When understanding what makes a good online professional portfolio, relevant to my chosen profession, it is important to conduct research on a range of portfolio providers, and how others layout their work to see the best and most effective presentation for my work. Further to this, I will compare the positive and negative aspects of the designs, as well as look at a range of professional and non-professional portfolio’s so I can determine for myself what would be the most suitable.
Art Pathway: Practitioner Portfolios
Professional Concept Artist: Raphael Lacoste – Senior Art Director/Illustrator
Web link address: https://www.raphael-lacoste.com/albums/630543
Layout/Navigation:
The layout for this portfolio, is clear and simple when navigating onto the different menu’s; The layout clearly represents his environmental artwork on a grid-based gallery. The amount of work, shown within the portfolio, as well as the extensive amount of details put into the artwork, really shows the talent and professional manner of this artist. In addition to this, it highlights, his role as a senior Director, which is quite high-up within the games industry for an artist, which again is an indication on his professional status.
Menu’s:
Not only are the menu’s organised in specific areas to show the different games Lacoste has worked on, but is also separated into categories such as ‘Art book’s and the ‘store’, which clearly shows his professional ability to make income from his work. When you lick on the images, the work is also enlarged, and a description of the piece is presented, as well as sometimes a tutorial on how he created the artwork.
Font type and colour:
The font type is very simple, and clear, which gives it a more professional outlook. Because the font colour is white, it makes the menu’s and titles stand out more, contrasting well with the black background. In addition to this, the art pieces are also very visible and bold, because the colours are very light and heavily detailed with colour, making them stand out effectively and drawing attention to the viewers.
Background colour or image:
Mentioned previously, the background colour is very dark, which works well with this portfolio layout design, as it draws focus to to the images. Due to being no images used on the background, the viewers are immediately drawn to look at the pieces, which highlight very different landscapes and environments, which additionally shows his diverse range of skill set in creating different types of game levels.
Positive and negative design choices
I believe that the overall design choices of his layout, colour and font styles are presented in a professional, clear and simple manner, and highlight his talent within his artwork effectively. A possible improvement would be to draw more attention to the most popularized or his most proud creation, to highlight his highest quality pieces of work.
Student concept artist: Sergi Iranzo – Summer intern for FORREC Ltd.
Web link address: https://www.artstation.com/elbrus
Layout/Navigation:
I chose Sergi as a comparison to Lacoste, due to their similar presentation layouts they have chosen. Again using a grid-based gallery to effectively show the different types of artwork that has been created. Differing from Lacoste, Sergi also includes drawings of characters and not just environments, as well as the style variation from pastel type paintings to more realism. The navigation is clear and simple, although I think the font size is too generalized for this website, and makes it look slightly less professional, in addition to this, some of the sections such as the ‘prints’ are currently empty, due to the artist not gaining a sustainable amount of profit, which is something that highlights his non professional status.
Menu’s:
The menu’s are clear and simple, and clearly show where each category is located. Possibly showing his follower count could be seen as less professional, as well the likes, although this simply could be placed for Sergi’s benefit to show the increase of people recognizing his work ethic. For his portfolio, he could possibly improve this section by separating his environmental concept pieces which his character developments, as well as the different styles he used for different projects, and why.
Font type and colour:
The font and colour again like Lacoste’s contrast well with the black and white tones, although the grey texts for his location below his title, as well as the number of likes and followers ruin the overall theme and make it look more casual to an audience. I think the font type was chosen to a good standard, although possibly mimics that of Lacoste’s to much, as well as not matching well with the types of art styles that he creates, which is much more diverse compared to Raphaels.
Background colour or image:
Again there is no background image, so that the focus is drawn immediately to the artwork, as well as the background colour being black, due to the bright and bold colours used within the art pieces themselves. Differentiating, I like that Iranzo uses a grey tone on the bar that is a slight difference in tone to the background, as it makes the bar look as if it has a breaking point, rather than being the menu’s being cluttered onto the background.
