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General Discussion

Posted by rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points

Using github and codepen as a body of work for employers

I am searching for design related jobs and I have no portfolio. I have applied for jobs in the past but I have not had any luck due to my lack of a portfolio. I live in a small town with no technology jobs or opportunities. I tried asking local businesses if they needed websites but they all said no.

I am relying completely on self-directed projects at this point. Would it be acceptable to link to codepen or github once I have a few polished pieces on these sites. I am in a rough place, the nearest city with design jobs is over 500 miles away and moving there before landing a job is not a possibility.

4 Answers

Stef Blokdijk
Stef Blokdijk
1,559 Points
Stef Blokdijk
Stef Blokdijk
1,559 Points

I think you shouldn't link to github because businesses don't understand coding. You should maybe make a few themes for websites and launch them on themeforest or something. Then you can make a website for your own. There you put some information about yourself and especially your work including github projects and themes you have created. Oh and you can link your themeforest account because you have a lot of points.

You can also try freelance websites. There you can find freelance jobs all over the world and do the work just at home behind your computer. Read this article: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/50-freelance-job-sites-for-designers-programmers-best-of/

Hopefully I helped you, All the best!

rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points

Do you know any websites with tips for creating templates?

Stef Blokdijk
Stef Blokdijk
1,559 Points

I don't know any maybe you can search for articles. What I did; I watched dozens of different templates and get inspirated by the way they make templates. One tip: Never use the standard typography font on you website. I saw that treehouse came up with a special course for that

rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points
rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points

I have to work remotely though, the nearest city is 500 miles away and I don't have the money or means to travel for work. I will give themeforest a shot though. Thanks for the advice!

Douglas Miles
Douglas Miles
2,193 Points
Douglas Miles
Douglas Miles
2,193 Points

are you on linkedin rachel? if not that is a good place to be found by talent scouts. Usually you can negotiate a deal where you can work from home.. also you should build your social network with other designers, developers, photographers, entrepreneurs. If you have a chamber of commerce get involved with them. If you don't consider maybe building a website centered on your local community. Use that site on your portfolio.

Don't ask if they need a website, they don't know if they need one or not.. Tell them that they need a website and the benefits of having one. Also make sure you are telling this to the right person. And remember the golden rule, it's not what you know it is who you know. Hope this helps.

Livia Dobai
Livia Dobai
21,894 Points
Livia Dobai
Livia Dobai
21,894 Points

Hi Rachel! I know it's an old thread but maybe can be useful for you or someone. I can recomend https://www.powertofly.com Dont forget to fill out your profile best you can. They scouts contacted me within one hour after signing up. You can start from there. Good luck.