Why should you have a portfolio
What is the best way to show off your work online, and what are some different options for displaying it on the web?
The benefits of having an online presence can't be understated. It's essential in today's job market that recruiters find you through google search or social media sites like LinkedIn rather than languishing at home waiting for a phone call that may never come. Having access to platforms such as Squarespace, where I can create beautiful websites with my unique design touches, has been huge when attracting potential clients who might not know me yet but want something more professional looking over their less traditional portfolios made from blogs or personal websites, You'll also need somewhere.
Many famous designers turned to Kickstarter for help in getting their startup projects off the ground. One such designer is Khoi Vinh, of Subdesigner fame and New York Times bestselling author. In an article on Design Observer titled "Kickstarter as a Business Model," he says that if you're not making money from your design work or product (as opposed to owning it), then crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter may be worth considering--in his opinion, they offer one of today's clearest paths toward building professional credibility by placing bets with own products. Many people know about Kickstarters but aren't aware of how easy it can make starting a new business idea!
The input tells us that it is important to make a portfolio, but how do you do this? You may have an Upwork account with too many samples for clients to see. A website can take more time than just sending the link over and then wait for someone who wants your services or skillset to ask you if they want any of them in their project team. There are multiple benefits from creating a site:
- It saves on loading times.
- The applicant's identity becomes clearer through content focusing not only on what he does (like opening emails) but also on showing pictures and videos.
- Clients can click into each section instead of scrolling down one page after another trying to find something specific--less chance for errors.
What may it be...
List your work project.
- Project Pictures.
- Describe the job as much as possible (pointwise)
- Upwork / marketplace feedback link.
- Work rate, bonus, etc. Comments.
If you want to find a job in the freelance world, ensure that your contact information is not displayed on Upwork. It's an unfair policy violation that will get you banned from using their site.
Where to upload?
When you are finally ready to move into the world of freelance design - or even if you're starting out on your own- there is a lot that goes into hosting and maintaining both a personal site for yourself as well as a portfolio. As an illustrator, I found myself wanting to create my own website but having no idea where to start. Luckily, there are many free hosting sites available online which come with all sorts of benefits! With so many options, it can be not easy choosing one; however, when looking over these four reliable websites, they were consistently recommended by designers who have gone before me:
- Coroflot
- Carbonmade
- Krop
- Behance
Some portfolio address for affinities:
Freelancing is a dream job for many people. We get to tell our hours, work from anywhere we want, and do what we love without answering anyone but ourselves! But the reality of freelancing is not always as glamorous as it seems. Freelancers must stand out in an industry that has been around for decades and will continue into infinity. It's hard enough getting clients when you have your website or social media page, but if you are starting with no following - then it can seem impossible to find work at all.
Some people find the best way to stand out is through personal relationships. They hand-hold their clients (especially in this industry) and give them a personalized experience that makes every project memorable. You could also try focusing on one or two industries you enjoy and become experts with those service providers. If your work stands out, word will spread in the industry.
It's not as glamorous as it may seem, but there is no shortage of freelancers who are working hard to make a living in this industry! It just takes time and the right strategy to find success.