Positive and negative design choices
A positive design choice was to follow a similar style to Lacoste whether it was intentional or not, as it follows on a look of professionalism, and was a good design choice considering Sergi’s artwork follows on a similar style to Raphaels, specifically the environments. To improve on Sergi’s work so that it doesn’t look as if it was created by someone with less experience, removing the likes, and follower count would make it look cleaner, as well as show to the viewers that you are not trying too hard to get your work out there, and rather symbolizes a sense of pride and comfort with the position you are currently in with your art professionally.
Professional Concept artist: Todd Lockwood – Concept artist/Illustrator
Web link address: https://www.toddlockwood.com/
Layout/Navigation:
From the layout of this portfolio, it is clear that Todd Lockwood is someone that wants to stand out from the crowd, his layout is very imaginative and whimsical, following on a fantasy themed style. A unique design style, is for navigation, Todd has not only specified his navigation menu’s with the writing, but also visual images, which not only aesthetically pleasing, but possibly good for viewers with learning disabilities that cause them to struggle with reading, which would ultimately allow for a diverse range of people viewing his artwork.
Menu’s:
The large appeal for Todd’s menu’s, is that there are a lot of areas to click on, which makes the website itself for interesting to people, as they are able to explore a large range of areas that visually stand out. Including subscription boxes, that already show each field directly and simply, enticing people to want to sign up, as well as a range of social media icons, that are not too bold or standoffish, which could be seen as arrogant or needy. When directed into the main gallery for different ranges of games such as Dungeons and Dragons, Magic: the gathering, as well as World of Warcraft, Lockwood again uses a grid-like format, which seems to be a popular choice for both professionals and students for his artwork layout. Differentiating from Raphael’s work, a large concept piece is shown at the very top of the menu, which I believe attracts people more to want to see the other pieces, from the quality and production of the enlarged artwork.
Font type and colour:
The font works well with the theme of the website, as it’s style is similarly to that used in fairy tale films, books, and television shows. Additionally, the use of the tone white for the font, works well with the black colour of the main page, as well as not conflicting too much with the purple used for the background.
Background colour or image:
The background image features what looks like to be either a fossilized cavern, or cave that has been in-scripted. Either of these two would portray an old-fashioned and fantasy set realm. Further to this, the colour purple is a classical colour that is used within this genre, as it symbolizes magic, mystery, wealth, royalty, nobility, luxury, power and ambition, which are all traits shown in relation to fairy-tales, and folklore type tales. Which is a re-occurring theme used in Todd Lockwood’s art, specifically the legend of dragons.
Positive and negative design choices
His design theme and layout is very unique, and would appeal to anyone who specifically likes imaginative and fantasy type artwork and realms. In addition to this, his gallery is clearly laid out, representing the games and books he’s worked on. A negative could be that there is too much within the main menu, which could leave people bewildered on what to click on and explore first, although this was a design choice that is controversial on whether it is necessarily a negative decision.
Student concept artist: Tiffani Brown – Year 4 concept art student
Web link address: https://tiffanibrown.myportfolio.com/environments
Layout/Navigation:
The layout on the overall website itself is thoroughly thought out, and the menu’s are clear enough, yet do not draw focus away from the art. I believe that the main menu could have shown different drawings, as the simple, although well drawn cartoon styled characters make the background look plain, and possibly makes the website look less organised.
Menu’s:
Tiffani’s menu’s are well structured, and clearly show the different areas she has explored within her concept artwork. I would also say that her menu’s are kept to a very professional standard, similar to what has been shown within well known concept artists, as it keeps it simple, and clear on the ranges of life drawings, environmental pieces, as well as information about her and her contacts. Not only are her final concepts shown in separated categories, but she has also created menu’s for visual development and illustrations, which highlight the process she has taken when developing and creating her art, which is something that is simple yet effective when showing the techniques and process that she has taken.
