Posting my AE work on my portfolio site

[Happy_coder]

Hello all

I'm a designer/artworker who has enjoyed learning After Effects. Will not see myself as solely a motion designer but think I can offer services as animating logos and producing simple explainer videos.

I am looking to post my AE work on my portfolio site. I am not sure how I display my animations. Would you suggest a play arrow which can play and freeze my animation?? Be really good if anyone has any links as to how I can display my work.

Many thanks in advance for your time and expertise.

Regards
Sean

[Rick Gerard]

After Effects is primarily a tool to render shots that can be edited in an NLE like Premiere Pro to make videos. You don't have many options if you want to use HTML to display your work. There are a couple of plug-ins that let you generate code-based animations. Bodymovin is probably the most popular. It's a name-your-own-price add-on. There are severe limitations on the kind of footage, effects, and other tools you can use in your animations.

Most people producing videos rely on streaming services like YouTube, Vimeo, or social media like Instagram to promote their work. A really hot demo reel that has your best work in the first 20 seconds is probably your best tool for promoting your work. That should be the headliner. Other kinds of samples, possibly by category, should be below that. The average attention span of a person browsing the web is about 5 seconds. Someone looking at resumes may give sample videos or artwork about 10 seconds of their attention. If you can't hook them with the opening shot, you have less than a 10% chance of generating an inquiry, so samples of your completed work would be the last items at the bottom of the page. If you can hold the viewer's attention for more than 20 seconds, you might have a chance for an inquiry.

This is not a new thing originating with GenX and Gen Z clients. I started in the Motion Picture business in 1970. That's 54 years ago. The advice given then was, "Hook them with your best work in the first five seconds, and they might watch 30 seconds. If they watch for 30 seconds, they might put your demo in the pile to look at again. If they set aside 10 reels, you have about a 10% chance of getting a callback. If your meeting goes well, you have about a 40% chance of getting the job."

I hope this helps. Landing a client with an in-person or at least an online meeting is a lot more productive than a portfolio alone will ever be. Direct pitches to clients and businesses, as scary as that may be, are more likely to get you work than a portfolio page, but a direct pitch is no good without a strong portfolio. After you get a few clients and you consistently deliver ahead of schedule and under budget, you will start getting referrals and be on your way to a sustainable career. 

[Happy_coder]

That's brilliant advice, really appreciate your expertise and time.

Will definately take onboard yuor guideance.

Regards

Sean

[Happy_coder]

Hello Rick

Thanks again for your advice. I was wondering if you had time to view my portfolio site? Would be amazing to get some feedback from you, given your expertise and experience. Could I drop you an email?

Thanks again, you post was much appreciated.

Sean

[Rick Gerard · Accepted solution]

Sent you a PM.