#vcm512

Overall I have found this project very interesting because it has challenged me as a designer. Using new programmes such as Dreamweaver has been difficult and although I didn’t use Dreamweaver to create my final document, I feel I have a much better feel for the software and I know a lot more about html coding.  During the project I changed the method I was using to create the website, personally I feel that this was the best move I could have done because I am much more familiar with the programme and I felt it gave me more freedom to design. As for my final design I feel it was successful and has turned out as I wanted it to, I did have a few design issues, which I was able to overcome quite easily, and I didn’t have to many major issues. My identity as a whole coveys a message of creativity and simplicity, I wanted to create a simple easy to use platform to showcase my work and I feel I have managed to create a easily accessible design that will attract and keep peoples attention. As for the navigation aspect of my website, I have used an easy system and it only takes a few clicks to get anywhere on my website, I worked hard at creating a good header for my site and creating designed buttons so it was easy to see and read. The header I believe is probably one of the most important aspects of any site because it is the first point of call when navigating so making sure this is done to a high stand is crucial and I believe I have done that. As for my logo, I am really happy with how it has turned out, the design uses a nice simple san serif typeface, which I have then edited and made my own monogram. I felt creating a design out of my initials was the best approach to take, it is short and easy to remember rather than using my whole name or an image to represent myself. Because of my approach to the design, I have created a sort of symbol, which cleverly combines letterforms to create the design, but the letters are still easily readable. Overall I feel the project has been successful but has challenged me, a few general problems I encountered where organisation of work, I feel like I spent more time working on designs for my logo and so if I could do it again I would organise my time better so I could spend a more even amount of time on both halves of the project. Another thing I would say I would do for my next project is use a sketchbook, at the beginning I decided to use my blog as a sketchbook, but I now feel I work a lot better physically writing notes down and drawing up ideas so I will try to use a sketchbook in the future.

Here are various slicing methods i can use to create my site.

Here is a tutorial i used to help remind me about the techniques used to create a website through photoshop.

Here are some creative portfolio sites I came across while doing research. they are all really effective and are very accessible and easy to use.

The Web offers the possibility of unprecedented access to information and interaction for many people with disabilities. That is, the accessibility barriers to print, audio, and visual media can be much more easily overcome through Web technologies.

Web accessibility also benefits people without disabilities. For example, a key principle of Web accessibility is designing Web sites and software that are flexible to meet different user needs, preferences, and situations. This flexibility also benefits people without disabilities in certain situations, such as people using a slow Internet connection, people with "temporary disabilities" such as a broken arm, and people with changing abilities due to aging. 

Here is the link to my finished Online Portfolio!