OK we'll see the final version then
As the the photo, you see a lot of portfolio's with the designers picture/sketch on it. I think it gives the site a bit more character.
Yes you're right ... but you didn't skatched it. You only applyed some basic filters (in Photoshop I guess). I think I uderstand you. You are a web not a graphic designer. I that case (and if you want to go real professional) I recommend you find a graphic designer (a friend of yours or something). If you can't find one to be your partner just hire somebody. I don't know where you live or whether there's graphic designers hanging around in you area but I strongly recommend you hire somebady who lives within one-hour ride from you.
As the graphics, I was trying to make a somewhat minimalistic design which was less dependent on graphics.
You have to separate two things here. Minimalistic is not the same as empty. This is minimalistic
http://www.rikcat.com/. You can't just make a portfolio site without any graphics and say it's minimalistic. People need to see what you can do before hiring you. That's what portfolio is all about. You have to show them what's the best thing you can do because YOU make your own portfolio. That means there's no limitations, no deadline, no budget leaving you to do your best. If this is your best then I wish you good luck cos you'll gonna need it.
If you're not comfortable with this much critic, please say so and I'll stop posting. I don't mean to offend you or your skills but I also can't say that everything looks good when it doesn't.