Portfolio Website Art
Every illustration, graphic, and design element throughout this portfolio was created specifically for this website. What began as a place to showcase my work gradually became a design project of its own, evolving through hundreds of hours of sketching, illustration, prototyping, and refinement. The result is both a portfolio and a reflection of how I approach design.
The Wallpaper that Built a House
The wallpaper was never meant to be anything more than a background. Inspired by William Morris' Trellis, it simply gave the portfolio a little character. But every design decision led to another. A frame needed a wall. A wall needed a room. Before long, the portfolio had transformed into an illustrated Victorian home filled with artwork, details, and stories. What began as decoration became the foundation for everything that followed..
The Art of Letting Go
I fell in love with the original fretwork almost immediately. The problem was that the website didn't.
What looked elegant as a standalone illustration became visually overwhelming once it shared space with the page header. After plenty of hesitation, and more than a little fear of undoing hours of work, I started over.
The second version captures the spirit of the original while fitting naturally into the design. Looking back, it reminds me that good design isn't about proving your first idea was right. It's about finding the solution that makes the entire experience stronger.
Magical House Decor
Every decorative element on the home page was hand drawn, but I wanted each piece to contribute to the experience. The paintings became navigation, the Tiffany lamps glow, the candles flicker, and the house slowly comes alive as visitors explore.
Bringing those interactions to life pushed me well outside my comfort zone, but it also reminded me that thoughtful details are often what people remember most..
A Growing Collection
Somewhere along the way, I accidentally committed to drawing a brand new antique frame for nearly every piece of artwork I added to the site.
Looking back, I've painted myself into a wonderfully ornate corner...
...but that's a problem for future me..
A Signature in Glass
Stained glass has always been one of my favorite art forms, so it naturally found its way into the house. From the Tiffany-inspired artwork in my portfolio to the small decorative motifs woven throughout the website, each piece quietly celebrates the craftsmanship and beauty of the era while giving the portfolio a visual signature that's unmistakably mine.
A Point to Remember
Perhaps you've been wondering about the cursor.
It's actually a Victorian hatpin. I loved the idea of replacing a modern pointer with something that felt at home in the house, but the choice wasn't only aesthetic. Hatpins became unexpected symbols of women's independence and self-defense during the Victorian era, making this tiny detail a tribute to a fascinating piece of history.
Sometimes the smallest details tell the best stories.
What I Learned
Designing this portfolio reminded me that the best experiences aren't built through a single breakthrough. They're shaped by hundreds of thoughtful decisions, constant iteration, and a willingness to refine until everything works together. It became more than a place to present my work. It became one of my favorite projects..
