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Portfolio of Sarah V. has 7 Reviews

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1. 

   Mimi gave it on 5th Dec 2008 and said:

   Reviewed with:
   Mozilla Firefox 3.0.4 | 1440 x 900 Resolution| Windows Vista
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   First Impression:

   I'm going to have to agree that it is very boring... It looks nothing like the screen shot, I was excited to see it originally! :( I would think that someone of your talents would have something a little more creative for her portfolio? Especially if you are looking to promote it and gain respectable clients. If I were a company, I would want the portfolio design to be simple, yes, but also creative. It would show me that the person is an artist but can also keep things minimal while impressing the masses with her creative abilities. :)

   The other theme? MUCH better. It's quite impressive.

   Coding:

   Neither CSS nor XHTML validates, actually on the darker theme. :S There are 3 XHTML errors and 2 CSS errors. Just a heads up! I know you are a great coder so I don't have to walk you through it (like some sites on here..) The rest of it looks lovely at a glance. :)

   Design:

   I shall do this in two separate sections for each theme because they are so very different. I will start with the 'Teal' theme. Although, it confused me as to why it was called teal when the only colors were whites, grays and lime green? Perhaps there is a synonim for teal I am unaware of, no biggie. I am just a very curios person by nature.

   Due to the simplicity of this theme, I might not have much to say.. I do wonder why you keep an update log on your front page like this, I would imagine that there would be some sort of summary of you and your experience on the main page for potential employers while diving into more detail on the sub-pages.

   Anyway, the main thing I think that bothers be about the Teal theme is the lack of structure. Well, wait back up.. I can see there obviously is structure, but it's very slight. I think that the footer area is what makes it from seeming so far out there, really. I would like it much more if only there were a background color that differed from the rest of the page. I feel as though the white envelopes everything. If the footer were not there, it would just look like text floating in "space", I suppose.

   It also slightly bothers me that you use Wordpress, or maybe just that there is a link to Wordpress on your footer. It's just a distraction, I think, and the potential customers might question your skills (which isn't fair, I'm just creating a scenario here for fun..) as a designer/coder if you use Wordpress even for your portfolio site, instead of manually creating things. I think that opinion might be biased though since I don't like the idea of the update log in the first place. XP

   The title lacks "pizzaz", too.. Why not make it that shade of green the links are set at? Or perhaps a darker shade of green so there is a distinction. I also somewhat dislike the a:visited color because I think it blends in almost too much with the rest of the text. I like that the links have a bright contrast.

   I really think it just needs a little more oopmh, like your other theme. I can tell at a glance that I much prefer the other one to this one, but once again I could be biased because I always judge a website first by their design. Hey, it's my one *cough* flaw.. Oh, I just had a thought. I believe it is missing one of the crucial design elements: texture. That might be something that is bothering me. :D I can has webdesign skills? LOL Sorry, I'm a little slow. :9

   Argh, one more thing I noticed and it's odd because this is not an issue on the other theme... The update titles are not capitalized, which bothered me. On the other theme, the titles aren't even showing which is why it is not an issue.

   Anyway, onto the other theme. I read in your updates that the reason you implemented the old theme back in was because this theme was too dark on CRT monitors. Whle I will admit that I have no clue what a CRT monitor is (doh!) I think that one my monitor it might be a bit dark, too. Well, certain parts of it are. For example, I have a hard time distinguishing the header and footer background colors from the over all page background image. (I love the simple use of texture in this one with that background, though. Quite nice!)

   I don't want you to think I am a mean old hag or anything while reviewing this because it seems like I am only saying negative things. So, I thought I would point out that I think you are really awesome and I am super jealous of your skills, I am just trying to focus more on improvement/suggestion tips than kissing your butt. ;) A lot of people on here seem to be leaving reviews that consist of things like, "OMG ur layout ttly RAWKS! I love it so much!" and that's it. :| Sorry guys, but that is not a review! So anyway, that's where I stand on that.

   I wanted to address the links in this theme for a second. While I personally like the changing background color on hover, I don't think it looks very professional. :S Most likely, think it would look better without the background color change, but the pink color for the font itself looks good.

