design input please

[pointypuss]

looking for feedback on my portfolio site.

compliments are nice, but criticism is constructive.

Thanks in advance.

http://www.virmalo.net

[jdavia]

The pages are very well put together, and frames are well suited for the purpose. Sorry that I can't find more praise. That is my compliment.
For critiques.
1 While using a jump menu for the main menu, it works very well, but it seems like something is missing as far as the eye is concerned.
2 The text color (grey) at the top of the menu can hardly be seen.
3 I think the main page is too blan and should have something in it. Even if it is only a discription of what the site is all about, rather than being blank. It is space, use it.
4 The images take too long to load. Maybe a preload in the menu frame for these images might help, since it loads fast.
Remember, we all see things in a different light. Even though it all fits well, it doesn't excite me.

[pointypuss]

Jdavia thank you very much for your input.

One by one...

Jdavia: 1 While using a jump menu for the main menu, it works very well, but it seems like something is missing as far as the eye is concerned.
Me: Yes, I understand your concern.

Jdavia: 2 The text color (grey) at the top of the menu can hardly be seen.
Me: That text is low low low priority, but you are right. I am deciding on removing or revising it.

Jdavia: 3 I think the main page is too blan and should have something in it. Even if it is only a discription of what the site is all about, rather than being blank. It is space, use it.
Me: I like space. And calm. And silence. As for a description, yes, if I were to include something that would be what it is (I had one at one point). I removed the description because this site is the second or third thing a prospective employer sees (after coverletter and/or resume). If they have found their way to the site they know why they are there (description=redundant) and theyare really only interested in seeing my work. Hence the silence. I am only interested in getting them on to the work, not reading words words words (like this absurdly long paragraph!)

Me: 4 The images take too long to load. Maybe a preload in the menu frame for these images might help, since it loads fast.
Me: Yes you are right. Perhaps a preload is the way to go. They are all high quality jpgs at this point (80-100 quality) and could afford to drop down. There is a temptation to include the big images, as those looking at my work are at design studios and big comanies with fat connections, but you comment is on the mark.

Thanks again.
Only one piece of input! Oh well. I tried.

[bellybytes]

I'm new, so only just saw your thread. I'm really sorry and don't mean to be critical, but I have to agree jdavia about the space. While I understand what you're saying about "calm", I don't think, to most web users, that is really applicable. Rather, it appears "unfinished" or something. On the web, people are more used to seeing "stuff" all over a site - that's what can make a site "exciting". Things to keep visitors onsite, etc.

I'm rambling - but I do have a compliment - you're work is wonderful! :) Good luck.

[jdavia]

Originally posted by pointypuss
Jdavia thank you very much for your input.

Jdavia: 3 I think the main page is too blan and should have something in it. Even if it is only a discription of what the site is all about, rather than being blank. It is space, use it.

As you can see, even though you only had two responses. it scored 100% about the blank space.
Maybe others will see the post and reply too.

I mentioned discription, but it could have been anything else. Like one of you favorite images, so they cannot resist the temptation to see the others. Rather than look at a blan page thinking, is the the best I am going to see.
Are the wheels turning?