Optimizing and Websites

Repurposing and Optimizing:
Chapter 8 in "Designing a Digital Portfolio" is about repurposing and optimizing your pieces. PDF's are a good way to present a file that was created in a program that is not typically on all machines. It's also good for bringing multiple files together into one single file. The author mentions some things to keep in mind about creating PDFs. For example, she says to keep the pieces letter-sized for easy printing, and use TIFF files when creating screenshots. Don't use jpgs. They lose quality when resizing and zooming. PDFs can be merged together, so if you have multiple PDFs, save your audience some time and make one large file. Create a cover page which includes contact information. It's also a good idea to put your name in the header or footer of each page. The PDF shouldn't be any more than 1 MB for the Internet, so watch your file size. Captions are also important and should come with each project so that the viewer can understand the purpose for the project.

Encoders and Video Players were also mentioned in the book. Quicktime is a cross-platform player and therefore it can be opened where ever Quicktime is installed. This site, www.cefaratti.com, uses Quicktime to display their videoes. DivX is a popular codec with 3D animators and DV enthusiasts." It offers high quality, large window sizes and fast performance.

Portfolio Websites and Motion Graphics Portfolios:
According to the author of "Building Digital Portfolios," a possible employer will first look at the site then will want to see a print porfolio and a live presentation. It's a very effective way to get your work seen and you are expected to have one now-a-days. They should be constantly updated and shows recent work. It's also important to have the look of the site match the look and feel of the designer for whom the site is for. Other important aspects that employers' are looking for is the material then the site navigation and set up. The material should have a good range of work and an overview what the designer has achived. This site (www.louisefili.com), according to the author, has a good range of different pieces.

If you're leaning more towards motion graphics, then you should put together a demo reel. This should be about one minute in length at the most. Soundtracks are also an important part because it can set an interest especially if it's upbeat like techno. The hardest part of this is finding something to link the pieces together visually.