Font type and colour:
Her font type, and colours used keep to a basic yet professional standard, as its not fancy, and keeps to the overall themes of her website portfolio. Additionally, the use of the grey colours on her menu’s, keeps to the soft tones of the white background, which is something I believe was a good design choice, as black would possibly be too harsh for the light colours she has used within her website and on her artwork. Possibly, although I can see how this could be to draw attention to her name, so she is more recognized within the public, having a purple colour for her name doesn’t really match the rest of the design scheme on the website, as its not used anywhere else on the main menu.
Background colour or image:
There is no background colour, or image used within her website, which I think creates a dull impression off the bat. I believe this would be a drawback, especially considering the other areas on her website are not only incredible, but more eye-catching to people then the main menu.
Positive and negative design choices
An error that occurs, is when a page such as environment and props is clicked on, due to the images being quite large, the menu’s almost become impossible to see, making it difficult to navigate especially for people with bad eye sight. The positive attributes is the large range of conceptual pieces, from sketches, illustrations, to environment and character work, Tiffani shows that she has a wide knowledge in many different sectors within concept development.
Professional concept artist: Anna Parmentier – Junior concept artist
Web link address: http://annaparmentier.com/albums/3d-work/
Layout/Navigation:
The layout is pretty standard, yet works well in portraying a natural and simplistic type style. What really makes this website stand out, is the interesting navigation system, in which you use the squares located on the right side on the website, to scroll down the page easily. This is an interesting and simpler way to look at areas within her portfolio, and would most likely encourage viewers to want to look at all the artwork on the page, without missing areas due to how easy it is.
Menu’s:
The menu’s are easy to see, as well as placed in an organised area in which does not draw attention away from the main page. I would say that as Anna maintains a skill set within all three areas being art, 3D modelling and programming (focusing specifically on 2D artwork), maybe she could have categorized it further. The cute-like style of her avatar, is very enticing, and gives the immediate subconscious impression that the creator is likable, which would lead you to want to explore the website further.
Font type and colour:
For the fonts, they remain consistent and very plain, which actually works with the natural feel of the website. There is actually three different colours used within the menu, including black, light grey and a darker green. Although this would usually be considered too drastic in change and moving away from the colour themes, it actually is almost unnoticeable due to the fonts size and simplistic style within the entirety of the site, meaning it almost adds to drawing focus to certain areas, making it a risky but successful design choice.
Background colour or image:
Again, to stick to the basic and natural themes within Anna’s portfolio, she has kept to using light greens and white, which ultimately are two colours which do compliment each-other. For this type of website, due to the layout being portrait rather than landscape, having a white center for the main website is acceptable, as there is less space to fill, meaning the web-page won’t look as if it contains negative space around the images.
Positive and negative design choices
I like the menu’s and navigation system, as it keeps to a sweet, simple and interesting design system for the viewers. Although, I believe that the content placed into the sectors could possibly contain a different layout, as the large use of each individual image is less professional for someone of her status within the industry, and seems like something a student would use to fill in the space due to a lack of experience and work on the website.
Student concept artist: Boris Radevski – Year 4 concept art student
Web link address: https://www.artstation.com/borivision
Layout/Navigation:
The navigation is shown very prominently at the top of the web-page, highlighting Radevski’s portfolio, store, prints etc. Due to creating it on Artstation, the defaults such as followers count, likes etc, are again displayed at the top like Lacoste’s work shown at the beginning. Although this is the case, I still believe it makes the website as a whole look less sophisticated. Again the grey tone showing the main menu hot-bar, is a nice separation, that makes it appear more professional and organised.
Menu’s:
Most of the menu’s do not contain anything, due to Boris being a student, although to improve the portfolio itself, he could possible include different categories that separate characters and environments, which by looking into his work, is his main focus areas.
Font type and colour:
The font colour is traditionally white, again similarly to most of the other portfolio’s, it contrasts the most effectively with the black background. The menu’s due to the font size also immediately draw you in, as its bold and easy to read.
Background colour or image:
I’m almost certain that for Radevski’s background image, he uses one of his own concept pieces, which is a great idea to showcase the proudest parts of your work, this also makes the site more interesting than other Artstation portfolio’s, that do not have any image within their background. The colours of the female concept character used, also works well with the black background, as they don’t feature heavily bright colours, and the depth of field used to put the background out of focus really draws attention to the character itself.
