Website/Design Portfoio critique

(1) I don't see the point of the initial "click to enter" page. I waited a minute and thought that it just hadn't loaded all the way since all there was was the hot pink bar with white text.

(2) Much of the functionality is slow or doesn't seem to work. For example, I click on "PHOTOS" and it loads for a bit and all that's changed is that now there's a hot pink (apparent) progress bar. Nothing else. I click on one of the rectangles in the "progress bar" and nothing happens. Then about 20 sec. later, an image shows. This is very confusing. And the meaning of it sometimes being hot pink and sometimes green (like on some of your "WORK" pages makes it even more confusing.

(3) The color scheme is not very professional. Hot pink text/lines on black and then a darker green for some text is hard on the eyes and to me looks unprofessional.

(4) On your Links page, it should be "FRIENDS' SITES," not "FRIENDS SITES."

The first image of each section should load automatically. One shouldn't have to click one of the pink boxes in order for this to happen. They have stated that they want to see your professional work, for instance, by clicking on "professional." An additional click is redundant, and makes the user think that the site isn't working properly.

I think what you are trying to achieve, simplicity, is good; however, you've made the site too abstract.
I'm not bothered by the colors all that much since they seem to be your signature color.

-I should not have to click to enter as stated before.
-There should always be a picture or text on the content section within each section otherwise it gives the appearance that it is unfinished or broken.
-I don't like clicking on the rectangles to see the next project or picture. Not many people will know to click them and just leave the page. Make thumbnails or give an indication that they are the navigation controls.

It's just too abstract. Otherwise, keep up the good work.

Need to work on your usability a tad and make your navigation less then two clicks to information. People are stupid. Also, why all images? Google will not like your site much.

ChicoWeb said:

Need to work on your usability a tad and make your navigation less then two clicks to information. People are stupid. Also, why all images? Google will not like your site much.

Click to expand...

I tend to agree, simplicity is a very good thing in any project but you need a nice balance between what works and easy functional intuitive navigation (users are morons and can get the simple things wrong). And add more text google seo will love you for it.

Get rid of the the click to enter it's kind of redundant, I would also label each page better for orientation for the user, I would also combined all of your best work into one heading not Personal/Uni/Commercial (most people will only go to the commerical), limit your artwork to 10 to 15 of your best work and add a PDF CV (this worked for me very well).

And good luck in you future graphics career

I like it a lot apart from the "click to enter" and having to click on a series of tiny rectangles to see pictures.

Generally I don't think people like clicking on things without some indication of what they might get before-hand, and a little red rectangle doesn't really sell an individual piece.. People risk missing your best work by idly clicking and skipping past?

Nice design.

just make sure the visitor is not waiting for something that does not come ...
you can serve the same content with a little less clicks.

hi, you're clearly a talented graphic designer. Unfortunately, though not a talented web designer! Have you got friends/contacts at uni on a web design/computer sci course who could help you design a page? Human computer interaction is a huge topic and you need to look at the way people will interact with your website more.

Go to the computerarts website and check out their tutorials for building a portfolio website, they could help you.

PS - i hate it when i click on "contact" on websites and my mail app loads. V Intrusive. Put a web form on that page instead, or even just an email and mailing address, phone number etc

honestly in my opinion its too much hassle to get to things, if I'm looking through several hundred portfolio sites (like some businesses will be) I wouldn't spend more than a couple of seconds getting to the work. Needs to be more fluid and direct. Also personally I'm not keen on the green and pink.

Splash pages should be left in the 90's. The website needs to be more usable (in terms of attracting clients - only a notable designer can get away with a design like that). I like the fact that your site isn't cookie cutter. You try to maintain your own way, but it won't help very much if the client cannot get past the first page.