Collect all your images together and put them in a folder.

• Make sure that the dimensions on the longest side of each is a minimum of 400 pixels.(larger images than this will be automatically resized). Make sure the image is cropped as tightly as possible with little or no border.
• They must be in rgb mode.
• Save as jpgs (gifs are not acceptable and will not upload!).
• Resolution of 72dpi.
• Aim to get your files below 100kb. There is no technical reason for this but larger files will take longer to download for the viewer.
• Title your files, preferably with your surname, initial and number (sequentially from 1 to 20). Make sure there are no spaces between letters/numbers as this will prevent upload. Also ensure you use no other characters apart from letters and numbers (excepting the fullstop before jpg) as this will either prevent upload or cause editing/captioning problems.
  
• Make sure each file ends with the extension .jpg
  eg. smithr01.jpg smithr02.jpg etc.
  
• Prepare your Portfolio Icon which identifies you in the various menus/categories. This should be 150 pixel square and saved as a good quality jpeg. (for more info see Step 3. Portfolio Icon).
  
• There is limit of 20 images per artist.
• Animators Only.Manually prepare a thumbnail which will link to your Flash or Quicktime movie. This must be a jpeg and measure 110 pixels on the longest dimension. As well as the .jpg extension you must prefix the filename with tn_
  e.g tn_smithr01.jpg
  Your animation must end with the extension .swf or .mov but no prefix.
  e.g smithr01.swf
  

02. Login
You can use Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox or Netscape browser to administer your Portfolio.
Go to the AOI Portfolios main page and click the 'login' button on the top menu. Enter the username and password supplied to you by the AOI administrator. This will take you to the Portfolio Members area. To the right of the screen you will see a personalised welcome message, below which is the Logout button.


03. Upload Image
Click the 'Upload Files' button located below Logout on the Portfolio Members screen.

On the Single Upload screen that appears click on 'Browse'. (Do not choose the 'Manual Upload option unless you are an animator or have special requirements - see below. The Manual Upload screen has 2 browse boxes, the Single Upload screen has one). You will then see your computer desktop. Find the first image you want to upload and click on 'open'. In the Upload Location box, your name should be highlighted in blue, if not, click on it to highlight. Then click 'Upload Media'.

Watch as the satellite transmits your image! Can take anything up to 30 seconds to complete depending on connection.

Upload instructions for Animators Only
After clicking the 'Upload' button, choose 'Manual Upoad' on the screen which appears. Click 'Browse' to find your prepared thumbnail image and then 'Open'. Click 'Browse to locate your 'Preview' image (i.e. your Flash or Quicktime movie). Check your name is highlighted in blue in the Upload Location box, then click 'Upload Media'.


04. Enter Image Info
After your image has uploaded the Image Caption screen appears for you to enter your image information. This information (excepting keywords) will later be viewable alongside your image.
It is not essential to fill out the whole form, leave blank any fields you choose, however you must at least include your name otherwise your images will not be found by a search. In the keywords field add as many relevant words as you like. See below for specific advice on using keywords.

When you're done click 'Yes, Add Captions' at the foot of the Image Caption screen. A screen appears showing what you've entered and giving you the option to modify. If you're happy click 'Close Window'. You're done!

(AOI reserves the right to refuse any image deemed unsuitable for whatever reason.)


05. Uploading Additional Images
To upload subsequent images, use your browsers 'Back' button to return to the Portfolio Members page, click the 'Upload Files' button and start over.


06. Log Out
At the end of your session use your browser's 'Back' button to return to the members page and click the 'Logout' button. To leave the Members area and view your Portfolio on the site proper, select Portfolios on the main menu bar at the top of the screen.
(If for some reason you cannot get back to the Logout button, click Portfolios on the main menu bar at the top of the screen. Login to the Members page again and then select Logout.)


07. Editing Info/Deleting Images
You can return at any time to amend info for any given image or delete selected images. To do this you must first be signed in. Go to your portfolio. Under each of your images you will see three symbols.

Lets you change file name (e.g. from snowman.jpg etc.)	Lets you edit image info	Lets you delete image

Simply click on the one you need to use and follow the onscreen prompts.


08. Submit Category Form
Once your Portfolio has been uploaded, please submit the Category Form here. This will enable your Portfolio to be entered in the various artists categories sections.


09. E-mail your Portfolio Icon
Your introductory (150 pixel square) icon represents you in the alphabetical Portfolio menus. The AOI has to install this. Unlike your portfolio images it is not editable. Please e-mail it to admin@aoiportfolios.com
You will not appear in the menus until we have received your icon.


Direct Link
Once your Portfolio has been uploaded and configured you will be able to access it directly by using the following link:
http://www.aoiportfolios.com/artist/yourname


Domain names
If you have chosen the option to include a domain name to link straight to your portfolio we will advise you of the availabilty of your preferred name and suggest alternatives where necessary.
Please note that domain names will not be purchased until we have received your payment. Domains can take up to 7 days to purchase, register and link to your new portfolio.

Additional Notes

Keywords

Keywords are an aid to users in searching for images which meet a particular requirement. Accurate keywording will help your images be found. On the site we have two methods to assist users. One is a general search page with broad categories, www.theaoi.com/imagefile/portfoliosearch.html, and the other is a View Keywords page, www.theaoi.com/imagefile/keywords.html, which is a linked list to all the words tagged to images. It is recommended you look at these pages to get a clear idea of what is being used. The following lists contain general, but recommended, keywords. Additionally you may want to add more specific keywords, i.e. lion, shoe, hairstyle etc. Use a space to separate all keywords, do not use other separators.

Subject Keywords
abstract - animals - buildings - business - children - environment - ethnic - faces - fantasy - fashion - figures - finance - food - home - humour - historical - industry - landscape - lifestyle - machines - maps - medical - music - nature - objects - political - products - science - sci-fi - sport - technology - teenagers - transport - travel - urban - wildlife

Category Keywords
3d - abstract - animation - black & white - caricature - cartoon - character - children's book - collage - comics - conceptual - decorative - digital - humour - infographics - lettering - painterly - photo-illustration - realistic - technical

Type Keywords
advertising misc. - advertising press - book cover general - book interior general - calendar - children's book cover - children's book interior - corporate - design - greeting cards - magazine - newspaper - packaging - poster

Image Quality

By necessity the Single Upload function applies a small amount of compression to images when resizing them for correct display. For 99% of images this is unnoticeable but occasionally a user may encounter visible image degradation. If this is the case you can use the Manual Upload option which bypasses any automation. You will need to prepare two images to upload. The main image, 400 pixels on the longest dimension and related thumbnail, measuring 110 pixels on the longest dimension. Both files must be 72 dpi jpg's. As well as the .jpg extension you must prefix the filename with tn_
The files you upload should therefore be named as follows:
yourname01.jpg
tn_yourname01.jpg