Portfolio Website
April 6, 2025 at 12:00:00 AM
Description
My personal portfolio website has been a continuous effort for self-growth and to enhance my field and career. My portfolio website was more difficult than the websites that I have previously done, due to a constant urge to make it feel like me. I started this project a long time ago. I had to take a pause during my internship. However, with the new skills that I have learned in my internship, I was able to enhance my website in the right direction.
During the process of building my website, I was told by someone who is in the same field that what you want on a website is not always what the website needs. That really hit home with me and got me thinking more of user experience, and how I want viewers to see my website. For example, I originally wanted my portfolio website to feel like a collage on paper. I really liked the idea, but I realized that it did not go together with the type of work that I do.
Video
During the process of building my website, I was told by someone who is in the same field that what you want on a website is not always what the website needs. That really hit home with me and got me thinking more of user experience, and how I want viewers to see my website. For example, I originally wanted my portfolio website to feel like a collage on paper. I really liked the idea, but I realized that it did not go together with the type of work that I do.
Process
A part of my process was mood boards and intense self-branding. I was also inspired by the idea of having a one-page microsite that is small and simple. To have my website work and fit my criteria, I did need to increase my page count to three pages.
The process started with wireframes. Since this project was stretched over a great amount of time, the website had a dramatic change from when I first started. In fact, it is still an ongoing, evolving process that will last throughout my career.
One of the more unexpected lessons I learned while building my portfolio was how important iteration is. I found myself going back to the drawing board more times than I can count—not because the work was bad, but because I kept discovering better ways to communicate my ideas visually. This process taught me not to settle for the first draft, and to trust my ability to improve with each version. It was humbling, but also incredibly empowering.
Wireframes
A part of my process was mood boards and intense self-branding. I was also inspired by the idea of having a one-page microsite that is small and simple. To have my website work and fit my criteria, I did need to increase my page count to three pages.
Reflection
Above all, this project became a personal reflection of my journey. Each section, each animation, and every font choice tells a small story about who I am as a designer and how I think. It's more than just a portfolio—it's a statement of my growth, values, and creative identity. And while the site will continue to evolve, I now see it not just as a showcase of work, but as a living project that grows as I grow.
