How to create a Fuller Web Design Portfolio

Website design and development is a massively competitive industry with thousands of well trained and experienced designers out there and new ones graduating every year. As a result there is a great deal of competition out there for those seeking employment. Fortunately, it is a growing industry, but it's not growing THAT fast. What is important is to give yourself any advantage over your competitors that you can when applying for jobs. A strong portfolio goes a long way.



Variety



They say variety is the spice of life but in this case variety is the backbone of a good portfolio. Not as catchy but completely true. What employers want to know most of all is that you are more than just a one trick pony. One good site template does not a developer make. Take time to put together some really well designed templates in a variety of styles from retro sites to elegant designs. This will show employers that you aren't limited in your creativity.



Expertise in at least two Server-side programming languages



As well as useful client side web design a developer must be able to provide comprehensive expertise in server side web design. Server side scripting allows far greater depth and complexity to a website while also alleviating the requirements of the user's PC by placing the focus on the Server. The programming languages involved allow the website access to its data sources ranging from simple informational output to video streaming. It is vital that a developer have a good understanding of at least two of the languages from PHP, ASP and ColdFusion.



Ability to Use XML



It is always useful to have extra skills you can provide to a potential employer. While XML is not strictly part of website design it is a very useful tool for assisting a web site. Primarily XML is useful for the identification, storage and structuring of data. One specific use for XML is in the designing of a sitemap. The hierarchal structure of XML and its ability to define its own mark-up makes it very useful for this.



Artistic Ability in Photoshop, Flash, etc



The ability to use Photoshop and Flash well provides a platform to greatly improve the aesthetic appeal of a website. The key to using these well however is not simply in the complexity to which you can apply them. The point is to be able to apply them to enhance the website design and make it more fluid. Any SEO company will inform you that the design and content of the site will be the most vital part of maintaining clients, so this is what employers want.



Aside from the obvious technical skills it is vital to show enthusiasm for the job. If you're passionate about what you do then let them know it. If you can show some personality and flair in your application and especially designs then you stand a far better chance.