   I like the search function but I do not recall seeing it in the other theme? Well, it looks lovely and I believe it is a good idea if you insist on having updates... Hahah ;) I also like the dynamic sidebar in this theme. I think I just really like this theme, period. O.o

   My last little nit-pick about this theme would be that the main headers (For example, the 'About Me' on the About Me page!) look almost exactly like the rest of the text, even though it is bigger. I think it would look nice with a variating color or even better an underline that was maybe a slightly darker shade of green than the background but light than the text itself! Oh wait, I lied. Also, I would love it if you could click on the entire box of the navigation to get where you want to go, instead of having to click the actual link. Did that make sense? I hope so. :x

   Content:

   This should be an interesting section since it's a portfolio..! I won't review the individual projects or designs, instead the way it's presented or the other content on the actual portfolio. :)

   I kind of wonder what's up with the two themes, honestly. :( On the theme I prefer, you have this in your introduction:

   If the layout isn't working for you (I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of Internet Explorer 6 yet for testing), you can try using the previous layout, which is simpler.

   .. but I would think you would want to make sure it works for all users, all the time, no matter what since it is supposed to be the presentation of your skills. I'm not trying to be rude or anything, either... You should know I am not a rude person!

   I noticed when I click on Resume (Oh and for the record, I am using the darker theme from here on out... in case something differs) that the dynamic sidebar is completely different from the rest of the 'About Me' section pages. Not sure if that's a big deal to you or if it was purposeful, just pointing that out. :) I see that in the header navigation descriptions, it says:

   - 'About Me' Info, contact and resume.
   - 'Work' Job History and work samples.

   .. but the resume is actually included in the work section according to the sidebar. :S

   I know that spam is a problem, but I think the addition problem seems very silly on a portfolio page. :P Also, it seems that the way to contact you is limited only to email which feels odd to me, no instant messengers or phone number? I read in your Resume section that there were privacy concerns but I think it is odd to not have a phone number and/or address listed to potential employers.

   I think that the Job History page is extremely impressive, but it's SO cramped together.. Maybe space it out some more?

   Last thing: I think the link section should be removed completely. I think it would be great to have on 3till7 but not on your portfolio, the place where you want people to see how awesome you are and hire you to do their dirty work. It's like saying, "Hey I can do all of this stuff, but here are links to other people that do it too." Almost like giving away business! Of course that is an extreme situation, I realize. ;)

   Final Thoughts:

   I think you are the following:

   - Awesome
   - Amazing
   - Super smart
   - Incredible
   - Someone I want to aspire to

   .. and MANY more things, but I personally think your portfolio speaks so much less of you. If you really read what all you have done, it's just damn impressive. However, there are lots of things I think that say "I'm not quite a professional", which you obviously ARE, about your portfolio. I hope this helps... in SOME form or the other, which it seems a bit silly for me to be reviewing someone who has way more skillllz than myself.. Hey, it makes me feel important! ;)

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   moneypenny's Response:

   Thank you for the review!

   I definitely agree about the default layout being bland. It was something I threw up there, trying to make it get in the way as little as possible and work in all the big browsers.

   I hadn't ever thought of the Wordpress link or the Links link, but I removed them because you have a point.

   I also fixed the few XHTML and CSS errors (the CSS validates if you check it as CSS 3 instead of CSS 2.1) and added links to the footer to show the site validates.

   I updated my introductory paragraph to say a little something more about me, and removed the Resume link. I added a note on the home page, saying that if you want my resume, contact me.

2. 

   Clem gave it on 16th Nov 2008 and said:

   Your theme is pretty boring. That might sound mean, but I honestly sat here for a few minutes, waiting for the images to load. They never did. If you took away the colour from the links, this would be like a default demplate that you didn't customise at all. It's sad, really. It's not like it needs to be really intricate, nor do you even have to use images or a lot of colour. And Verdana for headings is just... blegh. Don't get me wrong, I adore Verdana... but as body text! But since this is a portfolio, it would be good to make a first impression that shows that you are capable of designing nice things (which I know you are; I've visited your main website on occasion).

   ABOUT ME
   Pretty basic. I think it would be a good idea to add something about your personality - that is, personality traits that would prove to be assets to a potential employer. You know, good people skills, ability to work under pressure, all that good stuff.

   SKILLS
   A very impressive list.

   JOB HISTORY
   It's surprising that most portfolios don't have pages like this; I think this is pretty important, and a very good addition to your portfolio!

   SAMPLE WORK
   It's good to see that there's a variety of work here, instead of 3 half-assed screenshots. I especially like the 3till7 section, but all of it is quite nice!

   RESUME
   There wasn't really any point to this page; I'm just going to copy Aisling here and suggest that you add it to the bottom of your Job History page.

   CONTACT ME
   Yay, a contact form. :P

   LINKS
   Yay, a list of links.

   Overall, I was neither wowed nor repulsed by your portfolio. I feel like it could use a bit of work, mainly in the design aspect. Normally I wouldn't dock too many points for a boring design, but since this *is* your portfolio I feel like it's fairly important to make WOW-type first impression. There were a few minor issues with your content, too. Overall, I think that, since I know you can design, your portfolio could be amazing, but right now it's just not there.

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3. 

   Sewwy gave it on 10th Nov 2008 and said:

   I'm reviewing this site using the Teal theme, for the record.

   My first impression was that the theme is quite ... well... Plain. I'm assuming that "simple" was the overall goal, however I think that simple and plain are two different things. That being said, the colours work well together, and it provides a means to focus on the content, so it isn't all negative.

   About Me:
   Succinct but feels a little bit impersonal. Why not focus on what you're like a little more rather than just the basics? Whilst it is a portfolio site, there is nothing stopping you from telling visitors about who you are really and why you're interested in such activities.

   Skills:
   Well set out. I'm impressed by your wide range of skills. Again, Succinct, which for this specific page is perfect.

   Job History:
   Well separated. Each individual job is quite detailed and useful for prospective clients. Again, to the point.

   Sample Work:
   The thumbnails of your work examples seem rather out of place all on the side. They may work better underneath each specific job description in a row rather than down the side.

   All other pages seem perfectly fine.

   Overall, the side is well designed and effective. My only qualms are with the overly simple layout.

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4. 

   Aisling gave it on 10th Nov 2008 and said:

   Honestly, I go to your site and I am a little disappointed. Why? Because your layout that was called Simple (the dark one) was GORGEOUS. Right now I am reviewing Teal, and I've seen the golden one, and neither even come close to the amazingness that was that layout. Or your current one of Threetilseven. Or anything I've really seen before of yours. And this boggles my mind, because your portfolio needs a really kick-butt design!

   So, yeah, I can't say much on the design, because there isn't one. I understand simplicity, and Teal isn't simple, it's just plain.

   Your About page is quick and to the point, and definitely what an employer would like to see. I see many portfolios that gush about how much they love fluffy kittens, which is irrelevant to a portfolio. Either that or a lot of "I have been eternally passionate about web design since I was three years old, I live and breathe code, blah blah," which also seems redundant. Obviously you enjoy web development, you don't need to fill up your portfolio with bubbly nonsense. Your Skills page follows the same trend, which is great.

   Job history and resume are kind of the same thing, and you don't even provide a resume on the site. To reduce clutter, I would suggest moving the blurb about your resume to the bottom of the Job History page, and ditching the resume page altogether.

   Your sample work is lovely. :)

   And your links list has interesting links!

   Your content is great, your layout needs work. But I know that won't be a problem for you at all. You are an amazing designer, and I am sure you are just trying to find a gorgeous layout that won't distract from your other work. :)

   Best of luck to you, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

   Using Firefox on Windows | Report This?

5. 

   Lee gave it on 9th Nov 2008 and said:

   Ok so I am reviewing the Golden theme as it is your newest one, but for content I jumped over to your default theme.

   Design: I like the warm, sunrise/sunset feel of the colours you have used. My only issues are with your link colours they are set to a dark teal and that does not really go with this colour scheme in my opinion.

   As well I am not completely sold on the colour choice of your navigation bar. I find it blends into the background too much. It feels like an afterthought to your header rather than your second place to look for information. Perhaps trying out the nice dark/burnt orange colour at the bottom of your background, or even matching it to your footer background colour. In addition you should add a link to your index/home page on the navigation bar (for this theme), for visitors to be able to easily coast back to the index without having to alter the address bar or click back a million times, etc etc.

