Shhh! The Secret Advantage Of A Micro Portfolio
I should begin this post by stating that I am in no way associated with Krop.com.
That’s because what follows may sound like an endorsement. It’s not, paid or otherwise.
I just wanted to publicize an option that readers, especially artists, photographers, and illustrators, might find useful.
Krop is both a job board and a portfolio hosting site. A basic 10-image portfolio is free. There are 3 featured thumbnails. All 10 thumbnails (at an identical smaller size) are displayed below the 3 featured images. Four of the smaller thumbnails (on the far right) are out of the viewing window, but can be accessed by a slider. You can order the images so that 9 of the 10 thumbnails are immediately visible when someone opens the portfolio (the 3 featured images, plus 6 of the remaining 7 at smaller size). See below.
I liked the clean design, and the fact that everything was all on one page, including a short bio. And you only have to import your full size images. There’s a cropping tool which allows you to make the corresponding thumbnails as you go along.
When you click on any of the thumbnails, the corresponding full-size image is displayed directly below the row of thumbnails, like so:
One can continue to click on thumbnails and see all the full-size images, without ever leaving the one page– a big advantage when it comes to holding the attention of an art director or other potential client. Feel free to visit my Krop portfolio and try clicking on the thumbnails yourself.
Does the Krop portfolio provide any stats? Just one, really. If you click on the Manage My Portfolio link, the system displays a running total of how many times the portfolio has been viewed since it was created. No #views per image, no total visitors today. Well, you get what you don’t pay for, I guess. Here’s what the running total looks like:
So we have a very clean, user-friendly micro-portfolio, that’s free, with minimal stats. What’s the “secret advantage” I mentioned in the title of this post?
It occurred to me after I set up the portfolio, that it’s perfect as a “best of” site, or for displaying new work. I’ve been using mine for a little of both. In my latest pitches to art directors, I’ve been including the link to my Krop portfolio, and prefacing it with: “I’ve posted some new pieces on a single page– hope you’ll take a look.” I think it sounds a lot more accessible than a request to take a look at someone’s full portfolio, which is apt to contain 50 images or more.
Just an idea. What do you think? Hope you’ll share your thoughts.
Mark Armstrong Illustration Specializing In Content Marketing Advertising Editorial Infographics Animation Videos and Social Media 
Very cool learning about your world!
LikeLike
Many thanks! I’d sing Welcome To My World for you, but people always say my Jim Reeves impression sounds more like Tiny Tim… : (
LikeLike
Considering this 10-image portfolio is free, it gives a very good layout. I definitely agree with what you have mentioned of it being a clean/clear design and how everything is just one page and not scattered. It’s simple yet it gives impact. I like it a lot and due to the limit of only having ten of your works shown, it helps you to pick out your very best, instead of placing everything you have.
I’ve just taken a peek at your resume, I’m impressed! Never really thought you would have studied Maths at a higher education. But it’s amazing what you have done experience-wise in 20+ years.
But back on topic, I really like it. I’m going to hang on to this site for the future for when I eventually graduate and need a portfolio for myself. I very much appreciate you sharing this, thanks!
LikeLike
What? You found out I was a math major?? I know: it doesn’t add up– and that’s exactly what my professor would say when he was grading my test papers… : )
Thanks, Sabine, always delighted to have you stop by. I’m rooting for your future success as an artist, and having seen your work, I know you will attain it. Good luck with your studies this semester!
LikeLike
Nice find and thanks for sharing. I love the clean design of it and the idea of using it to show new work. here’s my page sturges
LikeLike
Glad you found the post helpful, Simon, and thanks very much for stopping by. I took a look at your new Krop portfolio– lovely work, and the format really shows it off to advantage. Wishing you continued success!
LikeLike
Interesting. I realize you gave a print screen of your mini portfolio. So please provide link to your real one there. Or do I have to register to see others?
By the way, do you have cyclist cartoon for …. maybe we can pm each other. I have an idea if you simply want to soft sell your cartooning to an international audience.
LikeLike
Always good to see you, Jean, thanks so much for stopping by.
There was a link to my Krop portfolio in the post, but let me just give it to you here: http://www.krop.com/markarmstrong/
One unusual feature about Krop: one can’t just go in and browse the portfolios. I think it’s to encourage employers to sign up and post jobs– they get to see the portfolios of anyone who applies. Anyone with a Krop portfolio can send anyone else a link to same, however.
Would be glad to do a cycling cartoon for you, and/or discuss other options– will send you an email privately. Thanks again for your support!
LikeLike
Hmmmmm………..that’s super!
Thank you for sharing it!
LikeLike
It’s my very great pleasure to render some small service to a great artist like yourself… : ) Glad you found it helpful!
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike