Redecorating

Every designer needs a portfolio. Their personal gallery, displayed for all to see, a showcase of their best work. This is a statement of fact. No designer can go to a dinner party, sit next to a stranger, and be asked, "What do you do?" without expecting that stranger to want some examples. Try being a flight attendant without an airline, or a CEO without a company. It can't be done.

And so everyone who writes "graphic designer" underneath their name on their business card (or anywhere on their business card, for that matter; a graphic designer takes chances with layout) takes the time to lovingly code their own portfolio, producing some of their best work. Giving out a card is only the first step: no one will hire a designer without taking a peek at some samples. And so we create our own little corners of the Internet.

I recently created my own portfolio, a representation of myself as the average Google-searcher would see it. I did not, however, do it alone, and so I would like to share with you some great resources for creating your own portfolio.


TheBestDesigns.com

If you're looking for a place to start, this is it. Any of the webpages featured here are perfect to check when you need a little inspiration. TheBestDesigns.com even organizes the sites based on style, so as long as you know the vibe you're going for you can cut out the clutter and find beautifully designed websites that are bold...or clean...or dark...or...


CriticalZero

Organization is everything, and if your portfolio is all over the place no client will take you seriously. Alignment is key, and the best way to take matters into your own hands is to design with a grid. CriticalZero provides a fantastic tutorial and many examples of ways to mix up your grid and make your portfolio appear interesting and coordinated to any viewer.


LightCMS

You've designed your portfolio, and it looks great. You've coded the entire layout, and the code and clean and valid. Now what? Do you want to handcode each and every page? Or would you rather create a CMS and update your portfolio as you would a blog? LightCMS is any designers' dream: turn any design into a custom CMS. It couldn't get better.


Shadowbox

No client wants to click a thumbnail and be directed to a new window, or worse, lose your entire site to the image file itself. Take care in the way you present your pieces: use Shadowbox, an innovative Javascript application that lets any link enlarge beautifully without navigating away from your site. Use Shadowbox for image galleries, videos, Flash and more.


The CSS Gallery List

Your portfolio is done. You're ready to get to work for someone other than yourself. You email some friends, leave your business cards at a coffee shop. What now? Submit your site to as many designer or website galleries as you can. The CSS Gallery List keeps tabs on many of them, and lets you easily submit your site to their records. Go get your name out there!


A portfolio can make or break a freelance designer, and you won't want to take the chance that yours gets lost in a sea of other websites. Be creative, be consistent, and be yourself! Shine on.