I have recently created a new portfolio at alternative stuff and I need some feedback on it

 

I have only done the index and the photography as they are the two different page types im using (content and slideshow - respectivley)

 

This is the first time I have succesfully used JS and php in a site so the coding is a bit messy and it does not validate, could someone give me some tips on how to do that.

 

Thanks

 

New version of site.. http://www.alternativestuff.co.uk/test .. check it out!

Not a fan of that rainbow header, is a bit too bright and garish I think, plus the gradients come across a little bit "I've just discovered the Photoshop gradient tool" as well.

 

I'd also run a spell checker over your site as well, there are a few spelling and grammar errors on your index page.

 

As for fixing your validation errors:

 

1.

 

<script LANGUAGE="JavaScript">

should be...

 

<script type="text/javascript">

 

2.

 

You have two opening head tags on your photography page:

 

<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<head>
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="../style.css" />
<head>
<title>Alternative Stuff :: Photography</title>

 

3.

 

You need a trailing slash on all your META and IMG tags, so they should be:

 

<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" />
<meta http-equiv="imagetoolbar" content="no" />

and

 

<img class="main" src="images/Picture 507.JPG" alt="" border="0" />

Remember, with XHTML, anything that doesn't have a separate closing tag needs a trailing slash.

Thanks.. the XHTML is now valid.. plus the header isn't final, its one I did a while ago that fits. (changes between 3 variations)

For what it's worth, I quite like that design. You can't say it is dull - it jumps out at you, it draws attention...

Thanks that was the intention, I didnt want to make anything flashy or coomplicated. Just a simple design with a good use of colours that makes the page jump out at you.

You have the foundations of a good site here, but I think there's still room for improvement. I like the textured background - it's very nice, and the header font works fairly well in the header, but I'm not keen on it for your content headers...

Your photography page would benefit from some thumbnails in my opinion - people like to see an overview of what's on offer I think.

I also agree your copy needs some work - some of it really isn't working too well.

My name is Luke Day and I am an amature amatuer Photographer and Graphic Designer. I am a 16 year old from Nottingham which is somewhere in the UK. I have skills in both areas of coding and designing, plus I love to take photos photography, too.

 

I taught myself web design after seeing that no one at school had any idea of how to design. I did this by reading tutorials and other helpful articles of that sort. I've been web desinging designing and doing graphic design for almost two years now, I find it realy really fun. I believe the best bit of it part is when you get to see your piece of work put up for everyone to see.

 

My Skills

 

I Have experience in many graphics programs, such as photoshop and InDesign, but I favour Adobe Illustrator and Fireworks for designing websites and graphical Products.

I can code both XHTML and CSS and all the websites I make are 100% Standard Compliant.

For my tools of the trade I use a PC with Windows XP Professional installed.

Apart from the spelling corrections, these are just suggestions, and I think if you spent more time on your copy, it could be much improved. Try and put a little bit more of yourself into it.

 

Well done.

Thanks for that, I'l make those changes and rethink my copy. And as i'm no pro at php do you know of any easy to use free image thubnail / gallery scripts?

Apart from the spelling corrections, these are just suggestions, and I think if you spent more time on your copy, it could be much improved. Try and put a little bit more of yourself into it.

 

notbanksy you've definitely been turned to the darkside! Moo-ha-ha! Now get over to Copy Corner and write an article!

Good work on the copy, I'd like to add a snippet too:

 

I'd change "A brief look at me" to "My story" as it sounds less arrogant and people do love a good story.

 

I like the overall exuberance and liveliness of the design - with a little refinement it will be very nice - good work.

 

Oh, and where are those mountain pictures of?!

amateur

 

the spelling, I mean, not you

Alba / Alba Matter is that font you seem to love but its not the greatest font in the world. in fact it is Unreadable in most cases so i suggest that you change the font.

1. The font is only for the headers and its obvious what it says.

 

2. The pictures that i put up there to see if it works are from france.. the Pyranees, took them on an 9 hour day walk :S

notbanksy you've definitely been turned to the darkside! Moo-ha-ha! Now get over to Copy Corner and write an article!

What, now?

Thanks for all the comments guys.. any more?

You have a Services tag so this suggests you'll be offering services.

I don't therefore think calling yourself an amateur web designer and revealing that you are 16 is a very good thing to attract business - quite a lot of people would think twice before doing business with a 16 year old, there's legal issues and stuff to think about.

Oh true, I might rethink that page, that is why it is not up yet.

 

Edit: I have changed the copy to evade the fact that i'm 16

On your portfolio page the image for the site listed has a HUGE filesize and needs reducing - takes too long too load!

yeh I know about that aswell...

 

did a bit of recoding last night as I had too much spare time and changed the page a bit, which is better

 

#1 or #2

 

I'm not sure which one I prefer now.

keywolf!

 

#2 is far better IMO! It looks lovely. All I think you need is a nice, subtle header at the top of the #2 site and it will look fantastic.

What would constitute as a subtle header.. any ideas?