“About Me” Pages

Published: May 16, 2016

I struggle with writing pages “About Me”. It’s such an odd feeling to introduce yourself and not only that but having to introduce yourself using positive words and affirmations. Trying to impress people is in our nature but often we don’t realize when we’re actually doing it. When we think we are is usually when the forced laughter and awkward tension sinks in.

Sometimes you feel like you’re bragging, other times you feel like you aren’t being truthful. Then you’re deciding between sounding “professional” which typically results in becoming dull (or becomes a flat-out repetition of your resume). Alternatively, if you try and combat professionalism with casualty, you might come off as apathetic.

So where is the balance? I spent most of my morning trying to figure this out. And here’s a few tips of what I’ve discovered to get started:

1) Facts aren’t always the intrigue. People browse your portfolio to see your skills and navigate to your “About” to learn your personality. Make sure to show off your character through your words and reflect the same type of interests and communication points of people you wish to be around. There’s a lot of competition in this industry and it’s not always about skill — but how you fit in with the client or company that’s hiring.

2) Include a bit of your process. How can you help people? What services do you provide?

3) Brief the audience on your history. How did you get into the industry? What is your main focus? Tell a story that represents the moment you chose what you wanted to do.

4) Don’t write one large text block. You’re a creative — most of your projects are telling stories visually. So, do that. Are you strong in creating infographics? Create one about your journey. Are you a great film editor? Use your imagination for a compelling introduction video. At the very least include some images. Whether they are of yourself, some of your process (ex. sketches, personalized notebooks, etc.), or even your in-home or in-office work station. This emulates you and gives the audience an idea of who you are and what they should expect.

5) Don’t forget to include a call-to-action. Including buttons from interesting photos or links with intriguing names that will keep people surfing your website for longer. When you’re on a topic that you’ve previously covered, give reference as best you can to take the user to more information. This makes everything easy for the user and it’s typically how we find ourselves in the blackhole that goes from watching fail videos to 45 minute conspiracy theory videos.

PS. Mine is coming soon, I promise!
*Update: I’ve made mine, let’s hope it meets your standards as well as my own!