   Content: Now I know just like everyone else that updates are important, but I'd like to see a little bit more in your 'introduction'. It feels rushed, and neglected. You should try to sell yourself a bit more in your introduction, and make the visitor WANT to look around your site more and perhaps even hire you for work. Myself upon my first visit, I didn't really want to look around more after seeing that welcome message. At the same time I just want to say that I understand that there are some visitors/potential clients who just look for the link that says portfolio and go from there, but for the other side of the spectrum, a fuller introduction would be beneficial.

   I think that your 'About Me' and 'Skills' pages can be merged into one. In your 'About Me' page you state that you are studying Computer Sciences and you have an interest in interface design, why not mention on the same page that you have experience using specific languages, OS' and programs.

   Again with the 'Job History' and 'Sample work' pages. Obviously you've worked at the University of Kentucky, so your portfolio samples should reflect this. Show your brief job description and then show your samples from your time there.

   As well on your 'Sample Work' page, I'd rather see your presentation examples than your personal site screenshots. Potential clients will like that you can work with Arcobat, and make their sites more accessible to the public. I would also cut down the number of personal site examples. Just select the five that you really like and think that your audience will want to hire you for and post them. Don't post a sample just because you thought it was cute or had an effect that you liked, but would only really ever use it once or twice again.

   'Resume' and 'Contact me' can go on one page too. Most designers these days feature their resumes on their contact pages either as a link to another page or as a note that potential clients will have to contact them to gain access. I do see that you have an email-only basis for your resume and that can be implemented on your contact page.

   At this time I just want to point out that your site is not validating for XHTML or CSS. With the XHTML you have a ; instead of a > and with the CSS it is for one reading your Teal theme's stylesheet, and the error exists with :last-child. Also when I checked your Golden stylesheet the same :last-child error appears.

   Overall it is a good start, but still needs some work. Keep on it! :D

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6. 

   Tiffany gave it on 9th Nov 2008 and said:

   The navy theme has a wonderful header and color scheme. The indigo is really bold, but I think a sub-color in some places would make the layout stand out more.

   I wish there was a more subtle transition from the header to navigation and main content. The roundedness of this layout doesn't match to the more squarish header you have (does that make sense?). My suggestion is to make it less rounded.

   The rest of the layout looks too simple for a portfolio. There's nothing complex, nothing special.

   UPDATED 09 Nov 08:
   I like the gold one so much more. I'm glad that you stopped using the rounded corners and added more colors. I'm guessing some of the pages are still in construction, so I'll just skip over that. One issue is that there is no link back to the home page.

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7. 

   Yos gave it on 8th Nov 2008 and said:

   I'm reviewing your new-ish design :)
   --------------------------------------------------
   First Impression: My first impression upon viewing your website is (sorry if it seems harsh but...) the overuse of the color purple. There are just too much purple/navy/indigo color going on. I don't really like the fading indigo color for the container, I think you should try to have it all plain white and see which one you like best.

   Header: Your header looks fine, I like the fading white spot in the center.

   Navigation bar: The color of the words looks a bit odd to me, I think plain white would be better, but then again, I've never seen it plain white before so I don't really know how it looks. For me, I think it would be better if you have separate blocks for each menu instead of a big one that wraps the whole thing up.

   Container: As I've already mention before, I'm not a big fan of the fading indigo color, it makes the whole color scheme look a bit too much. And I think you should lighten the font color a bit, instead of a thick black color, try some dark grey-ish color.

   links in container: Instead of having underlines before hovering, I think it's better if you flip it around and have the underlines after the hover. The reason I'm saying this is because it is easier to be read in a full sentence and it looks more minimalistic rather than having lines on every link.

   Links block: I don't really like the combination of the color purple and blue, although having a block for this section is a pretty awesome idea.

   Contact Me: the fonts for the "name", "contact", etc should be in a "strong" tag to kind of emphasize the words and not get beaten by the color purple when you hover on the text-box. And play around with the text-box design a bit, give it some rounded corners to make it look more interesting.

   Submit button: Like the navigation bar, maybe the font color would look better white?

   Footer: Try to spiffy up the footer to "balance out" the whole page.

   Overall: I like the whole look and layout of it, although not so much on the color choices. perhaps you should settle with less color to experiment with, like purple/white or indigo/white, instead of a mix of many different similar colors.

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