Career Tools: The Portfolio Show
Last Friday CAMP woke up bright and early to attend Career Tools: The Portfolio Show, a panel discussion put on by AIGA and held at 52 Limited Creative + Tech Staffing. The discussion centered around what makes a distinguishable portfolio and key points to consider when applying for a new job. The panel of experts on this topic included Mart Blalock - Sr. creative recruiter at 52 Limited, Kate Bingaman-Burt artist and associate professor of Graphic Design at PSU, JD Hooge (seen above) - designer and Partner and Chief Creative Officer here at Instrument, and Pam Lauwerens - Nike+ Design Operations Director. Here’s a little sneak peak into what we learned:
If you have projects from 5-10 years ago that’s fine so long as they aren’t dated. If you would execute the project the same way today then include it, if not, take it out!
Although this should be self evident, RESEARCH WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. Don’t just apply for a position without finding out what the companies all about - does your taste preferences match those of the company?
Make sure you get your personality across! First impressions and the energy you give off are VERY important.
Didn’t get your dream job the first time you applied for it? Don’t be afraid of asking for feedback to better yourself and apply for the position again at a later date!
Show enthusiasm, if you don’t like the direction a client or group project had to take consider taking it out of your portfolio or showing an example how you would go about the project if you had no restrictions. Whatever you do - don’t diss the client - no one likes negativity.
Focus on your portfolio! Your job history and educational background comes 2nd to the projects you present.
And most importantly: FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS -- Add in some personal projects to show off your interests!
Story: Grace
Image: Tyler
