Web Development: A Professional Portfolio Redesign
A redesign of my professional portfolio website
The following project was for New Media Topics (NMIX 6012) within The University of Georgia’s New Media Institute. alexisfaire.com has since gone through a new redesign.
Spring 2023
Role: Developer, Designer, Editor
Project Overview
As a requirement for the Emerging Media Master’s program at The University of Georgia, all students must purchase a domain and develop a website that can showcase all work and accomplishments. Throughout the program and each course, we must provide a summary/case study upon completion.
For NMIX 6012 (New Media Topics), I decided to write my case study on the redesign of my portfolio website, alexisfaire.com. Everything from the structure and organization to the design and branding — I needed a change.
Challenges
The Platform Change
My biggest challenge, honestly, was not knowing where to start. When I began the development of my portfolio during my first courses in the program (Web Development and New Media Design), I wanted to build it from scratch — every single line of code. However, looking at what I originally created, I hated it. So I decided to make the switch to WordPress.
Once I finally made the decision to use WordPress, I had to choose which theme would be the best to manipulate and design to make my own. After many trials and errors, I chose the Costello theme. It has several different design options, and is specially designed for online portfolios. Of course, when there were certain changes I wanted to make, I wasn’t able to make them unless I purchased the Pro version. So, after weighing the pros and cons, I ultimately made the decision to purchase Costello Pro.
Who really is Alexis Faire?
Who am I, and how do I answer that question while showcasing my work in a professional way? How do I make this website the best representation of myself without me growing tired of looking at it a few weeks after the changes are made?
By taking this NMIX 6012 course in my program, I was able to learn how to create a portfolio that not only displayed my personality throughout but also to develop a personal brand for myself. I had the opportunity to gain feedback from my instructor and my classmates that helped me improve my final product.
Solutions
I admit it. I spent several stressful hours trying to work my way around the Costello Pro theme. However, I’m so glad I chose to utilize WordPress. It gave me the foundation I needed to build exactly what I wanted. I also added my own HTML code, CSS, Plugins and font choices to curate my own style.
Then came the fun part. How should I make this aesthetically pleasing and organized? While I did like the original color palette and logos (see style guide above), the more I looked at it, the more I started to dislike everything. I wanted to create a calm, creative atmosphere that can attract employers and professionals.
By brainstorming and using platforms such as Adobe suite, Pinterest and Canva, I decided to use a neutral color palette and easy-to-read fonts to showcase the calm, creative atmosphere I wanted. I also added different elements, such as an About Me section and page, Social Media menu, Portfolio page and Contact page.
Results
Overall, I enjoyed working on this semester-long project. I not only had the opportunity to create something that I’m proud of, but I also had the opportunity to grow as an individual and learn more about myself. Before taking this course, I felt unsure about how to represent myself in the professional world and how to properly brand myself to employers. I’m so honored to be a part of this program, and I will definitely continue to build on my portfolio in the future.