Aaron Zimmermann - Level Designer

[aaron_da_killa]

Here is my portfolio: Aaron's Stuff

I started it in early 2008 and since then it's seen a few iterations - improving the aesthetic look, layout, multiple browser compatibility etc.

May seem too complicated but I have designed this as a long term thing - too display alot of content neatly and in an organized fashion. There isn't alot of content there at the moment but as I make more maps, models, textures etc I'll add all that stuff, maybe when I go for a job or something I'll make something alot more direct with just a few pieces of work.

Future Plans For The Site

- Continue to add content (maps/models/flash games/textures/code/tutorials/publications/links etc etc)

- Create my own php guestbook.

- Create the various icons used around the site myself as opposed to using random ones from the internet.

- Continue to integrate youtube videos of my work, at the moment there is just one. I also plan to make video documentaries of my work in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td15U7wNKzA.

- Move to a paid hosting plan with extra bandwidth and storage space and better url.

- Integrate some sort of development blog sort of thing.

- Perhaps a search feature would be nice.

- Fix broken download links (thanks FileFront )

[dux]

Well for starts it certainly looks like a freewebs website. If you're looking to improve your portoflio get a proper host and domain right away and then press delete on your design as it does everything wrong in my book.

- It's too busy

- Too much clicking

- Too much clutter

It took what felt like an age to get to any images of your level design work and that's just a big turn off. Because of that I couldn't be bothered to go clicking through the other links to get to your other work - which is a shame because you've got some nice stuff there from what I did see that's being let down from a bad website.

So what I'd suggest is simplify it, clean it up and present all of your work in front of the user with as little clicking as possible!

Sorry to be blunt to you, but I figure it's better than tip toeing around on eggshells.

Look at Peri's, Philk, pomperi, instas or any of the grin guys folios for an idea of what I'm talking about. They do it well as they all use the same idea.

[Skjalg]

Look at Peri's, Philk, pomperi, instas or any of the grin guys folios for an idea of what I'm talking about. They do it well as they all use the same idea.

Not to derail the thread, but I'm also getting a little fed up with the same standard portfolio site that all the grin'ers have started using.

[aaron_da_killa]

Thanks for the comments dux, appreciate it.

After my school exams (finishing this week) I'll look consider my website and think about what you've said. When I think about it, I think you're onto something.

I'll be sure to check out those portfolios you mentioned to.

P.S: I actually did the website myself, code and aesthetics, I didn't use a template or anything.

[Sentura]

Look at Peri's, Philk, pomperi, instas or any of the grin guys folios for an idea of what I'm talking about. They do it well as they all use the same idea.

Not to derail the thread, but I'm also getting a little fed up with the same standard portfolio site that all the grin'ers have started using.

don't fix it if it isn't broke. portfolios should have a simple accessible design, because you're not there to look at the site itself as much as you're there to look at the work.

[Pampers]

is it that common now adays to write about your self in third person?

[aaron_da_killa]

Look at Peri's, Philk, pomperi, instas or any of the grin guys folios for an idea of what I'm talking about. They do it well as they all use the same idea.

Not to derail the thread, but I'm also getting a little fed up with the same standard portfolio site that all the grin'ers have started using.

don't fix it if it isn't broke. portfolios should have a simple accessible design, because you're not there to look at the site itself as much as you're there to look at the work.

True but I don't mind if people have extra stuff up there also. I'll usually check out people's "About Me" pages or their blog or whatever else they might have up their.

I've been thinking up some ideas for my new site design. And I was thinking I can have a horizontal menu (meaning I need to reduce the height of the banner) composed of three items: Home, Gameography (all my models and maps and code etc) and Miscellaneous (links, about me, blog, tutorials/articles etc).

Also, instead of having something like this I can have something something like your portfolio dux (and the grin'ers I suppose), title, a paragraph of info and a few screenshots, however, I like the idea of having a full page for each level design piece so I'll make the title a link to the full page for each piece. Don't know about anybody else but I like reading sort of "behind the scenes" development of stuff and perhaps writing that stuff up so hopefully some people might enjoy reading "behind the scenes" on my pieces.

Might also head in a different direction in the aesthetics department, perhaps something like this.

is it that common now adays to write about your self in third person?

Aaron thinks so.

[insta]

Your About Me section is weird, and I like that. I also like your frequent use of gorilla imagery.

[aaron_da_killa]

Your About Me section is weird, and I like that. I also like your frequent use of gorilla imagery.

Thanks

Alrighty, in the past few days I've been working on a new portfolio site. I've kept dux's comments in mind as well as looking at other people's portfolio sites (I looked at everyone who posted their's in the Portfolio board for example) and will be making the following changes:

- Dark coloured theme (just for a change).

- Simpler horizontal menu with three items, one for the home page, one for my game pieces and one for everything else.

- Easier to see my work now. Thumbnails and a paragraph of information about each piece can be seen from the Gameography page (one click from the home page).

- Instead of trying to show all of my better work, I've decided to instead show my best work only.

What do you guys think?

[aaron_da_killa]

Done a fair bit of work on it now, what do you guys think?

Clicky

[dux]

Put all your game work shots and other stuff on the main page. So witch info and game... orography.

[Furyo]

Way too much text, looks like a blog more so than a portfolio + resume. It certainly didn't hold my interest, and the contact information does not pop out. I don't think recruiters would pay much attention right now.

[JeanPaul]

If a screenshot requires you to use a flashlight, its too dark to be used.

[aaron_da_killa]

Put all your game work shots and other stuff on the main page. So witch info and game... orography.

I did something along those lines. There's only one page now as opposed to three. And there's now a favicon woo!

http://aarondakilla.freehostia.com

[insta]

Why isn't it possible to download the levels you have in your portfolio?