With all the social media networks out there (like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+) that allow us to share our designs to our networks, as graphic designers how much more beneficial is it for us to create our own online portfolio sites? What do you think are the benefits of having your own site as compared to sharing your designs on social networks? Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Thanks :)
Permalink Reply by Dean Neitman on October 6, 2011 at 10:04am Ok, I'll bite ;) I think it is good to have examples on Facebook, Google etc. but often you are somewhat restricted in how you display the content and the type of content as well. I can't post my Flash animations in a Facebook gallery for example.
Also, I know photographers that have had photos removed and accounts terminated for posting content that was maybe a little risque or even controversial, too political and for more politically correct reasons.
So I think having a dedicated portfolio can be the ideal place to show your talents but I also think using the other social medias can help maybe as a lead generator for those that may want to see your personal website and get more focused info about your work or see material that can't be posted in those arenas.
Permalink Reply by Andy Hulme on October 8, 2011 at 4:16pm Personally I'm in favor of a portfolio, its a great way to establish your personal brand identity, display your style, put your stamp on the web.
Dean is spot on in using social media for lead generation and generally keeping up your brand awareness, but I see social media more of a way to network, get inspired and generally get involved in the fantastic online community that is the design comminity.
Clients ultimately want to see your work, and your portfolio is the place where they can see you work and see how you present yourself
So my answer would be both, then when you do share etc on social media, you have a backlink to a place where people can see all of your work, no matter what platform they find your work on.
Permalink Reply by jungledrum on October 8, 2011 at 8:09pm
Permalink Reply by BillyC on October 13, 2011 at 3:23pm I think publishing in your own site is much more better as it serves your individualism, but end of the day social media sites will always be more popular compared to our own site.......
So publishing in social media sites are also important...........
Permalink Reply by Jacque Huang on October 14, 2011 at 8:26am
Permalink Reply by Gibran Dabdoub on December 9, 2011 at 11:02am I'm think we need have a portfolio to show all the potencial of our works... the social media networks its only for show a sample
Permalink Reply by Saya on December 15, 2011 at 11:43am This discussion is not just for designers. Some people believe with social media personal website are going to disappear.
Specially when there are content sharing in place.
As I read other folks idea, looks like all are in favor of having a portfolio specailly for designers. I agree. It gives a cleaner and consistent view of your work
Permalink Reply by Ojomo Babatunde on January 5, 2012 at 4:12pm I think it good to have a portfolios to showcase our work on social media and individual site to express our Brand identity and share inspiration to others.
Permalink Reply by Higher Ground Creative on January 5, 2012 at 5:56pm Portfolio's are a great way to show potential employers and clients your work but showing them on the right site could possibly hinder your potential. Facebook is a great place to show friends and family your work but not an appropriate place for business. Have you tried LinkedIn, this is a great website to meet employers and other graphic designers like yourself. You can display your work and also display previous work and education history. Also having your own website through Wordpress, creating a blog perhaps is another good way to get noticed.
Permalink Reply by Linda J. McGuire on January 26, 2012 at 4:30am I keep an online portfolio site because I don't WANT to put everything on a social media site that's on my own site. I have my resume on my personal site, for example -- I don't really want to put that whole thing on FaceBook. Plus I like to use my own site to experiment, without being locked into someone else's format.
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