. He could have used some text on his homepage. Like his name and the profession he wants to get into. 2. He could have included a footer. More navigation choices. 3. He could have added different ways the pages morph into one another 4. His Return to Home button is a little too well designed, it is kinda masked, to look like a skeleton to match his portfolio design. It could be even more clearer. 5. In the about me page-he could have given us his name. Overall: This portfolio is flat out Amazing! Making a homepage can be a fun and can be used in an artistic way of introducing your self to your profession. Again it was hard to come up with things Glen could change about his portfolio, because its really good: great use of color to highlight his work and having fun with portfolio.

Likes- I like the icons at the side of each page, and the menu bar is a great if you want to return to a project. Dislikes- It looks like she designed this portfolio on a 27 inch Imac. When loading pages I had to scroll side to side to see all the information, and that is clearly a waste of my time. Next please. Her projects look very interesting and compelling, but not enough information is provided in the graphics, or titles. I am assuming she likes to be a bit mysterious. One major problem with her page is her image location. Its locked, and she has at least 10 menu icons per page. That means I have to scroll down to see all her icons and then scroll back up to see the image. Another fantastic waste of my time. I think if she solved just a few issues she would have an amazing portfolio, but due to the lack of thought put into the website design I wonder about her other design abilities. Sorry Kristin. C- on this one.

Likes: 1. Majority of the page is pictures/videos of current works 2. Hover on the left side of page - hides/reveals which section you're in, but always has the "home page" button as an option. A creative way of navigating through the site, while maximizing space for visuals. 3. Has an easy "Pause/Play" option for all videos. 4. Simple, clean graphics and colors are still made interesting by their level of interaction and composition. 5. The optional view option on the right (has thumbnail pictures for each sub page) - is something different. 6. Hovering to the Left hides/reveals (don't need to click and wait for loads) Dislikes: 1. In the portfolios section, the reel starts playing automatically, with music. 2. The left and right view options can be a little confusing - some people might not know that each side contains the same info/pages. 3. Every visual aid is pretty much a reel with music - gives viewer little control of what they see and when they see it.

Pros: - Straightforward categories on home page -Easy navigation, can get to everywhere at all times Cons: - Almost too many links, some go to the same place - Could be simplified - image links could be more specific (a little confusing when no number is highlighted and there is just a blank screen)

Pros: -Very interesting work - Can get to any piece at all times - Simple Cons: - Not a very interesting layout -small title and info links contrast poorly with huge image thumbnails - Looks quickly done

Pros: Loads quick, well organized, well made Cons: lacks color, confusing labels (web/email is not for contact), lack of personality

3 likes: Personality from the get-go, you get a sense of who he is right away The background coordinates well with the project images, without overwhelming them or looking too matchy When you click to see a specific project, the project images hover over the background, and there are arrows to scroll through the project 3 dislikes: The project images can scroll all the projects, so its a little confusing which project you are on, especially if you "mis-click" like I am prone to doing There is a lot of text, all of which has "personality", which gets a little overkill The contact info is limited to email, with a lot "No's" as to types of contact (is he a rock star? why so cagey?)

Pros :: [1] Easy navigation [2] Vertical Menu [3] Strong Visual Images Overall I found this online portfolio to be put together well. Adam Hill has a good design sense and shows it in his work.