Not sure where to start...

I'm planning my portfolio site but have no clue where I need to start. I've got a couple of vague ideas floating around but as this is my first real attempt at a 'professional' portfolio site for myself I'm really not sure what I should be doing.

Where's a good place to start in the design strategies? All thoughts and discussions is hugely appreciated as I'm really wanting to kickstart some thoughts and ideas but like no doubt so many others, I don't know whereabouts to take the plunge!

Draw it on paper.
Design in Photoshop/similar program
Code it

Do you have knowledge in HTML & CSS?

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At the moment I have what I would term as intermediate HTML/CSS knowledge but as I'm currently freelancing with a web design group I expect that knowledge to expand

I know I'm going to code it in CSS/HTML. I might throw in a few Flash pieces but it's unlikely as Flash scares the pants off me

Right now I have my 'on-desk' sketchbook which has various little thumbnails in but what I am looking for advice on is the right 'feel' to portray. As it's what I would term a working portfolio, I want it to have a clean-cut and professional feel but at the same time want to employ my own creative flair to make it something unique and not a 'hobby' site.

I'm also looking for content advice RE how much work to include and whether it's practical to either have just an image or whether it's good for potential clients to see a little blurb with the pretty picture (IE: this was for so and so and they wanted blah di blah)

I like an E-Portfolio in similar style to Karinne's: http://karinnelegault.com/

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Ooo that's *nice*

*takes notes*

Here's a few sites for inspiration:

The FWA: Favourite Website Awards - Web awards at the cutting edge Favourite website awards. Web Awards recognising the very best in cutting edge website design.
Design Inspiration Gallery - FAVEUP
Design is KinkyBehance Network :: Creative Portfolios, Projects, and Collaborations Creative Portfolios, Projects, and Collaborations. A new platform for the creative professional community. COLOURlovers :: Color Trends + Palettes Find design inspiration with thousands of palettes and color schemes to fall in love with. Influence color trends by rating, commenting and sharing.
stock.xchng - the leading free stock photography site stock photography community - browse our huge gallery for high quality stock photos or share yours with others.
PSDTuts - Photoshop Tutorials and Links - Spoonfed Photoshop Tutorials Creating A Cool Vintage Collage Design In Photoshop, Spoonfed Photoshop Tutorials
Styleboost - showcasing outstanding websites since 2001 Styleboost has been exemplifying outstanding visual design since January 2001. The goal is to collect the very best design links on the web.
CSS Beauty | CSS Design, News, Jobs, Community, Web Standards CSS Beauty focuses on providing its audience with a database of well designed CSS based sites, as well as news and happenings on the CSS Design Community. It showcases designers work and serves as inspiration for those looking to build CSS based websites.
CSS Mania CSSmania, the most updated css showcase all over the globe
CSS Web Design Inspiration and CSS Gallery - Unmatchedstyle.com CSS Web Design Inspiration and CSS Gallery CSS Remix
Inspirational CSS, Web 2.0 and Blog Design | Design Shack Design Shack provides you with hundreds of inspiring CSS based examples, as well as tutorials, news and the latest from the CSS design community.
Best Web Gallery - CSS & Flash Design Inspiration Best Web Gallery is a showcase gallery that features all the best design Flash and CSS websites on the web.

Thank you Delusion

*dives in to take a look*

I tell you want, that Jack Franklin has an awesome site

LOl!

www.ryanfait.com is another e-portfolio I'm practically in love with.

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*LAUGHS*

Now I know great minds think alike, I've only just seen your site and yet the 'notebook' concept was one I was toying with myself!

I think you could differentiate yourself using content as well as the images. Most web designers don't seem to take much time with their portfolio but this is usually where potential clients first look.

If you had some nicely displayed images and a short blurb, but backed that up with a more information link you could stand out. Under the more information link you do a kind of case study of the process you went through. I.e. the client came and asked me to give the website this kind of feel so we did this, etc.

Most clients won't know much about web design, but doing this makes them feel like you will walk them through the process and interpret their needs correctly. Which, of course, you will!

Hope that helped,
Craig