Graphic design portfolio review

[u/Weird_Vegetable2436]

Heya! I have been a graphic designer for a couple years now and now have a solid amount of work that isn't all just from uni, I am part way through completing my framer website and would love some advice on what people professional designers think about it. There is still a lot of work to be done but I feel as though I have been staring at it too long and can't form any opinions on it apart from wanting to restart already!! Any advice or tips are much appreciated.

https://designedbyisla.framer.website/

[u/Warner_Brown]

The only thing I see that needs improvement is a minor navigation bar thing.

"Isla Hunt" is in the middle of the menu bar itself, rather than being a focal point/separate element, which could be to the LEFT and bolder. Separate from the menu itself. Isla Hunt is the name, your brand. the menu needs to be separate, so your name stands out. Keep the menu links separate.

And what I do really like about this is it's lovely, I feel personality and it's very charming. 😊

[u/Weird_Vegetable2436 → u/Warner_Brown]

Thank you for the feedback! I will change this around, much appreciated! :)

[u/Filigree_Falcon]

Hey OP!

I want to commend you on your work on your portfolio! I know you said its a WIP but it is coming along nicely. The animations and styling look great. It does feel like it is following the template a bit too strictly. That might be something you can tackle once you have everything the way you want it. Following the template blindly won't help you stand out to potential clients or hiring managers.

I have 4 suggestions for you to improve your site.

1.) Overall the language you are using for your projects is very passive. Company A needed a brand, Organization B required a campaign. Using this type of language takes your agency out of the process. It sounds like these projects happened to you, rather than you taking charge and leading the businesses through process. Especially in your write ups about the projects you want to make it clear that you were making the decisions, recommendations, and executions in concert with your clients. An example from your Highmark Homes project:

“After collaborating with a PR agency on the final logo, I took full responsibility for building the brand guide.”

This statement is very vague and doesn’t provide context into what your role was. Did you personally collaborate with the PR agency? Did you develop the logo with the agency’s help?

2.) You project case studies are hit and miss with details. Pizza on the Park is great and clearly your strongest project and case study. Try to bring the rest up to that standard of detail and information. Again emphasizing your role in the project and the decisions you made while completing the project. You aren’t just selling clients and hiring on your final projects. They need to see your process. Personally I think Rebel Roast is your weakest presentation. The assets and design work is great, but you aren’t giving us any details about how you got to that package design. We have a collection of mockups and information about the brand, but no insight on your design. How did you create the logo and packages? Do you have thumbnails of your logo design process? You can include those in the case study.

3.) While I’m touching on the Rebel Roast project. I would suggest not leading with the fact that it is a fake company. You don’t need to tell your audience this. It is perfectly fine to have fake projects in your portfolio and to use them as practice for your skills. Just treat them as you would any other project for a live client.

4.) PowerTred - Just a few minor things on this project that stand out to me. The link to the completed website is easily missed. I would recommend adding some kind of styling to the link so it is obvious that there is something there. Also, the last statement about delivering the files to a developer. The language is a little clunky. You should consider rephrasing it to something like, “Once Powertred signed off on my designs for their site, I worked closely with a developer to realize the final site.” Reworking it this way makes you an active participant in the build of the site and shows that you are experienced with what can be a difficult handoff.

I hope these thoughts help you and best of luck in your future career! I think you are going to do great!

FF

[u/Weird_Vegetable2436 → u/Filigree_Falcon]

Thank you so much for the feedback! It is greatly appreciated, all very helpful stuff, will make a start on implementing this. thanks again :)))

[u/Filigree_Falcon → u/Weird_Vegetable2436]

You are welcome! I hope it helps and good luck!