Announcing the launch of IndoFolio
In this post I would like to give you a brief overview on IndoFolio and its design.
Why IndoFolio?
I wanted to use a domain name that makes it clear that I am from India and Indo is the most popular prefix used to indicate India. My second requirement was to include “folio” which makes it obvious that this is my portfolio.
Concept behind the design
My name “Gopal” is another manifestation of Krishna who was one of the incarnations/avatars of Lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology. This inspired me to include other avatars of Lord Vishnu as well. Nothing religious! This was just an attempt to come up with a unique design concept.
Just to let you know, I am a great fan of Russian Art! and was very concerned about achieving an Indo-Russian effect. Though it took me some time playing with Fireworks and Photoshop, I’m happy with the final output.
Softwares Used
The initial draft of IndoFolio was created using Fireworks and was purely vector. Then I took it to photoshop, to burn and dodge a few areas which helped me achieve the “painting” effect. I believe Photoshop gives more control when it comes to burning and dodging.
In the following images, you can compare the Fireworks and Photoshop version of the avatars. I’ve given a one line description about each avatar, for those who are curious
Matsya – The Fish Incarnation is the first one among all.
Kurma- Lord Vishu assumed the form of a tortoise for this avatar.
Krishna (aka Gopal) is considered to be the 8th avatar.
Varaha- The Boar, is one of the interesting incarnations which appeared in order to defeat a demon.
and finallyVamana, the dwarf brahmin.
These are just 5 of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Image Optimization
Optimizing the images was a challenge as I had to maintain the image quality. Transparency being a major thing to consider, I had to convert most of the images to 24bit PNGs. I used some online image optimizers like PNGCrush to reduce the file size.
HTML/CSS Development
This was really challenging as my goal was to create a single page website using these avatars. I planned to use JQuery to make the site more lively, different and user friendly. Using JQuery intensely for a single page website is no sin 
After doing some research, I decided go ahead with horizontal parallax. For more details about Parallax check out my previous blog post (I created this post while working on IndoFolio).
So that’s it! I would be glad to hear your comments (good or bad) on IndoFolio.
1-the main div which contains your portfolio and information is not properly visible, means the upper area (wehre you place the expand button) is not showing. some empty are is on bottom.
2- next and previous buttons are not working.
3- sliding is not smooth.
else i am sending you a screen-shot of home page.
(sorry to misspell your name in previous post)
One of the best portfolios that I have seen.
Happy New Year!
Very attractive design, keep it up..
very good .. i like it very much
I dont know why indians are still using IE6. BTW, there is some problem in your website while i check it on IE6!
Can you please elaborate the problem in IE6?
I’m your newest fan! Love all your sites; very original, unique and mind-blowingly creative
I have included it in my post – Weekly Web Design Inspiration #02 – http://netastica.blogspot.com/2010/01/weekly-web-design-inspiration-02.html
May the new year brings lots of fortune to you and indofilio.
free web design software
Though I’m a Muslim but I really loved the way you have setup your new Portfolio.
Cool Sliding and really awesome illustrations.
Good stuff and I guess you are now a full-time freelancer eh?
As I mentioned above, there is nothing religious in it. I just wanted to come up something unique
And yes, I am a full time freelancer now!
Great website mate, I’m very impressed, looks slick and kinda grungey at the same time – difficult to achieve but you’ve done it with style!!
Congratulations. LOVING this “comment preview” box as well!
Thanks for shearing you creativity
I think you have kept your dreams here in IndoFolio. Good job buddy.
And its always tough to take a brave step – yeh to be your own boss.
Good luck for all what you do, and many this New Year will bring you a huge success.
I am a big fan of you and your creativity now
Hope to work with you sometime in the future.
But, You have to check the site in IE (Internet Explorer).
I wonder about your hardwork..
Please highlight the home menu on load to make the menu more visible
HATS OFF
But, i feel the navigation area(at the bottom) is lost and is given less significance and make sure you highlight your portfolio work, they seem a bit small.
All in all, MARVELOUS JOB
The horizontal sliding is sure to become a trend in the coming months.
Just noticed that the title tag is empty. Did u miss it or was it on purpose?
I would only suggest you to make your featured projects on portfolio page a little bigger. They need to stand out because they are the key to your new clients.
And everything else is lovely!
I wish you huge luck and all the best!
Im proud that you’re a Keralite..!
NAMASKAARAM..
Im also from Trivandrum.
GREAT JOB.. again..!!
Bow Down to You Brother!
love the slide feature and the avatar!
if i may add, adding a favicon would be more cool!
Good luck then.