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“What Do You Do?”
What is the first thing people ask when they first meet you? Once you exchange names, they ask, “What do you do for a living?” Have you ever watched someone's eyes glaze over as you try to explain what “interactive media” means?
This is why a mobile portfolio is so valuable. It's much easier to show interactive content than it is to explain it. People respond better to visual examples than to verbal descriptions. Having an easily accessible portfolio can demonstrate your work in a way words cannot.
The next time someone asks what you do, you can say something like this: "I'm an interactive developer. I create content for the Internet and mobile devices like these." Then, turn on your device and show your portfolio.
A well-done mobile portfolio showcases your professionalism to your clients. It shows you’re willing to try new forms of technology. People don't expect a mobile portfolio—having one shows that:
Your mobile portfolio suggests that you will help your clients do the same.
When presenting content on your mobile portfolio, pay attention to the reaction you get from your work. Present different types of projects. See what content elicits the best responses. Tailor your presentation with the most appealing and relevant content for a specific client.
For example, I worked on the following types of projects: interactive data visualizations, games, animations, applications, CD ROMs, and experimental work. When showing work on my mobile portfolio, I always ask what type of industry someone works for; then I try to show him or her the most relevant examples.
If I am showing some animation samples to a creative director and he doesn’t find them “edgy” enough, then I might show him some of my experimental work. If I am showing some of my experimental work to a business person and she thinks it is too “out there,” then I might show her some of my application work, followed by some interactive data visualization samples.
Have you ever given someone your business card and talked to him a few weeks later and he still hasn’t looked at your website? Have you ever given someone your business card, and she lost it? When you hand out your business card, you are marketing passively. The prospective client may never call you or look at your online portfolio. Instead, show your portfolio to prospective clients when you meet then. Be active and take the next step in getting them to look at your content.
If he or she reacts well or is interested in certain types of samples, take advantage of a client's interest. Ask for an appointment at his or her office. You will be much better prepared for that potential interview or portfolio review. Since you have already seen the response to your portfolio, tailor your meeting presentation to contain the work that excited the client the most.
Showing content on a mobile portfolio positions you as a designer and/or developer of mobile content. When people start undertaking mobile projects, they'll think of you as someone who can deliver mobile projects. You won't be labeled as just a web designer or developer. It's human nature: People will try to pigeonhole you into a particular role. As the mobile industry becomes more viable, be there with it. Don't get left behind as clients begin planning mobile projects. Be the one who gets people thinking about mobile plans.
People who have been working on mobile Macromedia Flash projects have encountered an interesting phenomenon. Clients who view content on a mobile device are amazed—there's a definite "wow" factor.
You often hear comments like, "This little device can do all that?" If you were to show exactly the same content on a laptop or desktop, the reaction can be mediocre. People respond more favorably to mobile content when you present it on a mobile device. They often feel that designing and developing for a small device is more difficult since it limits screen real estate, the processors are small, and because it's an emerging field.
When people use mobile devices they are often in “application mode.” People are using the device to execute a specific task. Most mobile users aren't accustomed to surfing or looking for content.
When presenting content on a mobile device, I often wait before telling anyone that I used using Macromedia Flash until I'm done with presenting. Even people in the technical industry often think of Macromedia Flash as “that tool for those web animations.” I prefer to impress people first with the content—then I tell them I'm using Macromedia Flash.
Copyright © 2008 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy (updated 07-08-2008).
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