Successful Habits

  • Don't start by copying someone else's portfolio. Start with the most current, official framework.
  • Don't use spaces or special characters in file names
    • Only use these characters: abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ1234567890_-
  • Don't put everything in one folder. The clutter will overwhelm and confuse you.
    • Use lots subfolders with logical names.
    • Delete anything you're not using.
  • Don't use Flash buttons. If they break, I can't help you fix them.
    • Consider rollover buttons
  • Don't try to create a link to an imaginary page you haven't created yet
    • Create the target page first, then create the link
  • Don't use tables to format a page (e.g., to center text)
    • Only use tables for tabular content (e.g., content standards)
    • Consider simple CSS to format a page: floatright, floatleft, center, nofloats (see Who is Kym?)
  • Don't insert an image from just anywhere
    • Carefully save an image in the correct folder before you insert it into a webpage
  • Don't use other people's images without permission. Google doesn't own the images it searches!
    • Unless the image is clearly free (e.g., from a free clearinghouse of images)
  • New Don't use excessive or tasteless animated images.
    • Some animated images can enhance a page, but too many can be distracting or unprofessional.
  • Don't forget the "alt" information for an image
  • Don't resize an image in the web editor.
    • Use an image editor (e.g. Photoshop).
  • Don't distort an image by resizing only one dimension.
    • Example: Kym Kym Kym
    • Always preserve aspect ratio.
  • Don't create web pages in Word. Don't upload Word documents.
    • Use a proper web editor (e.g., Dreamweaver)
    • Print Word documents as PDFs
  • Don't use frames. They are an out-dated system that can break in some web browsers
  • Don't write in ALL CAPS.
    • On the Internet, block capitalization is shouting.
    • All caps obscures correct capitalization. (e.g., Is "POWERPOINT" really "Powerpoint" or "PowerPoint?")
  • Don't use low contrast between text and background. Many people will have trouble reading it (e.g., colorblind people).
    • Examples: Pink on White, Lavender on White
    • Use dark fonts on light backgrounds.
  • Don't use underline
    • Underlined text is supposed to be a link. It will confuse and annoy people.
  • Don't do wacky stuff.
    • Make sure anyone on any computer can open and read your portfolio.
  • Don't wait until the last minute. You'll probably have trouble getting help.
    • Plan ahead.

These are the only file types that should be in your portfolio:

  • .htm or .html (web pages)
  • .jpg and/or .gif (pictures and images)
  • .pdf (Acrobat PDF)