Critique my Wixx Website - Using Portfolio Checklist

[Michael Angelo Go]

https://michaelangelodgo.wixsite.com/madgcartoons
Hello, I've been out of work since the end of February (an architectural intern position) and I am looking to start emailing publication agencies, but I have been hesitant due to the state of my portfolio. I have never had a fulltime position as an illustrator and I just recently purchased a domain for my Wixx website from more than a week ago, but I still have to wait probably around 50 more days before I can transfer it.

I've been using @NessIllustration's Portfolio Checklist to help check if my website is mostly in shape, and I think it's a solid A minus. (You are all welcome to disagree, I am asking for feedback).

Important Questions:

• Do you think I have enough content for my portfolio to present to an agency?
• Are there pieces, pages, you think need to be rearranged or removed before I continue?
• Is it fine to start emailing even though my domain has not been set up?
• Should I email them with a custom domain rather than Gmail or Yahoo?
• I have a couple of older pieces in there (Timmy the Triceratops), but those are one of the fewest examples I have of work that follow a professional format, despite having dated quality. That is when I drew in outlines when I first started out, but now have since progressed, but still think they're somewhat applicable if you can agree.

I also need more advice on how to start my newsletter, I don't completely understand the setup.
https://michaelangelodgo.wixsite.com/madgcartoons

[NessIllustration]

Wow you really followed my checklist to the letter! I'm glad your found it helpful!

Okay let's tackle your questions:

• Do you think I have enough content for my portfolio to present to an agency?
  Yes. Minimum is 12, you have lots more.

• Are there pieces, pages, you think need to be rearranged or removed before I continue?
  I'm not sure about your categories. What's the difference between children's media and children's books? Also, we can see your character design skills in your illustrations so I don't think you need a separate category just for character design. If it we me I'd keep the strongest pieces from each category and put them all in one category. I would also remove some of your less strong pieces. You have more work than 12 pieces, but some of them are working against you by dragging down the average quality of your portfolio. Your portfolio is only as good as your weakest piece, so don't keep anything in there that's not your best work!

• Is it fine to start emailing even though my domain has not been set up?
  I mean you could in theory, but you look MUCH less professional. A domain is about $10 a year, I say go for it. Since domains are so cheap and readily available, choosing not to get one really send the message that you do not believe in your own career at all - so why should someone else believe in it?

• Should I email them with a custom domain rather than Gmail or Yahoo?
  On that front I don't think that matters. Someone would have to click your contact info in the email header and to find the email address you sent from and I don't think most people care enough to do that. I send from my gmail address and it doesn't bother anyone.

• I have a couple of older pieces in there (Timmy the Triceratops), but those are one of the fewest examples I have of work that follow a professional format, despite having dated quality. That is when I drew in outlines when I first started out, but now have since progressed, but still think they're somewhat applicable if you can agree.

I understand wanting to put client work in there, but if the quality is not your best that will hurt you. I agree that the Triceratops project is not as good. And that drags down your whole portfolio. A beautiful personal piece beats a bad professional piece any day of the week.

I hope this helped! Great job putting together your site!

[Michael Angelo Go]

@NessIllustration Oh no the issue with the domain is that it won't allow me to transfer it until 60 days have past (I think it's 50 days now). I bought mine from NameCheap and Wixx is unable to connect my purchased Domain name.

I got mine for $6

[Michael Angelo Go]

@NessIllustration

[NessIllustration]

@Michael-Angelo-Go You don't have to transfer it, you should just be able to point the domain to it Look through their help resources or contact Wix and ask them how to update your DNS servers

[NessIllustration]

@Michael-Angelo-Go There you are! https://support.wix.com/en/article/connecting-a-domain-to-the-wix-name-servers

[Michael Angelo Go]

@NessIllustration Thanks Ness! My website has the domain now!

https://www.michaelangelogo.com/