I’m pretty sure that I’ve failed as a blogger over the last couple of months because school took up the majority of my time.
I’m excited to report that as of the other night, I’ve officially completed my web design program!
Now that I’m done, I have a lot of stuff to start to figure out. I need to determine whether or not I want to freelance, or work as a designer at an agency. There’s pros and cons to both types of work environments, but regardless of which path I end up taking, I need to start by building a portfolio. In any creative field, the only way you can realistically expect any work is if you have some way to show off previous projects.
If prospective clients can’t see the work that you’re capable of, then how will you receive any business? That’s why showcasing your portfolio is of the utmost importance and something that should be done as soon as possible. In fact, someone that my friend knows has recently started her own business and is looking for someone to design a website for her and opted to enlist the help of a seattle website design agency because she could see from their website the designs they have produced for other companies. She loved how they looked and ultimately felt like they were the best fit for her business website. I was a bit disappointed not to get the business but this has just given me the push I need to create my portfolio.
The obvious place to showcase my portfolio is online, so I need to build my own site. It’s actually more daunting to build a site for myself than it is for a client! Over the coming days and weeks, I will get a better sense of what I plan to do (and how), so I’ll be sure to keep you posted. Choosing a domain name, colour scheme, fonts, etc are all tough decisions, at least for someone as indecisive as I am. So I might think about starting to read this article on domain name generators so I can finally decide on a starting point and get the website underway!
In the meantime, summer is starting to wind down, so I’m trying to get in a few last wears of some of my obnoxiously summer pieces. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to my neons just yet…
Photography by Jeff
What I’m Wearing:
Dress – Gap (Similar)
Jean Jacket – Gap (Similar)
Watch – c/o Jord (Same)
Purse – Gap (Similar)
Shoes – Target (Similar)
Hairband – Aldo (Similar)
Have you packed away your summer brights?
Alecz says
Congrats on finishing your course! That’s super exciting. I bet you’ll have no problem putting together a portfolio. Love this neon dress! The simple shape and bright colour are just beautiful.
https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Jackie says
Thank you so much. I’m very excited, but it’s a lot of work to build a portfolio, since I don’t have much to put in it just yet. I’ll be sure to share updates as I go.
andréa says
look at us “matching” on our blogs today! lol love this pink on you and that is so exciting about starting your career. i think i may want to pick your brain about some stuff 🙂
-Andréa
A.Viza Style
Jackie says
Great minds, am I right? 🙂
Feel free to shoot me an email any time if you wanted to chat about stuff!
Shannon says
Congrats on finishing your program!! You look gorgeous! I love the denim and pink!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Jackie says
Thanks Shannon!
Cielo Fronteras says
You look great in hot pink! Love this!
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
Jackie says
Thank you!
bri says
Your blog inspires me in so many ways! I hope one day my blog is as great as yours! xo
Love,
Bri
http://www.cityfashiongirl.com
http://www.youtube.com/briannadeg
Jackie says
Thank you so much for the kind words. Your comment really made my day! <3
Suzy says
You are so adorable!
With love,
Suzy ♥
THE KAWAII PLANET
Jackie says
😛
Nikki says
Congrats on finishing! That is exciting. Love this look! That dress is too cute. And your hair looks adorable!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Jackie says
Thank you! I love being able to throw on a hair turban to tame the frizz in the humid days
Ivete says
Congratulations on finishing your program! Can’t wait to see what you do with your site. You look great in this hot pink dress. It really shows off your tan!
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
Jackie says
Thanks – I actually love neons for that very reason…
head to toe chic says
Congrats on finishing the program!!! Love that pink dress!
xo,
Angela
Jackie says
Thanks Angela!
Rach says
Congrats on finishing then program! I can’t wait to hear what you will do next and see your work!! So exciting!! I am also loving this look! I love the hot pink t-shirt dress. The pairing with the denim jacket is so spot on. Such a perfect transitional look!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Jackie says
Thanks so much Rach! I’m just in the early stages of designing a portfolio site. After all, it took forever to even decide on a NAME to get a domain. Lots of work, but I’m excited about it!
