My portfolio update

[jpa]

Hi.
I've updated my portfolio site. I've added english translation (passing the mouse over texts), 2 new web sites (I've removed 3 of the oldest), larger thumbnails in the Web section and Photoshop demos in the Extras section.
Please, review and comment. Thanks

(Yes, I like simply and clean designs )

[takethetrain]

yikes, pop-up ads!

honestly, i'm having a lot of trouble with the navigation. once i click on a button to view a project, i have no idea how to get back to the thumbnails, since there is no link to return. the navigation on the left is so small and light it is barely visible--i thought at first it was only decoration, not navigation. also, i would never have known there was an english translation for each project if you hadn't said so in your post.

ps: why did you choose to do this project in flash? i'm not seeing any special effects that would call for it.

[KHDZN]

I have to agree with Brandy on all counts. You definitely have to make the nav on the left more readable and create a link that will take visitors back to the thumbnails once they are in a category.

I like your Photoshop work!

BTW: Who is the little kid on your curriculum page?

[jpa]

Thanks for the comments, takethetrain.

- The problem with the languages... I don't know how exactly do this thing. Yes, you can't see the translation except if you "accidentally" pass the mouse over the text. I don't know now if I must make two different pages or to put a indicative text.

- I choose flash principally because rollovers works better in flash than in html and for the preloader option. Whatever, portfolio is not finished (never is finished ) and maybe I will include little sounds and other details.

- And, about the left text for navigation, i will increment size and maybe use some rolling effect like my very old portfolio, definitively.

Thanks again, takethetrain

[jpa]

Thanks to you too for your comments, KHDZN

Who is the little kid on your curriculum page?

It's me with 9 years.

[takethetrain]

Hi again JPA--just to clarify, my question about Flash wasn't really to encourage you to add special effects--the simplicity is nice!--but to consider not using Flash for this project. Your rollovers would be pretty easy to accomplish with CSS, and switching to HTML/CSS would greatly improve the usability of your website (like if your navigation is confusing, at least people can hit the back button).

This article may interest you: http://wakeuplater.com/website-build...ot-belong.aspx

Even if your website does not fall into the categories outlined in the article, I think you should consider the author's reasoning. (There are some interesting comments, too.)

IMO, Flash should not be used on a website unless it fulfills a need that HTML cannot--and please consider the needs of your users, not just your own.

[takethetrain]

PS: Usually when sites are in more than one language, there is a link or a dropdown menu somewhere, or even little pictures of flags, that allows me to select my language for the entire site, not on a page-by-page basis.

[jpa]

Hi again JPA--just to clarify, my question about Flash wasn't really to encourage you to add special effects--the simplicity is nice!

[...]
Thanks for the advice. But I really think flash with preloader it's better for a site with a lot of pictures. I am more happy working with HTML that with flash. It is not a decision by comfort mine, I assure it to you.

PS: Usually when sites are in more than one language, there is a link or a dropdown menu somewhere, or even little pictures of flags, that allows me to select my language for the entire site, not on a page-by-page basis.

I know, I know, in fact I've created +- 6 sites with 2 or 3 languages with flags in a corner to choose (http://www.unizar.es/jye/, for example). The problem for me is wich option must I choose for the portfolio cause I don't want to full the screen with symbols, icons, etc. Colours are descarted cause I like the b&w for the menu and colours for the images.

Lastest changes:
- I've made a demo in the first work (prints > Japonismo.com) with a small buton with the "En" letters to change the language. It's only a demo, doesn't works, it's there only to see the composition. But if I choose to put there the button, I must put the texts up... mmm...
- The secctions on the left are now only for decoration or guide.
- I've added a central button on the next-previous item menu to go up. And basic effects to all buttons.

I'm thinking on integrate the larger previews instead of to cause that they appear like a pop-up. What do you think about?

Thanks again.

[Chung Dha]

pfff would get rid of all those pop-up advertisement they are really irritating.

[jpa]

pfff would get rid of all those pop-up advertisement they are really irritating.

It's not my fault, it's part of the Telefonica (One of the Spanish Phone company) hosting...

I use firefox and I don't get the pop-ups... It's the only thing you have to say?

Saludos!

[takethetrain]

But I really think flash with preloader it's better for a site with a lot of pictures.

Seems a bit silly to create a loading bar when every browser already comes with one. With Flash in place, I first have to watch my browser's bar fill up while it loads your Flash movie (and other page content), and then I have to wait for your Flash movie to preload images.

The only reason to use a separate preloader is to make sure larger content doesn't hold up the loading of smaller, more important content, like navigation. (Example: Prospective client has already seen my portfolio, she is just visiting my website to get my contact information, so I don't want her to wait for a ton of images to load just so she can click the contact link.) In your case, visitors are unable to click any links (or even see your contact info) until the rest of the site loads. Doesn't this negate your original purpose?

[jpa]

In your case, visitors are unable to click any links (or even see your contact info) until the rest of the site loads. Doesn't this negate your original purpose?

Resolved: Now, you can press the mail on the bottom and open the e-mail program in all the portfolio (including preloader section).

Seems a bit silly to create a loading bar when every browser already comes with one. I first have to watch my browser's bar fill up while it loads your Flash movie

Do you really think that? The loader of the preloader (je) takes 1 second, not more... unless you have a connection of 10kb/s, but I don't think that.

Thanks for the comments.
Salud!

[jpa]

Fixed the pop-up advertisement. It was fault of the Motigo statistic webpage, not of the Telefonica hosting.
Whatever... get Firefox

[takethetrain]

Do you really think that? The loader of the preloader (je) takes 1 second, not more... unless you have a connection of 10kb/s, but I don't think that.

You're right, it is gone pretty quickly. So what's the point of having it then? Why is a Flash loading bar better than a browser loading bar?

PS: I have Firefox, but I still don't like to see that big yellow bar telling me that a pop-up has been blocked. Good that you got rid of it.

PPS: If you'd like another web tracking tool, try Statcounter--no ads, and no icon unless you want one.

[jpa]

You're right, it is gone pretty quickly. So what's the point of having it then? Why is a Flash loading bar better than a browser loading bar?

Aesthetics? Personality? Ornament? Coherence with the design from the rest of the page? It's not of vital importance, I agree, but include all that things I say.

I have Firefox, but I still don't like to see that big yellow bar telling me that a pop-up has been blocked. Good that you got rid of it.

I've deleted the statics link a days ago. It was not really necessary for me.

Thanks for the comments again.
(And excuse me if my language sounds abrupt, but really costs to me to express as I would like in English)

[karva]

The colors create a really peaceful and calm ambiance, ideal for contemplate your works, but i find the navigation still a bit confusing, the name of the categories are too small for me.
The intro: it runs away so quickly that i don't see the point of it really. If you want to have an intro (actually i think it's needless), do it longer otherwise people won't get it.

[jpa]

Hi Karva.

The intro: it runs away so quickly that i don't see the point of it really (...)

Is not an intro, it's only a loader.

Thanks for the review!