Currently trying to design my online portfolio (designing for yourself is the hardest thing ever). I've come up with this design, I do like it but it just seems to be a little bit ... flat atm.

 

First of all, what do you think of the overall design? Secondly, any suggestions or crits would be very welcome. Finally, I'm not so good with the copy so any help there is also welcome (I realise that this probably isn't the best forum for that but I'd figure I'd keep it to the one thread at this stage).

First impression is that there's no focal point in your design. My eyes don't know where to land, and there's too much symmetry.

 

I like the use of orange and blue, but not against the wood-effect background. There's a conflict of visual messages going on there.

 

I agree that your copy needs work. First of all, there's not enough of it to get your prospects interested in your services, and secondly, it doesn't lead anywhere. I suspect that the concept of your design doesn't really allow for lengthy copy, so you may need to reconsider.

 

The important thing to remember about copy is this: it's the part of your site that visitors respond to. With no offers, value proposition or call to action, you can't expect prospects to click through to your contact page. You need to tell them why hiring *you* is good for their business. Then tell them to make contact and see for themselves.

 

Lastly, I don't like the way you have Ben Palmer Web design spread across the width of your header. Those words all belong together in order to make proper sense. At the moment web design looks like an over-sized addition to your nav area.

I'll definitely work on the copy - I'm thinking of actually hiring a copywriter at this point to help because I know I'm not so good with it. The layout will change too based on this, I'll work on the copy then adapt it around that.

 

As for the wood background, why do you think it doesn't work? Are the colours too flat or do they just not match at all?

 

I also share the feeling about my name and web design being too far apart, I knew that would get raised - but still unsure as to how to position it better.

 

Thanks for the feedback - some real food for thought there.