The return of Adam Nielsen brings us to discuss our opinions on a couple of listener questions. Tony from Illustrate Omaha asks "How do you educate a client about your process without it all going over their heads?" and Mig Reyes has wondered, "What's the value in getting included in books? For newer designers, what are tips on getting in?"
We also stop for three minutes to review a student portfolio site by Geoff Thibeau.
After the recording, we had so much energy left that we decided to go see the Omaha Royals play some AAA ball, where Nate (dressed as a corn cob) raced previous guests Tom Nemitz (in a beer suit) and Robert Maguire (wearing a very manly steak outfit) right in the middle of the second inning in front of a crowd of thousands. And cob wins!
Are we on- or off-track? Let us know in the comments below.
I agree with you all about Geoff's portfolio site being a bit dry. Design and especially Web Design is one of the few career fields where in order to be well rounded you need to be proficient both technically and aesthetically. With a portfolio site most likely targeted at other creatives in the same field, you really must demonstrate all your capabilities in a coherent whole. Remember, the first and most important example of your work that someone will see is the portfolio site itself. So the portfolio site should really be one of the strongest examples of your work...while at the same time keeping a low enough profile so as to not distract too much from the actual portfolio pieces it was built to show off in the first place. It's a tricky balance.
His site at first glance appears to be technically well built but could use a bit more visual excitement. If he puts in a little design time to show a potential employer that he is a well rounded web designer who can cover all the bases he will be in essence doubling his chances of landing that job. I would also advise him to make sure his code and css are clean and organized; and that it is cross browser compatible. An employer will be checking this if they are hiring you to both design and build web projects.
You're off to a great start...good luck in the hunt Geoff!
Nice one.
/// On Geoff Thibeau's portfolio site.
I agree with the guys, feels a little weird to be dropped onto a blog page right away. I want to know who you are, what you do, and a reminder as to why I'm on your site. Substance.
Agreed again, let the work shine. I'm diggin' the option to see more projects, but I also think I shouldn't have to keep clicking "Back to Portfolio" to see the rest. I naturally feel inclined to bounce around to get a feel for your work. I do dig the massive footer on the bottom though, consistent throughout.
/// On getting included/published in books
I asked because it's a nice feeling, I've been lucky enough to be published in a few. Maybe it's because I'm a "young gun," but I still don't see how much worth they can bring other than a pat on the back. After all, it's designers putting in other designers work in it. Where's the love from non-designers and clients… the people who should REALLY be seeing the value of the work we do.
Anyway, rock awesome.
Killer quote by GOODTWIN.
"I feel like the best way to learn something is to just do it." — Adam Nielsen
Hey guys,
Great topic. I appreciated hearing the focus on research! Can never hear it too much.
I could have done with out the extended commentary on genitalia however. I feel that brings the credibility and professionalism down a few notches and seemed to make your guest uncomfortable (at least I was uncomfortable for him).
I'm glad you two have a passion for what you're doing. It shows.
-Chad
Thanks for the review (and comments), guys.
As far as being dropped onto a blog, I always link potential employers directly to my portfolio page. If they want to poke around the rest of my site, that's alright, too.
But when conceptualizing the function of my website, I wanted it to be able to live beyond the post-graduation job-searching frenzy.