W01. Buy a Domain

ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND / WHY WE’RE DOING THIS

Redirecting a domain name or simply passing out your Dribbble or Behance page does NOT constitute a portfolio website. While those sites serve a purpose (good for networking and spreading your brand awareness – make sure your personal URL is posted on any of these sites), realize that you are sending a prospective employer or client somewhere that they can now see thousands of other talented folks and wind up forgetting all about you. It’s also a clear sign of either lack of web knowledge or pure laziness. Whichever it is doesn’t make you look good. Many job postings will say something like “If you don’t have an online portfolio website, don’t bother applying”. That’s why we’re doing this.

Although the web is not the ‘cure all’ that many people think it is, a solid web presence can help expose new individuals (and potential clients) to your work, in any corner of the world. Having a solid website is also imperative for artists since many grants, residencies and exhibitions will ask for a URL of work, rather than submitting images via email or disc/drive. Prepping images for your site can also make submitting images via email or online application forms less of a hassle.

Students will finish the semester with a portfolio website that can be updated easily with new content. The first step is buying a domain.

STEPS

\\\\ READINGS

  1. First, read the following items:

\\\\ FIND A DOMAIN NAME AND HOST

A domain name (also referred to as a URL) is the address of the website that you type into your browser, such as google.com or wordpress.org. A host is the company that stores your website for you so that it can be found online. Both are required in order to have a website be accessible online.

  1. After reviewing the three readings, think of a domain name that is best suited for your professional portfolio.
  2. Use a comparison chart (or do your own research) to find a company from whom you can purchase a domain and/or host. I use 1and1 for my site. NOTE: You do not need to buy a hosting set-up from the same company from whom you purchased your domain. However, I strongly recommend it as transferring domains can be a long and tedious process. Plus, many companies offer special deals when a domain and hosting package are purchased together.
  3. A couple things to look for when purchasing a domain and host:
    • Your host MUST be compatible with WordPress. We will be using WordPress to create your website – there is often a simple 1-click setup for WordPress available. Although most hosts offer this, not all hosts do. Some companies even have different price tiers with different options, and not every option will have WordPress functionality. If you have questions, ask the company’s customer service.
    • Most companies have special offers like 99¢ domain names or ‘Free hosting when you purchase a domain name.’ If you are considering these specials, be aware that there is often a time limit on them, such as 1–3 years before the price goes up. Make sure to read the fine print and if you have questions, ask the company’s customer service.
    • Internet companies have morals, too. You should try to choose a company that you feel good about supporting. For example GoDaddy is an awful horrible company and should be avoided. Some companies use renewable energy while others give donations to charities.
    • Your domain should be a .com, and you do not need to purchase any of the other extensions, such as .net, .biz, .mobi, etc. That is a waste of your money, and some companies will make it sound like it is important to do so. Unless you are a huge corporation, it is not.

GRADING : 10 pts (PASS / FAIL)

Email your URL to me before 5pm on the day it is due.

///////// AUTOMATIC FAILURE

  • Link not submitted by 5:00pm
  • URL has not actually been purchased, or was not purchased by you (if it is under a different name, bring the receipt)