Many designers freak out about creating their Online Portfolios because it seems like there is so much to do. Designing a website is much different than designing images, and can require a bit of extra footwork. The most important aspect of design portfolios, however, tends to be the subtle details involved in the work, not the effort put into creating an intricate portfolio design.
One subtle touch to add to your portfolio online is drop shadows. This effect can make your work really stand out on the page, but only when used properly. Don’t just add a drop shadow and walk away; you need to play around with the opacity to suit the needs of each piece. Also, make sure you are considering a consistent light source, so the drop shadows don’t look awkward when coming from different directions.
Gradients should be used in a way similar to drop shadows, in the sense that subtlety is very important. Overusing gradients, especially with inappropriate colors, can be the death of a good design portfolio. Make sure the colors you use transition smoothly, and don’t try to show off by using a ridiculous number of colors. Two colors will create the best effect on a portfolio online, but slightly more can be used in rare occasions.
An important aspect of your online portfolio will be proper alignment. Make sure that your pieces look good on the page, and that the layout isn’t sloppy and uncoordinated. If your pieces are showcased on separate pages, make sure the image lines up will with the text describing it. An important aspect of web design is clean alignment, as it will automatically make your work look more organized.
Think outside of the box when creating design portfolios. This doesn’t mean go crazy and overshadow your work with crazy design choices; it just means to keep an open mind. If you think something looks good, then it probably does. Don’t avoid a certain technique just because you don’t see other online portfolios doing the same thing. If anything, that is more reason to do it!