Thread: Portfolio/CV/Website advice

Customer testimonials do have to have names with them... not just random quotes like: "Marvellous! Everything was perfect."

On my websites all the testimonials are real!

I don't really know if I'm 'qualified' to comment but I'll stick my tuppence in anyway.

To me, the Flash layout feels a bit dated. Maybe look into coding a single page folio that puts the emphasis on you and your work (and is better for SEO)?

With regards to your CV I didn't like the line length in the copy towards the bottom, and the whole thing seemed to lack hierarchy. It feels like the copy needs some room to breathe.

I quite like your name in the centre though, why not align the body copy at the same angle to give it a bit of dynamism?

I think your 'illusion' logo is quite clever too

On a similar vein to Paul, as to whether I'm really 'qualified' - I'll give my opinion on the copy (I took a copywriting course! LOL)

I feel the copy is filled with too much "I". A general rule for copy is telling the reader about benefits, rather than the features.

i.e. "I am incredibly positive and get passionately involved at all stages of production, with my particular strengths in the areas of print production, image manipulation/retouching, product packaging and POS." That's all features - tell the reader how these features can actually benefit them. What does it do for them? And don't be cryptic - get straight to the point.

And this sentence is an example of being too vague: "I am an individual with an overwhelming desire to design, create and develop new skills coupled with a determination to succeed." These are rather obvious things to state. Be more specific - even develop a particular tone. Throw your personality into your copy, without needing to use any complicated words. Call an apple an apple - it's not a approximately-spherical fruit with a thin, rigid skin.

"What can I do for you? Through the solutions to your problems, feel my love for designing, creating and learning - powered by a determination to bring success to you." Refer to the reader - talk to them.

I hope that helps.

I'm not too keen on the website and CV. The whole feel to it seems amateurish and already outdated. I like the work though, especially the travel posters.

Thanks Gary, I agree with you about the text. It isn't quite right at the moment and definitely needs more of my personality injected into it. I'm going to have a think and update it as soon as I can!