1. Keep the Homepage Simple & Clear
- Use a clean theme with minimal distractions.
- Include a short tagline explaining who you are and what you do (e.g., “Media Creator | Audio • Graphic • Storytelling”).
- Feature 3–6 of your best projects up front—your “wow” pieces.
2. Create an Engaging “About Me” Page (see below)
- Write in first person, conversational but professional.
- Include: who you are, what you study, your creative interests, and one unique detail that makes you memorable.
- Add a good portrait or candid photo that feels authentic.
- Keep it brief—3 short paragraphs max.
3. Add An artist Statement
- See Project 6 tips for Creating your Artists Statement.
- Artists statement focuses on your creative work, while your About Me is a more general biography that includes your creative work in the context of your larger life pathway.
4. Make Your “Contact” Page Impossible to Miss
- Include a simple contact form.
- Add professional email and optional social links (LinkedIn, Instagram, Behance, YouTube).
- Avoid clutter—users should see exactly how to reach you in seconds.
5. Categorize Posts by Media Type
- Add all NMD 100 posts
- Add any other class posts
- Add posts for any other creative work you want to include
- Use clear, intuitive categories like:
- Audio
- Graphic / Visual
- Video
- Story / Writing
- Interactive / Web
- Use tags for secondary details (e.g., “sound design,” “logo,” “short fiction”).
- Keep categories consistent so your site stays organized as it grows.
6. Add One Project Per Post (Not Everything on One Page)
- Each project should get its own post with:
- A short description of the project (not class based; make it sound professional: “for this project my goal was to…so I …)
- Your role
- Tools used
- The final media (audio file, graphic, video, etc.)
- A sentence or two on what you learned
- This helps with navigation and makes your portfolio feel more professional.
- Write clear post excerpts so viewers can see a simple description in the archive/category pages.
7. Use High-Quality Media Only
- Export images at 1024px for the widest/longest side for crisp display.
- Keep file sizes optimized so the site loads fast.
- For audio/video, embed from YouTube, Vimeo, or SoundCloud. All video will be deleted at the end of the d of the semester–so be sure you have a copy of yours and it is uploaded to Youtube * linked.
8. Write Short, Clear Project Descriptions
Good formula: What was the project? → What was your goal? → What did you create? → What did you learn? Avoid long paragraphs—2–5 sentences is enough.
9. Be Consistent With Visual Style
- Use the same fonts, colors, and thumbnail style across posts when possible.
- Thumbnails with consistent framing help your portfolio look cohesive.
10. Add a Simple Navigation Menu
Suggested top menu:
- Home
- About
- Portfolio (dropdown with categories)
- Blog (optional)
- Contact
This keeps your site clean and easy to explore.
11. Proofread Everything
- Spelling and grammar matter.
- Read aloud to catch mistakes.
- Keep your writing concise and professional.
12. Include a Short Resume or “Skills & Tools” Section
This makes you look job-ready. Examples:
- Audio Editing: Audacity, Adobe Audition
- Graphic Design: Photoshop, Illustrator
- Video: Premiere Pro
- Writing: Short-form storytelling, scriptwriting
13. Update Your Site Weekly (Even Small Improvements Count)
- Add posts as projects are completed.
- Refresh your homepage as your best work changes.
- Consistent updates show growth and commitment.
Tips for Writing a Great “About Me” Page
- Keep it short — aim for 2–3 small paragraphs, not a full autobiography.
- Lead with who you are right now (e.g., “I’m a media student focused on audio storytelling and visual design.”).
- Share what you love creating — mention your interests, specialties, and any creative passions.
- Add a personal spark — one small, memorable detail (a hobby, a fun fact, or what inspires you).
- Use a friendly, professional tone — write like you’re having a confident conversation.
- Include a good photo — clear, natural lighting, and a genuine expression.
- End with what you’re looking for — internships, collaborations, or opportunities to grow your skills..
Tips for a Strong “Featured Works” Page
- Choose only your top 3–6 projects — this page should show your best, not everything.
- Mix media types strategically (audio, visual, writing) to show range without overwhelming the viewer.
- Lead with your strongest piece at the top of the page.
- Use large, high-quality thumbnails so the page feels polished and visually engaging.
- Keep each project preview short — include a title, 1–2 sentence description, and a “View Project” link to the full post.
- Maintain consistent formatting (same thumbnail size, same spacing, same style of text).
- Arrange work intentionally — group by theme or skill level, or tell a story by order of development.
- Update it every semester so your Featured page always reflects your current strengths.
Treat It Like a Real Portfolio, Not Just a Class Blog
Even though it’s for class, design it professionally, as if future employers will see it—because they will.