Portfolio

A portfolio is a catalogue of previous works done, the specifications for the projects, and perhaps price quotations to let potential clients understand what it would cost them to undertake such a project. All manner of professionals need to have their personal collection of previous works done, from artists to writers to architects. Maybe, when that word is mentioned, it conjures up an image of a large case with samples of an artist’s work. In contemporary times, a portfolio must of necessity be included in a professional website. Indeed, it is recommended that a website be created specifically for it.

The World Wide Web, as many people are nowadays aware, is a portent mass media platform, presenting information in a variety of ways, sometimes combining several media in one interface. It is therefore becoming more and more the most reliable means of communication, information, and edutainment compared to the more traditional means of communication. It is also a viable marketing tool as the online market place transcends regional and international boundaries. Essentially, the entire globe can be at your disposal as you market your skills and expertise.

The gist of this is that having an online catalogue of all the jobs you have done, your area of expertise and how these are matched to current market needs has the potential of, at least superficially, reaching approximately 6 billion potential clients. A portfolio website can be single page or more complex. One needs to keep in mind that usability is still king as far as building websites is concerned. If you have a variety of skills which are not related, it is best to create multiple catalogues of previous works done so that various clients looking for the specific skills can still be able to match what you offer and their individual requirements.

Apart from usability, creativity when building the website will make it stand out from many others like it out there on the Web. This will contribute to the unique experience potential clients will get while browsing the site and it will also cement their confidence in your abilities.

The other important thing to remember, and perhaps it is the most important thing, is that you need to include in the portfolio the very best of the very best of your previous work. Essentially, your presentation is supposed to inspire confidence and trust in potential customers in your abilities.