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In this episode I discuss the importance and value of your web design portfolio. I compare your web design portfolio to the Golden Ticket in the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. If you’re older than 30 years old, you probably remember the movie – people scramble around town searching for a “golden ticket” for a chance to enter the mysterious Willy Wonka chocolate factory. The analogy is that your portfolio is your ticket to that special something (i.e. dream job, clients, etc.). Below are some link relating to the episode for your reference.
Show Notes:
– Dave Werner’s Portfolio 2006 (Probably the best portfolio of all time)
– Fi Case Study (Case study example)
– Jason Yapp (Amazing graphic design skills)
– Kurt Noble (Nice portfolio animation)
– Rob Clarke Logos (Logos)
– One Page Portfolio Example (One page portfolio)
Great Podcast again, thanks Mike.
That badly remembers me to create/update my Portfolio ;)
My favorite Portfolio of your links is the last one from
Zoltan Garami, I like this clean and minimalist design.
Thanks Mike for saying that my current level is good enough. I need to tell myself that more and believe it while I continue to improve. Though I don’t think I will ever think of myself as good enough but then again, it’s what drives me to be better.
I have to admit, I don’t really like much the first link (I dislike when things autoplay when I click stuff), but that is just my opinion. :)
Thank you for addressing the design of the portfolio itself. I’m probably a pessimist but I fear that people will look at the homepage and turn back because they don’t like it and won’t even look at the current projects because of it.
@Oliver – Thanks buddy for tuning in, you rock. Yes the Zoltan portfolio layout is the most freshest out of the bunch in terms of first impression, clean, sleek, beautiful, etc. but be sure to think about showing more depth within each project. That’s more valuable than one-off screenshots. Showing your process is huge and a differentiator that can separate you from other designers. Not many do it today.
@Dana – Thanks Dana for the feedback, believe me you’re not alone in being unsure of your skills which stops you from shipping. You just have to remember that it’s all a process and every top designer started at a beginner level. Just ship and always be improving each day. Yes, by putting and saying the first portfolio could be the best of all time is definitely a discussion being that its flash and out-dated by 7 years. But want to get people to think beyond just the look of the portfolio but the level of work and display of his process, etc. just think of an employer looking at his site back in 2006, he has so much insight into his skills that I would hire him without even an interview. That’s the power that I want people to see in his portfolio.
Oh Yes Mike… Keep them coming!
Quality stuff.
Thanks Duke!… much appreciated.
Great stuff as usual. I like the “Always Be Closing”, ref.
Now it’s “Always Be Creating”.
Thanks for another great podcast! This is gold for someone like me who is just getting starting in the Web Design realm.
Good stuff Mike. Definitely.
@Jason – Yes, always be creating. Thanks for listening.
@Jon – Glad you find these useful. Much appreciated.
@Arman – Thank you, much appreciated. Glad you like.
Hi Michael, thank you for posting these podcasts, very helpful as always.
You are a great person, Mike. Thanks!
@Ryan – Thanks for listening in.
@Renz – Thank you for the kind words. Means a lot.
This came at the perfect time. I’m building one portfolio now, after almost a year and half of work. I am loving this podcast that you are doing. Keeps me wondering and waiting for the next one! :)
Cheers!
Good podcast Mike! Very useful.
@Vishnu – Thanks buddy. Appreciate the support.
@Bogdam – Thank you. Glad you likes.
Excellent again Mike, I have a long way to go but truly enjoyed this podcast!!
Thanks Ron for listening in. Glad you enjoy.
I am chipping away everyday thanks to you Mike. Excellent podcast. How can I subscribe/listen via Android? I am currently using Podcast Addict. Thanks!
Thanks Henry, appreciate you subscribing and listening it.
Precisely what really inspired you to create “ML Podcast 003: Your Portfolio is Your Golden Ticket”?
Icertainly adored the blog post! Thanks for your time ,Alva
Thanks very much Mike for a great podcast. I, like Dana am also worried I am not good enough and am my own worst critic, but thanks to you I am biting the bullet and getting my portfolio together and out there!
You help me so much with your videos! I am just starting and you already inspired me so much. I hope that you will never stop doing these great podcasts and videos Mike :)
@Mario – Thanks man for the comments. Positive feedback like this keeps me making these videos and putting content like this. Much appreciated. Glad you find value in these.
I’m a student of Digital Design and I like building sites. I found your tips very helpful so I subscribed myself on you Youtube channel. Thanks for sharing your expertise and knowlegde.
Great tips Mike, funny thing is I was actually going to email you earlier this week regarding this exact thing, you beat me too it.
Definitely rating on iTunes. Later
Thank you very much for this episode. Really valuable insights. Keep it up. :)
Also, could you please make the podcast available not just in the english iTunes Store. Would be very much appreciated if I could subscribe in Europe. Thanks.
Thanks a lot Mike for the all the useful information you share.
Wow… Mike thanks, I’m actually reviewing my portfolio pointing out all the stuff I should get rid of. You’re insights and tips have actually forced me to plan out a new way of showcasing my portfolio… this podcast was an eyeopener for me thank you!
Hey Mike
I was following you for last couple of weeks on youtube. by this time i have seen most of your videos and it really appreciates me for my new opening site.
As i am a graphic/web designer(last one year on oDesk) I am little bit confused about my site (www.toufic.me)
And additionally I am not a developer rather I am just an UI designer, so how am I gonna show my websites on my portfolio site.
Regards
Michael! Thank You So Such I was thinking about giving up but because of you I decided to follow my dream…keep doing what you do you are appreciated..
@Sylvia – Glad my messages inspire you.
Hi Mike, Found you on youtube while searching for Setting Web Design prices. From one video to another and another and then finally a search for this page from google.
I like your outlook in life and your professionalism. It is simple, straight forward and very Authentic. I can watch all your videos but then again I have to be selective due to time constraints.
By the way I like Jason Yapp’s Portfolio presentation. A great snap shot of what a customer would expect from Jason’s company.
I will stop and say a BIG Thank you for all your guides and tips.
Cheers!