Portfolio Gut Check: September 2025

This workshop is a live portfolio review and tune-up. A student walks through three projects while instructors give concrete fixes: lead with impact visuals, break projects into full-width modules, keep page typography neutral, and use in-situ mockups and light motion to “world-build.” They also cover homepage structure, consistent navigation, and how to surface services on an About page. The session ends with practical career advice on pitching local shops and spinning a pet-portrait practice into its own branded site.

Timestamps:

0:01:22 — Case study: Able Salon: Strategy (serene, eco-conscious), logo rationale, and palette story.

0:05:06 — Project page critique: Make pages scannable with full-width visuals, clear heroes, and fewer brand-site fonts.

0:10:15 — Case study: Whiplash Coffee: “Retalic/italic” type for motion, simple palette, and world-building ideas.

0:21:17 — Case study: Up Dog Candles: Stronger mockups, in-situ scenes, and light motion to add depth.

0:23:03 — Big takeaway: Build immersive worlds—separate, zoomed modules that spotlight decisions and details.

0:25:06 — Career & spin-offs: Freelance outreach tips and turning pet portraits into a branded mini-site.