Personal Website

[TupeloTechie]

Well since my brother got me a domain name and 3 years of web hosting for my birthday I have decided to create an online portfolio/resume.

It seems like this would be a good thing to have while applying to colleges. While I'm sure most colleges won't even look at the site, I believe it would be a good thing to include on a resume. This could also help out with the any freelance work I run into.

What do you guys think about this?

What do you guys think is the best format to use?

Who has a online portfolio?

any other tips?

[avkid]

I keep two websites-
My professional one:
http://www.freewebs.com/pladue/
-
Business:
http://www.freewebs.com/avkid001/

[airkarol]

Mine is really just an online businesscard:
http://davidkarol.com

I'll turn it into something more fun when I have time.

[Grog12]

I have an online portfolio to allow folks to see my work without me having to burn cd's.

Flocks of Seagulls

[derekleffew]

Originally Posted by TupeloTechieKid

Well since my brother got me a domain name and 3 years of web hosting for my birthday I have decided to create an online portfolio/resume. Kewl, go for it.

It seems like this would be a good thing to have while applying to colleges. No. No admissions officer is going to take the time to look at a website, and as we discussed elsewhere it could appear to give you an unfair advantage. During your interview, you should have a chance to display your book--don't count on the interviewer to have Internet access or DVD player or any technology available. While I'm sure most colleges won't even look at the site, I believe it would be a good thing to include on a resume. Yes, the fact that it shows you are computer literate can be a good thing on a resume. And if a reviewer is bored enough, they may take a look at your site. This could also help out with the any freelance work I run into. My website, active since August 2007, has yet to get me any work, but some of the road crew I meet have gotten a kick out of it.

What do you guys think about this? Be careful what you put on there. There have recently been stories of applicants being denied employment, as "Girls Gone Wild"-type pictures or descriptions of them using illegal substances have appeared on the 'net.

What do you guys think is the best format to use? As clean and professional as possible. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation checked. Use "expandable" thumbnails (I don't know the proper html term) rather than full pictures.

Who has a online portfolio? Several people here have sites. Perhaps we can start a Collaborative Article...I'll do that now...done, see here. The one that comes to mind immediately is www.JonathanHirsh.com. If you want to see some of the professional sites I like, go to:
Steven Cohen Productions
Unlimited Visibility Lighting Design
Welcome to Lightswitch
It's highly unlikely, and I don't mean this derogatorily, that you'll never attain the stature of those above, but it's possible.



any other tips?Nope. That's all I have to say on that. Stupid is as stupid does.

My thoughts, and only my thoughts above, in blue.

[The_Guest]

In the traditional sense of apply to college, the website won't make a difference. It depends on what kind of program he is applying to. A friend of mine applied to a design and production program at one of the top public universities in the US and they looked at everything. They analyzed his portfolio, resume, show experience, designs, and they even checked out his website for his personal sound business. They were impressed with the design. And if you're wondering, he got in. Roughly two dozen accepted out of a couple hundred applicants.

I can't imagine many who desire to join the professional technical theater field will opt to study electrical or mechanical engineering for 4-6 hoping one day they'll get to apply it to the stage. Considering the very specialized hobbies/professions most individuals on this site have, I imagine many college bound students on the site plan on applying to specific/specialized programs (like my friend did) to get a study and get a career in the field they love. Unfortunately, many of these specialized programs usually require intense funding (our high school students know running a theater program isn't cheap), thus the spots available are often limited and extremely competitive to get accepted to.

Anything that falls under the performing arts department/college/university (whether it's music, dance, theater, technical theater, management/producing, etc) of a post-secondary education institution is always a very different beast in terms of admissions. These students spend a lot of their time doing projects, working on shows, or even working on the stage or in the shop. Therefore there is less emphasis on standardized admission tests, academic grades, etc. There are more and more specialized programs sprouting up everyday and the old fashion admission process is becoming less and less effective.

[Grog12]

Going a little against the grain here...if you're applying to a Theatre Production/Design program absolutley do it and make sure the head of the Production/Design program sees it.

[Hughesie]

if you want to see a HS one check out mine

www.hughes.gillam-hughes.500servers.net

[zac850]

Even if college isn't going to look at it, having an online resume and portfolio can help getting jobs. At a recent first meeting I had, I was complimented on my website. Specifically, I was told that having a photo of myself on it was a good touch, as it gave the person an idea of who she was going to interview (this was an interview at a starbucks in NYC, so knowing which person to go and start talking to is helpful).

My website is: zacphotos.com

If you have a mac, I made mine in iWeb, adapting the basic "black" theme.

[Edrick]

Well as the thread subject says, how many of you guys have a personal portfolio? I'm working on one right now (http://edricksmith.com) to show off different videos I've created / worked on, different jobs i've done and skills.

Edit by moderator: the above post was moved from its own thread into this one. PM to OP sent.