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Ask DN: How should I design my personal website?

over 6 years ago from , student

I'm stuck. I don't know what good design is anymore. I want to redesign my personal website so that it looks more modern, but I don't know which direction to go.

Actually, here's a more serious question— when you design your personal website, who do you design it for? Yourself, or other people?

5 comments

  • Kemie GuaidaKemie Guaida, over 6 years ago

    You are your own client. Your client has a message and an audience. How do you best communicate your client's message to their audience?

    4 points
  • Jesse Korzan, over 6 years ago

    Great question.

    "Good" design is solving a problem. I'd maybe start with knowing the purpose of your site... Instead of starting with style.

    Style is a fine concern to have. Just be cautious... it's hard to know when you're done if your main goal is simply a "stylish site".

    If it's strictly a portfolio... don't stress too much. Your personal site shouldn't overshadow your work examples. Your main goal should be that folks see one or two examples of your work that best highlights your skill and abilities.

    If it's not a portfolio... maybe it's a concept that showcases what you're most interested in (i.e. interactive video... make an interactive video). It's OK to make something that you enjoy making. A personal site is a good place to explore and go through some trial and error.

    Regardless... the best part about a personal site is that it's your site. You can re-do it, mess around with it, change it as you see fit.

    Lastly... don't feel constrained to "one" style. Make two sides to your site. One side that simply communicates why you should get hired. The other side... edgy, explorative, etc.

    0 points
    • Carlos MCarlos M, over 6 years ago

      I see, fair enough.

      It seems I really do have to nail down the purpose of my site— that's something I can't see clearly yet.

      The other thing I'm wrestling with is the idea that I want to design something that looks good to me, but I don't know if it looks good to others (potentially, clients). What's the best way to go about that?

      1 point
      • Jesse Korzan, over 6 years ago

        Another good question.

        If it was me, I'd work on a mock-up or a concept sketch and show it to potential clients and friendlies for feedback. Do this a couple times until you feel the feedback is positive enough to move on (looks professional, people trust you have the skills, work examples are clear, and so on).

        OR... post works in progress here for other designers to help you nail down a purposeful and stylish site that you're happy with.

        1 point