Basic Wordpress Portfolio Customization (Responsive)

Hello and thank you for your interest in this project, here is what we need: -Our portfolio currently uses a filter on one main portfolio page to sort project categories. This must be split into two levels. The first level will list the categories and allow for a thumbnail image to represent each category. We have already set up this page, but it is simply a static page that shows the project category images and links to the project page. The problem that we are having is that we cannot link directly to a category in order to show only those projects within that category. (they can be listed by category in a blog/post page by using an extension such as /portfolio-category/education/ but this is obviously not what we want) If there is an easier or alternative way to do achieve this, please advise accordingly. The theme being used is very similar to [login to view URL] -What we want to happen: When a category image is clicked on the static page, it will then filter the entire portfolio to only show the projects within that category. Currently, we have 6 categories total. Once filtered, there still should be the ability to re-filter as currently setup on the main portfolio project page. -Once an individual project is clicked, it will then take the user to that projects page as already setup in the portfolio. -Red rollover functionality built into portfolio thumbnails will stay the same, but the entire thumbnail should be able to be clicked rather than just the "view project" button as now setup. -The portfolio must remain responsive and be compliant/consistent with the rest of the website Please send me a message if you are unsure of the projects specs before bidding. Thank you!