byte my digital folio
Byte My Digital Folio
The man - Digital Eddie
Edwin Cornelissen is a man with a mission; to find the best New Media specialists that Melbourne has to offer. Heading up the New Media team at Artisan, Digital Eddie has built up a loyal following on the local scene for being a bit of a straight shooter. We asked our favourite web guru a little bit about what makes a great Digital folio for him...
...so, Digital Eddie - just what are you looking for in a good Digital Folio?
Good commercial work – of any kind!! I don’t really care about a whole heap of stuff that you’ve done for your mates unless it is mind blowing. Commercial work shows that you are able to work with brands, style guides, etc. It also shows that you've done quality work in a studio environment with real deadlines and approval processes.
What type of work would you want to see examples of?
If you would like to freelance then the most common work out there is Flash microsites / banners / animation, static web page design and HTML / CSS coding. So basically I’d like to see that someone could do this. I believe you should keep all the work you’ve done; if you have 50 banners in your folio, I will know that you are experienced with them and can probably roll them out quickly – they are a skill of their own. Links to live sites are always good as they can show how they’ve been built, if they load quickly etc... but if sites are no longer live then a few good screen shots are OK.
What are the most common mistakes you find in Digital Folios?
Links to sites that no longer exist or have been redesigned by someone else. No explanation of your role in the site – websites are usually quite involved so we need to know if you did the design, flash build, HTML / CSS, a combination of all – tell me. Really old work may not be the best to include unless it is particularly good... The digital industry moves very quickly and styles and technology changes. Fact is, people who built a site as recently as two years ago may not be able to now with the current technology.
What are the TOP 5 pointers you would give someone on their Folio?
1. Send through a CV as a PDF that is laid out nicely; if you're a designer, show off your skills in your work! If you're a developer, I forgive you... but you better be good. Within the CV you should ideally have a link to your folio site; if you don’t have a folio site then at least a list of URL’s of projects you have worked on and where.
2. Take the time to create a folio site. You can do it really simply and cleanly; some of the best are Flash sites containing a list of projects with a screen shot and some info on your role in the project then link to a live site (if possible). Also, you can host banners at the correct size on a folio site. Some companies may end up opening SWF files in alternative web browsers that may not show them off the best.
3. Keep all your work. Nothing is going to demonstrate how good you are as the projects you've worked on and if none of the sites are live anymore, it isn't going to show off the best of your ability.
4. Keep your folio up to date. Most projects from six years ago don’t look that good anymore. With an industry that moves this fast, I want to see that you are up with it.
5. I like web nerds. Sooooo, show a real passion for the industry in your CV / Folio. The internet is a really powerful tool and if you are a great designer / developer, you should know all about how to use it and get enjoyment from this. Some people include a list of links to sites they admire, or quotes, or just dedicate their love for the digital world. It's a virtual blank canvas for you to express yourself and set yourself apart from every other digital nut out there. It lets me know that you are going to go out to one of my clients and totally freaking rock it because that’s what you love doing.
Reckon you need to make some time with Digital Eddie? Then you need to call him on 9514 1000 or email him on edwin@getartisan.com.au
...so, Digital Eddie - just what are you looking for in a good Digital Folio?
Good commercial work – of any kind!! I don’t really care about a whole heap of stuff that you’ve done for your mates unless it is mind blowing. Commercial work shows that you are able to work with brands, style guides, etc. It also shows that you've done quality work in a studio environment with real deadlines and approval processes.
What type of work would you want to see examples of?
If you would like to freelance then the most common work out there is Flash microsites / banners / animation, static web page design and HTML / CSS coding. So basically I’d like to see that someone could do this. I believe you should keep all the work you’ve done; if you have 50 banners in your folio, I will know that you are experienced with them and can probably roll them out quickly – they are a skill of their own. Links to live sites are always good as they can show how they’ve been built, if they load quickly etc... but if sites are no longer live then a few good screen shots are OK.
What are the most common mistakes you find in Digital Folios?
Links to sites that no longer exist or have been redesigned by someone else. No explanation of your role in the site – websites are usually quite involved so we need to know if you did the design, flash build, HTML / CSS, a combination of all – tell me. Really old work may not be the best to include unless it is particularly good... The digital industry moves very quickly and styles and technology changes. Fact is, people who built a site as recently as two years ago may not be able to now with the current technology.
What are the TOP 5 pointers you would give someone on their Folio?
1. Send through a CV as a PDF that is laid out nicely; if you're a designer, show off your skills in your work! If you're a developer, I forgive you... but you better be good. Within the CV you should ideally have a link to your folio site; if you don’t have a folio site then at least a list of URL’s of projects you have worked on and where.
2. Take the time to create a folio site. You can do it really simply and cleanly; some of the best are Flash sites containing a list of projects with a screen shot and some info on your role in the project then link to a live site (if possible). Also, you can host banners at the correct size on a folio site. Some companies may end up opening SWF files in alternative web browsers that may not show them off the best.
3. Keep all your work. Nothing is going to demonstrate how good you are as the projects you've worked on and if none of the sites are live anymore, it isn't going to show off the best of your ability.
4. Keep your folio up to date. Most projects from six years ago don’t look that good anymore. With an industry that moves this fast, I want to see that you are up with it.
5. I like web nerds. Sooooo, show a real passion for the industry in your CV / Folio. The internet is a really powerful tool and if you are a great designer / developer, you should know all about how to use it and get enjoyment from this. Some people include a list of links to sites they admire, or quotes, or just dedicate their love for the digital world. It's a virtual blank canvas for you to express yourself and set yourself apart from every other digital nut out there. It lets me know that you are going to go out to one of my clients and totally freaking rock it because that’s what you love doing.
Reckon you need to make some time with Digital Eddie? Then you need to call him on 9514 1000 or email him on edwin@getartisan.com.au
watch
Digital Eddie
Digital Eddie makes his first ad for Artisan - creatives that work. If you work in the digital industry and looking for work - Digital Eddie is your man!
