About two months ago I decided it was time to create a new portfolio site. Unlike previous versions I wanted the ability to update, organize and edit content on the fly. This meant that in addition to creating a design from scratch, I needed a content management system. This led to an evaluation of a few different cms packages used widely throughout this here world wide web. I eventually settled on Expression Engine for no other reason than some of my favorite sites were built on the same platform. Once I downloaded the required software and had it installed on my test server, I shut off my computer and proceeded to the drawing table to sketch out, map out and generally wrestle with what form this new site would take.

As a result of my pen and paper explorations I realized that along with a new site I needed a new identity which in turn would greatly inform my remaining design decisions when it came to my site. Surprisingly this process was easier than I had anticipated. Granted I still struggled, but thanks to notes and doodles I had kept over the years I was able to quickly mine and focus in on a particular direction that I was happy with.

With the visual vocabulary gleaned from my identity redevelopment I jumped back into the site redesign with a much clearer vision and direction. I wanted the overall structure of the site to be immediately accessible and uncluttered. Essentially I had to fight against an acquired tendency to try and cram too much information into a limited space. When a user entered my site, I wanted them to have a clarion understanding of where to go and how to find the information they were looking for (ie. my portfolio and blog posts).

Although I was afraid the somewhat spartan aesthetic would sacrifice a sense of my personality, I realized that I wanted the main written and visual content to speak to who I was as a designer and as an individual. I’m looking forward to hearing feedback on the new design. I hope you enjoy it. Again, if you have suggestions or experience anything awry, by all means contact me.