David MacDonald : Creative Technologies and Professionalism

 A portfolio is an extension of your resume and will allow you to showcase your talent and skills in the one place. This will allow any potential clients or employers to see what you are capable of without surfing through every individual website or app you have created or worked on as part of a team. Creating your first portfolio is a daunting task especially if you haven't worked in the industry or for a client. It is important however to add any websites you may have done as part of your coursework no matter how basic they are. These basic task websites are more appealing to employers as this will help them see that you can do the basics and do them well. As long as they meet a certain standard. Your portfolio should be updated regularly and update your websites as you upskill to show off your most recent and advanced work.  Good Content Be careful not to have every piece of work you have ever done to your portfolio. This is not an issue when starting a portfolio but as you...

  Intellectual property(IP) refers to the creations of the mind such as inventions, literacy and artistic works, designs and symbols, names and images used in commerce. The  Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988  is the law that protects a person(s) IP and this can be anything from and idea to a physical invention. You do however have to pay for a patent or to own copyright over an idea unless you can prove in the court of law that you came up with the idea or invention first.  IP rights play a big part in web development as using graphics or text for any website without permission from the owner can result in a lawsuit. When you search for an image online there is an option to choose what licence the image holds. Public domain images are free to use, sometimes however licensed images can be mixed up in a search and this is why I find it safer to use my own pictures and logos when I create a website. This does however have its setbacks as taking and editing images ...

  What is Networking? Networking in the creative industries is vital especially in the web development industry. Networking can be used to build and develop your professional reputation and also build a network of peers who can be called upon for advice or even help. Networking is especially important for freelancers and will able them to build a large network of clients or links to potential clients. Some professional bodies run events in many areas that will help to build your network of peers. Hackathons and conventions are also other great opportunities to meet like minded professionals or students in the same practice. Networking with fellow students could potentially lead to group projects and help build both your confidence up enough to tackle your own project in the future.  Effective Networking Effective networking is connecting with people or companies within the industry you desire to work in. Even  connecting with someone who works for the company you wish to ...

  What makes a Professional? A professional is someone who has both the competence and skill of their profession usually acquired through higher education and life experiences. This does not just relate to how good you can code or meet deadlines. A professional is an individual that demonstrates honour, integrity and civil behaviour towards others. A professional also carries out there work in the highest standard of their ability, being a professional that work should be of the highest standard. A superior level of knowledge over most other people in your field, this will allow a professional to help less experienced members of their field. Presenting yourself in a professional manner is also the makings of a professional. By this I mean going to a job interview or meeting dressed smart instead of showing up in a tracksuit or jogging bottoms and trainers. Beards are more common these days so being clean shaven doesn't seem to be a big deal but at least keep it trimmed and tidy. Ch...

  Freelancing is when you source your own clients and complete the project completely by yourself (unless hiring a photographer or extra help). There are a large number of freelancers on the web so standing out can become an issue. There are also a number of web developers out there who freelance on the side for some extra income. This is why building a good network is vital, if people who know who you are and know your reliable are in your network there is a higher chance they will take you on for their project than out sourcing a stranger. To be a freelancer it is vital you have a portfolio out there on the web to allow potential clients to see what you are capable of. Building a portfolio can be helped by taking on some free jobs to start with (especially when you are still in education) it could be creating a web page for a friends business or even just a personal project of an interest to help build your list of works. Here is a video from Brad at Traversy Media explaining his...