My first portfolio site

http://www.justinpowelldesign.com/V1/
Or very close to it. I’m pretty sure I had a couple KU-hosted versions in early 2000.

Here are all versions since; version 5 is the latest but I really haven’t updated in 3 years (I’m working on it, kind of).
http://www.justinpowelldesign.com/V1/
http://www.justinpowelldesign.com/V2/
http://www.justinpowelldesign.com/V3/
http://www.justinpowelldesign.com/V4/

Looking at these early versions I see HTML tables, meaningless flash animations and pop-ups, and I ask myself what was I thinking!? But stepping back from execution, its interesting to see where things have come. Not just for myself, but for the web, design and visual trends in general. Its also interesting looking through the current trend-lens of ‘personal brands’ and ‘personal branding’. And I can’t help but notice we’re all a product of the industry, market and trends (even though we like to think we’re not a product of trends). This environmental influence seems especially true in professional fields driven by technology and innovation.

2002 (or so) I believed it was a differentiating characteristic to design for print and the world wide web. And in a way, it was break-through to work in both mediums 8-10 years ago. I labeled myself a ‘multimedia designer’, even though my ‘web design’ was pretty much all for looks. I sorted my site by print and web, print and digital, online and offline. I now say work is ‘integrated’. I’ve had a handful of motion projects. I saw ‘ideas‘ as increasingly valuable in early 2005. I wrote confident descriptions (maybe a bit cocky?) of myself. I used sharp angles and trendy typefaces (and ugly typefaces). I used pixel fonts and so-so usability practices.

What stands out as trendy, funny, or interesting for you over the years?

Even though some design elements and concepts trended with the market, some things remained consistent and true. I appreciate beautiful design and technology - or the age-old theory that form and function can work together. I’ve been (and will be) a fan of simplicity and great ideas. And finally, although its not from my portfolio portion, my 10 things I believe (so far) still ring true too.

Maybe it just takes 10 years (give or take) to figure things out for yourself professionally? Or 10 years (give or take) to establish a role where you don’t depend on the eves and flows of trends? It’s easy at this point to look back and say I’ve got things figured out (with grad school, my current role etc). And yet the year 2020 might come along and say those concepts of ‘digital strategy’ and ‘interaction design’ are so 2010!

And so I’m reminded of Bob Dylan’s lyrics,

“I was so much older then. I’m younger than that now”

Or in other words, stay consistent with who you are, but don’t think you have it all figured out. Stay young. “Stay Fresh. Read and learn. Experiment and explore. Never quit pursuing your passion and trade.”