Phillip Shepherd / Level designer

[sli-woody]

Name: Phillip Shepherd

Location: UK

Occupation: Level designer/ Concept Artist

http://www.ps-leveldesign.co.uk/

.

[Psy]

Do not use Flash. Nobody will be able to save your images for reference and you cannot print a flash file unlike HTML with an appropriate print stylesheet.

[sli-woody]

When u click an image, below is a link to where the image is hosted- and can be saved from there. Should this be required.

[deceiver]

Yeah, I'd agree with the flash sentiment and also it's kinda long to load everything what with the fancy animation and all. The link image to download isn't very clear though. Doesn't look like a download icon to me.

[Nurb]

Do not use Flash. You lost 50% of my interest when I had to wait for the first "loading circle" upon entering the site, and you lost the other 50% when I had to wait for the menutext to fully appear. You only have few seconds to catch the average viewer's interest. During this time the viewer will determine if your work is worth giving a closer look or not. It takes 5-6 seconds just to see what type of content is available on your site and then it takes a consious choise between 3 categories, all of which contains levels, and 2 clicks to see any of the content in full size.

My suggestion is that you take a look here: viewtopic.php?f=65&t=15050 the powerpoint from GDC would be a good read.

And as for more specific feedback;

- Ditch the flash

- Ditch the categories. Have all the content available from the front page instead of forcing the viewer to choose between 3 categries, all of which contain from the viewers perspective exactly the same type of content.

[-HP-]

I don't see anything in there that couldn't be achieved with HTML better and faster.

And you forgot to put your name and portfolio URL on all your pics, you should do this.

Apart from that, i absolutely love the content, really nice levels! You should also put a top view screenshot of each level (blue print sort thing) and / or flythrough of the levels. Cos these help to explain what kind of design is going on, since you're aiming towards a level design job in the industry, you should make it so the easier it is for employees / recruiters to see your work the better.

[Furyo]

Hey Woody, nice to see you here

I'm gonna have to echo the same feedback that was already given to you. Flash fucks up my browsing habits, as in the navigation of your site, because hitting the back button gives me jack so I actually get lost without a way out in your categories.

Also, as a professional portfolio, ditch the awards. If it's a community site handing out these awards, that really doesn't count for anything in itself, and your levels are great so they can stand on their own anyway.

I agree with ditching the categories, you're really dividing your work therefore its visibility too. I think it's one of the most common mistakes as a young professional looking for a way in, to try and blow the site into something way bigger than it actually should be. I made the same mistake back in the day, and it's really not helping. Your content should all fit on one page.

[sli-woody]

Thx for the feedback everyone, Just what i was looking for.

Over the next few days i will rework the site and hopefully get all your suggestions implemented.

As im currently unemployed its important that i get it right, before i ship it out so to speak.

Thx again

Phil

[neotic]

Yeah I can't really even tell why there is flash to begin with... it looks like HTML. I redid my own site like three times... the first time after I had put in like 3 months in to learning Flash.. and then I wised up. Even the most intuitive Flash still requires learning.. where a HTML page is something everyone has used.

[sli-woody]

website updated-

[hessi]

you should add information about what you did on those screenshots. for example on this one: http://www.magix-website.com/mppo02/10/ ... 0659FB.jpg

i know that warby made the tram for dod_kolsch. even though the content is free for use, you should still give credit.

[sli-woody]

good point hessi- will add credits asap.

[Zeta]

I'm having trouble viewing the website in IE. All I see on the main page are the names of the levels and a black background.

[Furyo]

The watermark on your screenies could provide more than just the website address. The name itself would be a nice helpful reminder (imagine someone printing out a pic and having your CV in the other hand, connecting the dots is yet another hurdle for you)

As for the presentation, I think you could achieve even more by selecting just one pic for each map, then upon clicking it redirect the viewers to a map specific page where you show your design more thoroughly, possibly discuss your work process.

As of right now, it gives me a sense of "wall of pics" so none stands out as they're drowning among each other.

[sli-woody]

Yeah i was thinking about adding a page linked too 1 image on the homepage so it tidies up the wall of pictures, as theres no info about each map-

My only concern with tht is making it too over complicated for potential employers to scan.

Like Nurb said above, are they going to spend the time the go to each page?- i guess the answer is, if they want to.

I tested a version with just 2 images of each map on the homepage and this wasnt enough, especially without any info.

I could like you say add more info to the watermark- which i thinks a good idea.

And theres really only 1 way to find out if the page linking works with one image and thts for me to do it.

Right give me another day or 2.

As for IE not showing the images, i dont have no problems with firefox or IE. does anyone else?