[SixOfEleven]

I want to build up a new portfolio.

I want to focus more on writing story lines for games, manuals, integrated help systems and tutorials. I do also want do some programming work as well.

So, would this be the best way to do it:

For each topic that I am interested place a page on my web site like this:

www.mywebsite.com/portfolio/default.aspx

Where dafault.aspx would be a sort of home page that would link to demos/samples for the topics I want to work on.

Does this sound like a good idea?

Can somebody point out a site that is a good example of a portfolie?

This post has been edited by SixOfEleven: 12 April 2009 - 09:02 AM

[NeoTifa]

SixOfEleven, on 12 Apr, 2009 - 06:46 AM, said:

I want to build up a new portfolio.

I want to focus more on writing story lines for games, manuals, integrated help systems and tutorials. I do also want do some programming work as well.

So, would this be the best way to do it:

For each topic that I am interested place a page on my web site like this:

www.mywebsite.com/portfolio/default.aspx

Where dafault.aspx would be a sort of home page that would link to demos/samples for the topics I want to work on.

Does this sound like a good idea?

Can somebody point out a site that is a good example of a portfolie?

I'm not really trying to advertise my forums, per se, but it was made for a project whose sole purpose was for résumé building. The link in my sig takes you to it. Maybe you could link to blogs you've written about a major project that you've written, or to a site dedicated to that project.

[SixOfEleven]

NeoTifa, on 12 Apr, 2009 - 04:14 PM, said:

I'm not really trying to advertise my forums, per se, but it was made for a project whose sole purpose was for résumé building. The link in my sig takes you to it. Maybe you could link to blogs you've written about a major project that you've written, or to a site dedicated to that project.

Okay, I'm writing a blog about creating a skinable open source RPG in XNA. You are saying it would be a good idea to link to it on my portfolio/resume page. Sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

[Choscura]

the USB key idea is a great one- maybe find a way to get a load of cheap ones online? This would be a great long-term portfolio investment, because you can update it if you add things to your resume, and if you got the little flat ones you could even do something clever like glue them to your business card so that your prospective employers can literally plug your card in to the computer.

Maybe this is a little black-hat, but I'd be tempted to/ at least think about putting a small program in to tell me when somebody's looking at my portfolio. it would be nice to get some data on who's looking, how long after I gave them the folio, etc.

[calvinthedestroyer]

I have a portfolio but its getting outdated. I'm working in my field of study but my employers never give me anything that can be used in my portfolio. as in Certificates, Awards, Advancements.

What can I get / use from my current jobs to add to my portfolio?

Looks like going back to college and taking classes about stuff I already know is the only way I'll get credentials that I can add to my portfolio.

It would be nice to have a Document that says that I know how to test and tune a GE-Breast coil for an MRI system. (its used for detecting Breast cancer)

Any suggestions?

[Lemur]

Best practice is to get a web site up and fill it with content, it doesn't matter what the design looks like as long as it's tight and it accents your projects.

As far as USB drives, just go with business cards, cheaper and if you have a website you're set.

[Adkins]

I think in the long run I have to agree with Lemur. Get a dirt cheap website and pack it FULL of projects from over the weeks/months/years that show your improvement, but concentrate on your current abilities. Of course for that to work DATE THE FILES! That way a potential employer won't mistake a calculator from 5 years ago as your best and brightest achievement. Also don't forget to spell check, proofread, and edit your website. Wouldn't hurt either to do the same with posts on sites such as this, blogs, social networking. Get your name out there but get it out there in a positive business like manner. Having connections on social networking talking about how completely wasted you were last Wednesday won't make an overly sunny impression, but having high reputation on a sight such as this would. It doesn't seem like much, but it does show that other like minded software people like your work and appreciate your help. It is all about the image.

I also think that sites such as Sourceforge.com and Softpedia.org and other such sites where you can mass distribute your work is a SUPERB idea. Just don't forget to have it also all consolidated on your portfolio website.

Now for my question. I have a friend who said that he ALWAYS takes a laptop with to interviews that has all of his work on it. Is this a better idea (if you have a worthy laptop) than a webpage or no? I think it is in the fact that you can then go over the work directly with the people, but it is also bad because you are then assuming that they will be interested enough in you to look at it and almost forcing it on them instead of letting them go about it at their leisure. Who knows for sure!

EDIT:

I forgot to ask, is it worth going for the vendor specific certifications simply to advance your resume? I know Sun Microsystems has a whole slew of them, and I believe Microsoft also offers them for .Net languages, but are they worth the price?

This post has been edited by Adkins: 26 February 2010 - 04:49 AM

[capty99]

i'm going to disagree with adkins.

a portfolio should ONLY be examples of your best work. do not fill it with tons of stuff. a prospective employer will not look through your entire site, he will most likely choose a few examples and check them out - so instead of having that be a potluck of stuff put the best work out there.

i've worked with hundreds of advertisers and have experience so i also have a list of my client names to emphasize that but i don't include every ad i've ever done.

it's not necessary to have a print portfolio in this day and age for a graphic designer. some companies may specifically ask for one but for the most part you will get notice on that and its going to be for very select positions.


i think an important piece is to make a tight brand between your business cards, resume, website etc.. to make you stand out. it doesn't have to be abrasive or complex just a simple tie in that can showcase you.

[Shane Hudson]

capty99, on 27 February 2010 - 05:55 PM, said:

i'm going to disagree with adkins.

a portfolio should ONLY be examples of your best work. do not fill it with tons of stuff. a prospective employer will not look through your entire site, he will most likely choose a few examples and check them out - so instead of having that be a potluck of stuff put the best work out there.

i've worked with hundreds of advertisers and have experience so i also have a list of my client names to emphasize that but i don't include every ad i've ever done.

it's not necessary to have a print portfolio in this day and age for a graphic designer. some companies may specifically ask for one but for the most part you will get notice on that and its going to be for very select positions.


i think an important piece is to make a tight brand between your business cards, resume, website etc.. to make you stand out. it doesn't have to be abrasive or complex just a simple tie in that can showcase you.

This is my belief too... to only showcase the best. But it should not just be the best designs. If you look at www.PaghamTech.com you will see that design is terrible, but I am putting it in my portfolio with a text that will say what I learned from it and the reasons why I did what I did.

[janne_panne]

I'm working on my Portfolio at the moment (by trying to find a webhotel and domain). I think it is a great idea to send a link to your web portfolio at the same time you send the job application and CV.

And about those USB drives and CDs and stuff: Some companies won't/aren't allowed to open them. Viruses, you know.

[calvinthedestroyer]

the main problem I see with a website and or a USB drive is that some company's don't have the correct OS, software, driver support, and a reliable internet connection to properly show off your work. Most of the companies that I have worked for have there internet connections locked down. If you give an employer a USB or website and it doesn't work because of the employers EQ, then they will think that you don't know what you are doing. (they won't think that it is there own EQ)

Bringing your own laptop with you is a great idea. Since it is yours and you KNOW that your stuff will work on it. It is the year 2010 so your laptop should not look out of place as a method for conveying information.