Portfolio & "Confidentiality" issues?

Hi Vonetta,

Simple - ask their permission, and see what's possible, allowed and/or recommended.

@Vonetta, I'm in a similar situation. Virtually every project I have worked on over the years was covered by a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Since I can't hope to ever get permission to show actual ('moving') project samples in the portfolio section of my website, I always ask permission to show a couple of static screen shots (and I make sure that any proprietary info, like company-internal hostnames or IP addresses are edited out). Often that is acceptable to my clients.

I try to make up for my sparse public portfolio by having a blog with some more advanced Storyline examples that show proficiency.

+ What Michael said

Bruce: I actually did broach the subject earlier; they kind of hemmed & hawed like they weren't really sure how to answer. They're kind of new to working with an e-learning designer, so this is probably the first time they've encountered this type of scenario. I'll bring it up again and offer some suggestions.

Speaking of suggestions, Michael--I do like the idea of featuring some static shots and/or specific skill highlights while editing out any proprietary info; I think I'll suggest something similar. After all, a potential client probably isn't going to want to go through the entire module, especially if it's lengthy.

I am looking at creating a new contract for my clients. Examples and testimonials will be included in my contract. During my research I found that most web developers include a clause for samples and portfolio in their contracts.

This way you can include wording that specifically allows you to retain rights to use samples of the project as well as preliminary designs in your portfolio.

No this may simply mean that the initial quote includes a discount to allow this and working under NDA may be an additional cost as this discount will not apply.

Another option may be to take elements from courses you develop and create an 'unbranded' mockup to include in your portfolio; I know it's extra work, but sometimes you can't get around that (in situations with controlled goods or NDAs).

You could always modify the content and design slightly so as to demonstrate your skills but not disclose any of your clients material.

Good Luck!

Hey Vonetta!

Another great way to build content and items for your portfolio that doesn't involve using client content is to take part in the Weekly E-Learning Challenge hosted by David Anderson. This way you get to have fun and create your own content, but you're also sharpening your skills, getting practice and creating content you can feel free to use on your website/portfolio.

On David's blog you'll see that every Friday he posts a new weekly challenge topic. It's been going on for about a year now and has become REALLY popular and I know that a lot of the participants use their submissions as examples for their portfolio. This week's challenge is all about storyboards which should be interesting. He also does a recap every Thursday of the challenge submissions so you can see all the awesome samples in one easy place.

Hope you can take part Vonetta! We'd love to see you in the challenges And Good Luck with your portfolio!

Hi Vonetta!

As @Ashley is suggesting, I rebrand, reindustry, and sanitize pieces to use in my portfolio. Yes, it's takes time and effort, but so does any investment you make in your career.

As @Nicole is suggesting, I use the weekly Articulate challenges to create pieces for fun, to add to my skill set, and to connect with others - but I also end up using a good number of them in my portfolio. To give you a visual, here's my page of challenge entries: http://www.jackievannice.com/?page_id=175061258

I'm sure you'll find an approach to getting pieces for your portfolio that you're happy with. Best of luck to you!

Vonetta: I usually modify the content so the client could never be identified. Having said that, I suggest you build your own projects (or join in the David Anderson challenges). There's a good chance that's where your best stuff will emerge. Best of luck and hope to see you around. --Daniel

Hello everyone !

I need some help ; )  

I know it's really short notice,  but I need to show some of my work, TOMORROW, and as this post mentioned, I am faced with confidentiality issues... I don't have time to rework and rebrand some of the work that I have done. I wasn't looking for another career opportunity, hence the last minute panic.

Any suggestions? I have an online portfolio that I have just created and the only thing missing, is of course, my projets...   

Please help!

Thanks!

C.