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Portfolio Feedback
I just created my website for my portfolio a couple days ago. I would love some feedback on what I could do to make it better. http://www.extra-designs.com
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1 Reply
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Hi Ixta and David,
I’ve taken some time to review your website, and here are my thoughts:
Brand Name:
The name “Extra Designs” doesn’t seem to align well with who you are and what you do. It feels generic and impersonal, which contrasts with the deeply personal stories you share. Considering the unique challenges you both face—Dissociative Identity Disorder and chronic pain—your brand name should reflect that personal connection. You can keep this name for design work and make two websites, and think about another name (we can brainstorm that step together).
A quick note: I believe the correct term is “Dissociative” instead of “Disassociate” for Identity Disorder but I am no expert.
Consistency Across Platforms:
It’s important to maintain consistent storytelling across your website and social media platforms. Clearly define whether the brand represents both of you or just you. Additionally, consider focusing on one specific art style or medium first. Once established and recognized for that, you can expand to other areas. Since there are two of you, you can also emphasize your collaboration and clearly specify who is responsible on technical aspects of your collab.
There is one good exercise to do for this purpose. Take an image of your art, without any background or other element. And use https://lens.google/ to see what images it will suggest. Try to see how you can differentiate your visual expression from what the others do. If you also see that some art can inspire you, try to learn from them. Here is the key: See your competition and try to get Bigger (Quantitatively), Better (Qualitatively) and different.
Mental Health and Well-being Theme:
You took the opportunity of your weaknesses, which makes you both stronger and truer, and integrate mental health and physical well-being into your art. Again, make it clear to position your work as a duo on social media and the website. What you currently call “custom art” is actually commissioned art. Design work typically refers to functional items like posters, shoes, or websites.
Presentation and Messaging:
In your presentation, try to weave together your personal stories, the message you want to convey, and your art style. This combination forms your pitch, which should be consistent across your website and social media. Why do you paint skulls? Why use paracord? How do you work together? What do you aim to achieve with your art?
A good exercise is to craft a concise Instagram bio (150 characters max) that encapsulates your pitch. Use this same pitch on your homepage, and then expand on it in your biography or about page.
Photography
Try to improve the photos you make. A good way to do that is to follow an artist you are fond of on Instagram and try to copy is photography style. But most important is to keep you photos well framed, and sharp, with a good white balance (Whites are white, blacks are black).
Best regards, don’t hesitate to write to me if you have any questions. And welcome to the community talk this last Friday of the month 🙂
Greg
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