So here’s a favorite, interesting topic trending veteran and noob designers alike : Portfolio Redesigning.
First off, let’s ask our selves..What constitutes a redesign?
I believe it can be called a redesign if it is a re-thinking exercise of how your site is structured to serve other people better. Sites are indeed reflection of people / brands – We should treat our own personal domains with the same ownership that we cater to our clients.
A redesign isn’t merely moving things around, shifting certain elements here and there…A redesign may take a few months, or a few weeks; depending on your urge to shift the way other people perceive you and your portfolio.
Why is redesigning your portfolio so difficult?
To say that it is difficult may be an understatement. To most designers, this feels like a herculean task. The core root of this challenge may lie in the inherent discontent surfaced by designers.
Discontent wha? Let me explain..
Designers are driven by all things shiny and new. Most of the time, we triumph ourselves with features from CSS mania, parading the next big technology, looking at the most suave way to get gradients looking as sleek and beautiful as possible. We get caught up with this sea of discontent even before we can muster enough courage to arrest our minds.
Which brings me to a direct result of this discontent : Indecisiveness.
Yes, granted.. we are all changing, breathing human beings entitled to our own bouts of fancy.. But when designing your portfolio takes longer than it actually should ( Which is experienced by a LOT of folks) – then you encounter a problem. This problem is that – though you are a good designer, your online space is not reflective of these qualities; and perhaps, there might be missed opportunities (not just work opportunities — but consider networking opportunities or pro bono work – or plain and simple publicity). Missed opportunities that can mean a wealth of experiences.
I say, it is better to have a “working” portfolio; fine tune the details as you go along, then “launch” it when everything is ready. This way, accommodation is there, and there is a nice fancy hotel for your visitors. Consider getting a Behance account first, perhaps – before your official launch. Its a beautiful site with loads of opportunity for networking.
What I did for my personal redesign is a simple GTD technique to lift projects off the ground : And believe me, it is a simple technique that works wonders.
First off, you have to start with the belief that any complex system can be broken down to smaller tasks. Tasks that you can devote some time on the weekends doing, or late at night after work. These “tasks” are divided into work categories; from Design, Development, and Back end stuff (such as WP customization).
The tasks are then divided into the people who are responsible for them. In this case, since I’ve been very busy, I’ve asked the help of a few friends to help me with the codes.
So now you have the basic tenets of project management : tasks and roles. Of course, I had to cram several roles under my shoes, as I am the orchestrator of the project. Of course, we have to take into account small details of art direction , strategy, maintenance, etc. But let me tell you this: Once you have clarified your roles, and broken them down to smaller pieces : You will come to realize that it ain’t so darn bad afterall. Put the tasks on a list, tick off those that you’ve done, evaluate your process. Repeat.
According to Parkinsons’ Law, work expands as to fill up the time of completion — Which is basically, very true in such cases. During my process of having my solitary “creative time” , I jot away notes and ideas that never initially occurred to me. It is a zesty feeling when you’re entrenched in work; devoted with mind wavering focus on what you want your outcomes to be.
Again, don’t misconstrue me: My portfolio will always be far from perfect, in the same manner that a lot of artists artworks are never perfect in everyones view. Everyone will have a different version of their “perfect” website; but as of now, it is who I am and I’m quite happy with that. I haven’t worked this hard for a portfolio in a long time, and I’m quite proud of it.

It’s very Asian – inspired; a tribute to my mixed cultural heritage. ( PS, I must note that all Filipinos have mixed cultural heritage):
Uses illustration: Another one of my less popular love affairs.It is high-time to embrace illustration again. (Even subtle hints of it reveals itself in the background)

More optimized, focused on details.
* Not all people will agree that work should be featured in this manner. However, after a survey of a lot of sites that I personally love; I realized that showcasing the full screen of a website is inimical to the site’s success at a “portfolio”. I realized that I appreciate seeing the fine details, the craftmanship that goes into all the pixels.
* Also, it saves the trouble of being hounded by work-stealers online. Let’s face it; this is a reality, and we, as designers, should take the trouble to protect our work.