Objective

To develop a digital portfolio in the form a personal web site for self-promotion purposes. To showcase your new media and interactive design skills for the purpose of obtaining employment as a graphic designer.

Description

Design a browser-based digital version of your portfolio. Upload and publish your digital portfolio onto a web server. This package should be compatible with the look-and-feel of your resume and leave-behind pieces.

The contents of your digital portfolio should contain at least the following:

• front page ("home" page)
• 10-20 pieces from your portfolio
• resume page
• contact information
• philosophy statement page (optional)

Procedure

1. RESEARCH FOR INSPIRATION: Research existing award winning graphic designer/design firm web sites. Be sure to review trade publications (Print, How, Communication Arts, Archive) and art director's annuals. Collect as many screen snapshots as you can and present your research in class (tip: start at del.icio.us/parkland.gds). Be prepared to explain why these examples are successful.

2. MARKETING RESEARCH: Examine and critique the digital portfolios of recent Parkland graduates. Your objective is to make your portfolio better than theirs. Write a written statement of objectives (include your employment objectives) in the form of a memo (see sample brief). Email your brief as an attached Word document to pyoung.parkland.edu@gmail.com.

3. INCUBATION: Absorb the information you have gathered and sleep on it. Allow your unconscious mind to make connections for you.

4. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see examples of sketches). Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Edit your concepts down to your best three ideas and redraw them on 8.5 x 11 white paper using a felt tip pen (tip: draw in a blank browser window). Test how successful your concepts are by presenting them in class for critique.

5. EXECUTION: Based on the critique of the above, prepare a site map (see examples) of your site. Rasterize your portfolio pieces, then create a prototype "mock-up" of two sample screens in Adobe Photoshop which will indicate the "look and feel" of the site (place your art inside a blank browser window). Print out your prototype screens in b&w and be prepared to talk about how the design principles of unity, emphasis and balance are utilized in your layout.

6. PORTFOLIO PREPARATION: Based on the critique of the above, produce a fully functional site. Email your URL to the instructor and present your finished site on screen for final critique. If necessary, make refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project.

7. GRADING: Create a ZIP archive of the entire site and drop it in Angel's drop box. Then submit two high quality laser proofs of select screens with your name on it for grading. File the graded proof in your 3-ring binder for individual review along with all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, brief, sketches, b&w proofs, final color comp). You will not receive credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.