I'm trying to be a freelance designer

[grasshopper]

But I suck at socialising and getting my name out there, so I thought I'd try here first and see if anyone of you know someone who is looking for some work to be done. You know, a logo, stationery, maybe some flyers or something. (Not web though, i HATE web programming so very very much, even though, I am trying to make myself better in it.)

You can check out my old portfolio here:
www.makemonkeyonline.com/Christopher_Markle-Graphic_Designer%20Resume_and_Portfolio_low%20res.pdf

I'm in the process of updating it though so it doesn't have such a sterile feel to it. Plus, I think I have too many brochures and what not in it, so it looks too wordy. Also I'm updating it to reduce the file size as 8MBs is a bit too big.

If you guys have any advice on sprucing it up (besides what I mentioned above) I'd appreciate the feedback. And if you happen to know anyone looking to have some work done, I wouldn't refuse a name/number.

Cheers!

[sharkwilleatyou]

Hi Chris, I've taken a look at your portfolio and have a few bits of advice to give to you. Truthfully, I'm probably not the best person to be trying to give you advice - I have absolutely no work experience when it comes to any sort of design, and am barely in my second year of studying graphic design/visual communication design. However, I figure you'll appreciate any sort of response.

As far as your portfolio goes, I really think your first page needs work. I like the typeface you chose to display your resume in, and I like that you try to keep a consistent theme running throughout the whole portfolio (Parchment-like paper as a background), but I just think there isn't enough contrast present in that first page to keep the viewer interested. The only thing that jumps out to me is your name, and once I've moved past that, the rest of the information you provide is just a blur of blocks of text. In terms of typography, I think there's a lot you could be doing to help the viewer differentiate between different blocks of text, especially when it comes to leading.

Also, remember that your portfolio will usually be judged based on its weakest piece. Anyway, I really really really like the illustrations you included (PG 6)!

[grasshopper]

Thanks for the feedback sharkwilleatyou (and I'm glad you got the new one I had uploaded as opposed to the old one I had originally asked people to look at).

I agree with the first page being being too much, and I've contemplated either cutting it in half or breaking it over two pages and have work samples on one side (say the left) and text on the other.

Wish I had more illustration work, the drawback to working in-house for a company (Home Depot) or at an agency where 90% of it's clientele are property developers, it doesn't really give one the chance to do more then flyers, brochures and reports. Fun!

One thing I have to say about trying out this whole thing for the first time, seriously (as opposed to just doing something for a friend or co-worker), is just how much they never taught about it college. Seriously, things like having to make invoices and quotes, getting a business number or even what to expect. I've been learning a hell of a lot in the last couple of weeks.

[andreib]

Hop on board the lollercoaster doods!, I have to deal with the Mindarie Regional Council and I see all those little frogs everywhere. Now I know where they came from! About half of Perth's councils use those frogs on their fliers!

You're really talented - how long does it take you to make one of those logos?

[grasshopper]

I didn't get to create them from scrap, I had to work from my Design Director's drawings. In the end, must have put in about 200 hours because of the constant modifications he was wanting (increase the smile, change the green the leg is too think reduce tint black shadow by 30% {WHAT TINT??? THE TRANSPARENCY OR THE ACTUAL COLOUR?!?!} GAHH!). Regardless to say, he was one of the main reasons I left.
Glad to hear they are used though, I had nightmares about those damn things.

[grasshopper]

Well, I finally got around to getting a splash page up along with updated resume, if you guys could let me know what you think, I'd appreciate it.

www.markle.iinet.net.au