May says
Whatever you choose, I hope all goes well for you!
You’re looking so good in that hot pink dress, and I LOVE the denim thrown in!
May | THE MAYDEN
Jackie says
When in doubt, add denim, right? 😛
Kathleen says
Congratulations on finishing your program – that’s so exciting! You look fantastic in neon and pink is my favorite color so I’m kind of in love with this outfit 🙂
<3
katsfashionfix.blogspot.com
Jackie says
Thanks!! It’s one of my favourite colours too 🙂
Simona says
Hot pink suits you so much dear! Really gorgeous look! 🙂
http://www.simimaus.blogspot.com
Jackie says
Thanks – if only summer would stick around a bit longer!
Alex says
Congrats on being done with your program, what a great feeling! Also obsessed with that dress, pink is such a good color on you!
-Alex
http://www.monstermisa.blogspot.com
Jackie says
Thanks – it’s such a great feeling when you finish something like that.
Amy Ann says
Congrats on finishing your program!! I am excited to see what you do. I love this pink on you. It’s fun to see you with your hair up too. It looks great on you.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Jackie says
Thank you so much Amy Ann. I’m nervous and excited about what’s next!
Samantha says
Congrats on finishing your web design program! It seems like you have a leg up on other bloggers because of all that knowledge. Your outfit is so perfect for a summer evening… I love the bright pop of pink!
–Samantha
http://www.BesosFromAmerica.com
Jackie says
I don’t know about a leg up, but I will definitely be reworking my blog design, once I get my portfolio site up and running 🙂
Anna says
Beautiful pop of color! Super cute bag, too!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Jackie says
Thanks Anna!
Tracy says
This hot pink look is so perfect, wear it as much as you can before fall! Congrats on finishing your program, very exciting!
Tracy
http://www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com
Jackie says
I know – it’s starting to cool down a bit this week and I’m just like, nooooooo!!!
Darcy says
Girl, obsessed with this outfit and these pictures! Congrats on finishing the program — way to go!!!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Jackie says
Thank you so much! I’m so excited to re-work my blog in the coming weeks too
Wendy says
Look at those legs! Courtesy of all that summer softball? 😉 Love this bright pink on you and that denim jacket really pulls it together. And oh my gosh, that little bow on the bag. Adorbs!
Jackie says
Hahahah well, softball is the majority of my summer fitness!!
Shalyn says
Congratulations! This post hits my heart a little bit, I have this exact dress and spilled chocolate on it on a road trip to Osheaga 2 years ago, tried to spot treat it at the time and ended up leaving 2 patches where I wore away the bright colour of the fabric. It’s down low near the hem so I can’t even hide it with my denim jacket/vest. Don’t suppose you have any tips? Great look!
Jackie says
Oh no!!! That’s actually so upsetting! Have you tried baby powder on it? Google taught me that it can help lift stains out…but if they’ve set for two years, that’s a bit tough 🙁
Christie says
I absolutely love this look, Jackie. The hot pink, denim jacket, and headband are so much fun! And it looks like you lost weight! Your face looks especially thin. You look great, girl!
Christie
The Closet by Christie
Jackie says
Thank you so much! And yes, I have lost some weight over the summer. I wasn’t sure if that showed here 🙂
Ashley says
Yay for starting up your web design class! Awesome, doll. And hello- your hair is major MAJOR up like this! Love it!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Deborah says
Congrats on completing your program! What an exciting time for you! Can’t wait to see the completed website!
I am also super adoring your outfit – that dress is so flattering and the color is so pretty and summery! I really like the headband as well – so cute!
Maddy says
I love your hair in a topknot with headband! and congrats on finishing – that is amazing!
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com
Velvet & Vino says
Congrats hun, that’s super exciting! PS: I LOVE your hair and style here.
VelvetandVino.com
Jackie says
Thanks, love!