Website Updates & Evaluation

This week I decided to go thoroughly into my website and make final changes before publishing and testing it. 

The first thing I didn't like is Portfolio page which seemed to be empty due to lack of items on it. I decided to add there a quote of my favourite actor Audrey Hepburn. So now the page looks more pleasant and filled.

As for me, Home Page required changes as well because it had empty background with a small-sized photo which was quite similar to other pages. I decided to take that photo and set it as a background so now it looks much better and professional. I also kept there a button for About Me Page.

After that, I changed the position of the text on my Contact Page in mobile version because it looked a bit different from computer one. 

I then checked all pages on mobile version and changed the fonts and position of the texts so it was the same and consistent. I also made sure that all pages have the name in the middle and it looks good on mobile version. 

These were the last changes required for my website and for now I am ready to upload my Final Project to Portfolio/Showreel Page.

Website Evaluation

Planning stage:

What were your initial ideas for creating a website? style / name / template

My idea was to create my acting portfolio website and I used Wix to do that. As the website should be about me therefore I put my name and surname in the top. I also stated my location and area of my specialism so it is easier for others to quickly identify where I am available. I picked up the template of acting resume because it is the closest option to my specialism. I chose light tones to make it colourful but not very bright, so I added pink and blue colours. Recently, I thought about changing the background to some picture so I may change it before finalising.

Do you have a tagline on your website?

No because I haven't got a product which I would advertise.

Research:

Which designers / artists (relevant to your continuation route) websites did you look for inspiration

To get examples and inspiration I looked at the websites of Adam Fontana, Nicole Kidman, Leith Bruke, Samantha Evans and Belen Cusi.

How many pages did you want to make on your website and why? Did that change as you progressed onto the research / designing stage? 

I decided to create 4 pages as they are the main ones for now. I made Home Page with my photo and button to About me, About me page - to introduce myself, Portfolio page- to place all my works there and Contact page for those who would consider working with me. I also added links to my Social links at the bottom. 

Sure, my pages changed during research/designing. When I picked the template I had to make changes, because there were more pages which I didn't need at that stage. Also, after putting information and my photos I added subpages. I did that in order to make better navigation and transferring from one page to another and returning back.

Content:

What is the purpose of your website?

The purpose of my website is to promote myself as an actor, to show my skills, my works and find new work experience in my specialism. 

Who are your potential website users?

My potential website users are mostly casting directors/agents because they are those who look for actors and call them for castings.  However, directors and actors also can be my website users.

Why do you think it is important to have a digital portfolio website?

I find it important because now we have almost all things in the internet or social media, especially in the area of art. Usually castings are announced on many digital platforms and if you have all your information gathered in one place so you can apply quicker with all that you need and therefore you have a bigger chance to be seen.


Design:

Which design elements / tools did you use? (e.g.: infographics, fixed header, static background image, navigation menu design, text boxes, image galleries, social media feed) and why? 

Which template did you use in Wix and why? 

As I mentioned before, I used the template of acting resume. I found the navigation and the design of chosen template easy for use and minimalistic. I think it should be more focused on me as an actor so it is a good idea not to put too much on the website. 

How many pages does your website have and why? 

My website has 4 pages: Home, About, Portfolio, Contact. As for me these pages contain all the  information people potentially need to know about me. I also have one subpage called "Showreel"  in Portfolio page.

Navigation:

Does your website have working social media icon links? 

Yes. I placed all of them in social media feed and checked in the preview if they work.

Are your pages connected / interlinked? 

Yes, they are connected. For example my Home page has button "About me" which will lead you to the page with the information about me. On my Portfolio page there is a button to the subpage Showreel where you will see the piece of my work. And there also is button which will return you back to Portfolio page.

Is it easy to navigate?

Yes, it is easy to navigate and find a needed information on my website. I also checked mobile view to make sure that I corrected all nuances.

Does the “Contact” page / email link work?

Ye Yes, I checked them and they work.