[kathode]

Hi! I am currently going to college right now, but in the summer, like many of my colleages, I will be looking for some work. Last summer, I did a stint at an ISP doing some web development work. I already had some web design skills, and while I was there I learned a sort-of scripting language, called iHTML, similar to Cold Fusion. I was able to do all sorts of great stuff with this, including search pages, customer dbs, and even a full ecommerce site. Unfortunately, my company took advantage of me because of my beginner status and young age, only paying me $6 an hour and promising me bonuses upon completion of projects, none of which I ever received. So obviously I'm not working there this summer. I've been starting to apply around, and people have been asking me for a "web portfolio". I was wondering if anyone has any tips for creating a web portfolio. Also, does anyone have any tips for snagging clients? Is it better to be proactive about it, and email people, and nicely say "Hey, i noticed that your page sucks, I can do way better!". Or should you just let clients come to you?
Thanks!
~kathode

[Edge]

I designed a website over winter break and its way simple, but it goes a long way. Personally if you can do all the s*it you say you can, you are ripping yourself off. First design a website at freebie place or even your own domain name. Make it solid and show some of your design and coding skills. Next get a proper resume done, you wont get crap in the it industry until you have a solid resume (make sure you hightlight the website and work exp.). NExt post it on jobtrack and monster. Also if you can pickup ihtml and other stuff quickly, it won't hurt to learn to program some other langs. . Lastly, i personally think you should try to get a part time or internship rather than going for contracts, you need to build up some good expierience then bill peeps. As far as where you are right now, if you can make a ecommerce site, you are way ahead of most web designers. So get cracking and good luck. You should get at least 10-15 bucks an hour for a part timer or intern. At least I did when I was working. Hope this helps.

[Muzman]

I have nothing to say about the topic at all

I did just want to say; Great nick kathode!