My freelance portfolio

I'm trying to avoid the whole fuzzy "Hi, I'm Yuriy, I'm a web designer" as that's getting horribly old. My niche is small business design, so I'd like to keep things as clean as possible.

Microsoft was a client, so I'll definitely be keeping them in my portfolio.

Thanks for the feedback!

I'll play around with the menu links, that's good feedback.

Lol the point of a portfolio is to show who I've worked for, they don't have to believe I didn't design for Microsoft.

You were right about the links, I'll post up an updated version of the site soon. I've made a few tweeks.

1 vote for you!

Thanks man I appreciat e the detailed review. I've updated the site, take a look and let me know what you think.

Any advice on what I can do to make it a little more personal? I'm really trying to steer clear of the

super personal vibe alot of freelancers are giving off lately, and am trying to go for a more minimal look, but I definitely don't want it to feel cold and corporate.

Regarding clarity, do you think I should just make labels for the services and portfolio? I've swapped out the filter div for the services headers becoming the portfolio fitlers.

Hi Yuriy, removing the filter only adds to the problem. I would keep the filter, but instead put the word Portfolio in it. Maybe where filter is. That will solve the clarity problem I mentioned. Also try a smaller font in that section, just a thought.

Forgot to mention try changing the info link to an about link. It is more common and you naming the section of your site where you describe yourself as info may throw some users off for a minute.

Changed the about title.

Before I add the filter again, take a look at the site again. I added tooltips to the service titles... Think It's still too much?

I like the feature put not too many people will probably hover over your service titles, let alone expect something like that happen. It is a cool feature you have added to an already nice plugin, put adding the filter bar will be best for the average user that doesn't take time to look around sites for features like that.

I'm still working on heading work, but what do you think of the new site? I'm trying a fully 1 page layout... too much?

I don't have much experience in designing one page layouts, but it feels good to me.

Awesome review, voted you.

Thanks for the compliment! I'm making the switch because it simply doesn't make sense to market one person as an agency, It just confuses clients. I have a feeling I'm making the right decision in switching from studio to freelance.

There are two audiences I'm trying to appeal to. Local area small business, and prospect freelance clients (acquired by my local creative talent agent). Unfortunately I can't move the confidentials down as my agent asked I keep them up there since big name clients only care about big name experience.

I'll work on the icons, think I should make them a minimalistic 2 tone?

But is brand design really typically associated with all marketing colateral? I'm having trouble putting a good title up there.

Any chance you can look over my "about me" copy? I'm sure It's filled with general message errors :P

Once again though, big thanks very helpful.

Yuriy

Glad to help.

Have to take issue with this Microsoft thing, as others have mentioned also. You have to be clear about who your target audience is, because trying to appeal to multiple markets only serves to confuse. By that I mean, if your primary market is local business owners, they will react poorly to seeing the prominent Microsoft logo. A small business owner automatically assumes that because you're working with "big" clients, you will be a. too expensive; b. too busy; c. too uncaring about the uniqueness of his business. And once he has made up his mind about you (in one glance) nothing you do or say will make him change it. You've lost him as a prospect forever.

But if your primary target audience is freelance work for other studios as a subcontractor, then you leave Microsoft in a prominent position and completely change the text content of the site. Because right now it speaks eloquently to business owners and not at all to studio owners (hirers).

You can't have it both ways. It's basic market positioning. You must choose one or the other. Or you create a new site altogether for the second market. It has the same portfolio but completely different layout and copy.

1. Having said all that, here's a quick massage of your copy designed to cross both markets.

About Me

My name is Yuriy (pronounced Yooree) and I help service-based businesses in the Seattle area to develop a stronger presence on the web and boost their brand visibility.

Don't let that youthful appearance fool you. Well-versed in both traditional and interactive methodologies, I have 10 years experience within the design field. I use an understanding of design, marketing, information technology and the internet to create memorable and powerful pieces of marketing collateral. My expertise is in business branding, interface design and user experience.

Born in the Ukraine, I've lived in Seattle for over 20 years. I've worked with many local businesses as creative director at Trident and freelanced for several large corporations. My guiding principle is to create exceptional, profitable results with every project.

The web is a constantly changing canvas. I'd like to paint the perfect picture of your business online.

Best regards,

1. The icons are unnecessary. Drop them altogether.
2. Minor copy changes to columns

Interactive Media Create a memorable experience

Your website will look great, load quickly and be easily found by search engines. You'll leave a lasting first impression with your prospect.

* intuitive, usable website design 
* website development (w3c compliant)
* dynamic scripts for interactivity
* user interface design
* content management solutions

Graphic Design increase your brand awareness

Without a distinctive identity, your business will not stand out from your competition. Let's talk about making your company look great.

* corporate identity and stationery

Graphic Design increase your brand awareness

Without a distinctive identity, your business will not stand out from your competition. Let's talk about making your company look great.

* corporate identity and stationery design
* advertising and brand development
* environmental displays
* labels and packaging
* information design

Internet Marketing Grow or harvest on the web

The web is a powerful advertising medium that can turned to your advantage 24/7. Use it to penetrate new markets or expand your existing presence.

* search engine optimization
* search engine marketing
* social media consulting
* website analytics
* internet reputation management

Good luck Yuriy. Hope this helps.

Phenomenal! Extremely appreciate the time you put into that!

My main concern right now is that I get subcontractor design work when I really think about it, does that change anything? I've been under the impression lately that talk is cheap, so I'd rather have prospects look through my work and have short but sweet copy. Thoughts?

Thanks for the feedback, I'm working on some new icons right now so they'll be less complex. I think that would fit in a little better.