Positive and negative design choices
I like his grid portfolio, as well as the background image used. Although his profile picture could be seen as childish or unprofessional, it implies that he has a strong character and a good sense of humour, which are usually qualities that are admired by the general community. Separation within the portfolio menu’s, so that he can clearly represent his different environment and character concepts could be an improvement to implicate in the future.
Portfolio Providers:
Artstation: Concept art portfolio provider 1
Web link address: https://www.artstation.com/
Is it free?
Artstation is free for anyone to use, and create a portfolio, although you are presented with the option to upgrade to PRO, to add some additional privacy and domain settings to your account.
Does it look professional?
Artstation does look professional, and presents your work in a organised manner that you can change and develop. Further to this, many professional industry workers, and high level students present their work on Artstation, due to the amount of attention it receives, as well as being a free, easy and good presenting software for a portfolio.
Does it have an appropriate layout that I like?
I do like it’s layout using the menu’s at the top, although I find the font too large, which takes away from looking at the work, as well the scroll features. In addition to this, I do not like the likes and follower count menu’s it creates by default, as I think this decreases how professional it looks to an audience or viewer.
Is it suitable for presenting student work? (e.g, finished work, sketches, life drawing, ideas generation etc:
You are able to add and create menu’s within this software. Meaning having sections for the development and ideas generation such as sketching or finished work, would be a possibility. Further to this, many college/university level students use ArtStation to present their work, due to the amount of attention it receives, making it suitable for students overall.
WordPress: Concept art portfolio provider 2
Is it free?
WordPress.com is a free website/blog creation site that would allow you to create a successful and customization portfolio. Similarly to ArtStation, you are able to upgrade depending on how known and professional you need it to be. Although for a regular student, a free account would suffice.
Does it look professional?
WordPress.com does look professional depending on how you edit it, if you choose a poor layout design, background image, or colour scheme, it could really influence the professional outlook of your website/blog.
Does it have an appropriate layout that I like?
Considering you are able to choose a layout, (given more options if you upgrade) you can choose how you want your work to be presented, as well as the appropriate nature of it. Dependent on your knowledge on portfolio’s, and making them professional, you can create a good quality design layout that will attract people to view your chosen presented work.
Is it suitable for presenting student work? (e.g, finished work, sketches, life drawing, ideas generation etc:
Considering you are able to adapt and completely change the menu’s, you can really customize your portfolio to your advantage, including sections and drop menu’s to represent the different development and final concepts. Specifically for a student, getting your work out there could be harder than a place like ArtStation, as people have to specifically view your website/blog if they want to discover your pieces, which could affect how noticed you are.
SquareSpace.com: Concept art portfolio provider 3
Web link address: https://www.squarespace.com/
Is it free?
Squarespace is not free unlike the rest of the websites, although they do offer a 14 day free trial to get someone started. Squarespaces pricing ranges from $12 to $40 per month, depending on the type of plan you acquired.
Does it look professional?
Squarespace does look very professional, and gives you more customisable options then WordPress due to it costing the host. You can develop and have access to areas such as modern templates, drag and drop management, gallery blocks, automatic image scaling etc, which are helpful features used to enhance the productivity and overall professionalism of your site.
Does it have an appropriate layout that I like?
Again, you are able to customize the layout in SquareSpace, although you are given much more freedom and expansive templates then WordPress as that site is free to use. You can also drag and drop, and create new layers efficiently, expanding the amount of freedom you can use to make your site more exciting and unique.
Is it suitable for presenting student work? (e.g, finished work, sketches, life drawing, ideas generation etc:
It would be ideal when presenting student work, as the domain is more public, meaning people are more likely to view your work, in addition to this, you have full control over menu’s and layout, meaning you can change it to your liking so that it features your work designs, sketches, illustrations etc.
Morgan Clark: Games Development L3 Year 2 