Could you use additional funding to finish a project? Apply for the Albert P. Weisman Award. This matching grant provides funding, up to $4000, to a limited number of undergraduate (60 credit hours or more) and graduate students in a variety of media.
The application deadline is Friday, December 12. To help you prepare, we recommend you attend an upcoming information session. This is your opportunity to get questions answered about the application process and receive tips on how to submit a solid proposal for the Award.
Information Sessions:
Wednesday, Oct. 29 @ 12PM
Thursday, Nov. 6 @ 6PM
Tuesday, Nov. 11 @ 10AM
Thursday, Nov. 20 @ 3PM
All sessions will be held in the Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307. Applications and guidelines are available at www.colum.edu/weisman
Sponsorship: The Albert P. Weisman Award is made possible by the generosity of Tony Weisman, the Weisman committee and the many friends of Albert P. Weisman who donate both time and resources to make this award possible.
Even if you haven’t heard of Noisemaker Films you definitely know this duo's work. They are the originators of the Jones Soda branding which they developed through their graphic design firm SamataMason. They’re pretty cool and very creative.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
The Portfolio Center will take part in “Tips on Tuesdays” sponsored by Multicultural Affairs and offer a session geared to help you understand how to showcase your best work. We’ll discuss various portfolio formats and show examples. This is a great session to attend if you're wondering what a portfolio is, if you need one and how to get started. Open to all students.
Date: Tuesday, October 28
Time: 12PM-1PM
Location: 623 S. Wabash, suite 307
This is a MultiPass event
On Thursday, October 9 at 4PM we’re going to give you the real deal on cutting together a professional cinematography reel that showcases your best work. Join professionals and other students for this discussion about timing, music choices, menu set-up and how to make the cut. Open to all students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Mega agency Draft FCB is sending over content director Jake Lambert on September 22 from 12-2pm to review motion graphics reels for freelance positions with the company. Draft FCB is one of the world's largest creative agencies handling campaigns for everyone from Honda to Motorola with offices in North America, Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. Sorry…advertising print students, this review is only for work that moves. Film, TV, animation and motion design juniors, seniors, grad students and May 2008 grads are eligible to sign-up.
Call 312.369.7280 to sign-up, show up and SHOW OFF.
WHAT IS SHOW OFF? Show Off is a program that gives students a chance to meet one-on-one with professionals during 20-minute appointments. You can use the time to have our guests give you feedback on your work. It's also a good time to discuss general issues about industry expectations. This is a low pressure way for you to practice interviewing, make connections and ease into the professional realm.
Seniors, grad students, recent alumni and (starting this year) juniors can use Web Agent, Columbia’s free web publishing system, to get your best work online.
Attend a workshop, set-up your account, learn more about the system and see sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work. This workshop will be hands-on so feel free to bring work samples with you on CD or USB drive.
Read the Web Agent guidelines then call 312-369-7280 to reserve your seat.
Starting September 9:
Tuesdays - 12pm to 2pm & 2pm to 4pm (these times alternate weekly), 600 S Michigan, room 709
Wednesdays - 12pm to 2pm, 624 S Michigan, room 606 and 4pm to 6pm, 600 S Michigan, room 709
Thursdays - 12pm to 2pm, 623 S Wabash, room 423
Fridays - 12pm to 2pm, 600 S Michigan, room 709
You and a graphic designer in a room for 45 minutes making an aspect of your portfolio better. For free.* Limited spots available. Juniors, seniors, grad students and May ’08 graduates are eligible to participate.
To participate on Thursday, September 25 you MUST RSVP by September 18. Visit the Portfolio Production page to read guidelines, eligibility requirements and get reservation details.
Next Graphic Design Assistance Day dates:
Thursday, October 23 – Register by October 16
Thursday, November 20 – Register by November 13
*Printing not included. Graphic Design Assistance Day is part of Portfolio Production Week brought to you by the Portfolio Center.
Pair up with a graphic designer who will hook you up with a cover and/or disc label design for your reel, demo, aircheck or resume tape. For free*. It will look better than that sharpie you’ve been using. Juniors, seniors, grad students and May ’08 graduates are eligible to participate.
To participate on Wednesday, September 24 you MUST RSVP by September 17. Visit the Portfolio Production page to read guidelines, eligibility requirements and get reservation details.
Next CD / DVD Cover Design Day dates:
Wednesday, October 22 – Register by October 15
Wednesday, November 19 – Register by November 12
*Printing not included. CD/DVD Cover Design Day is part of Portfolio Production Week brought to you by the Portfolio Center.
Yes. We will arrange for you to have your business card designed. For free*. Need we say more? Oh yeah, only on the dates listed below and sign up early. Limited spots available. Juniors, seniors, grad students and May ’08 graduates are eligible to participate.
To participate on Tuesday, September 23 you MUST RSVP by September 16. Visit the Portfolio Production page to read guidelines, eligibility requirements and get reservation details.
Next Business Card Day dates:
Tuesday, October 21 – Register by October 14
Tuesday, November 18 – Register by November 11
*Printing not included. Business Card Day is part of Portfolio Production Week brought to you by the Portfolio Center.
It's time for Columbia's annual fall semester kick off we all know and love-- Convocation! Be sure to look for the Portfolio Center booth among the crowd of students, organizations and departments. Get there early and you might snag yourself a free tee, button or poster from the Portfolio Center.
Date: Thursday, August 28
Time: 12PM-3PM
Location: Grant Park, Balbo & Columbus Drive
Take a trip with the Portfolio Center to some of the top companies and organizations in Chicago. You’ll experience the working environment, mingle with professionals and engage in conversations about presenting work, portfolios and professionalism. Any student from any major is welcome to attend any of the field trips. Limited spots available. Call 312.369.7280 to reserve your spot.
Fall ’08 Trips:
October 6 - The Onion / CANCELLED /
October 15 - Wall To Wall Recording Studio @ Noon / FULL /
November 12 - Avenue Edit @ Noon
November 20 – Metro Chicago @ 5PM / FULL /
Brought to you by the Portfolio Center in collaboration with Columbia Click.
As the new semester gears up we are very pleased to welcome our new neighbor and BFF, Christie Anderson. Christie has just been hired at the College Advising Center and is available to assist with questions related to career development. She helps both students exploring career paths, and provides assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. Contact her directly at 312.369.6985 to schedule an appointment, or you can send quick questions via email.
Software can be expensive. When you don’t have the funds to purchase the software needed to manipulate your work, be it audio, video, and or image based, what do you do? The answer is not to obtain an illegal copy of that software needed, but to look for a free legit alternative. A great place to find these options is by using the internet. You will want to do a search for “open source software” or you check these two links to see what they have to offer. The use of open source software is a great alternative plus it can save you money and have the same results as almost any commercial software.
Q: What kind of software will I find?
A: DVD ripping, video conversion, audio conversion, graphic/photo editor, and much more.
Here are two great resources:
The Portfolio Center and Columbia College Chicago as a whole does not provide technical support to open source programs that are available. The Portfolio Center is simple providing information on free legit software. If you choose to download and use any of the open source software you are responsible for reading and adhering to the user agreements provided by the creator of the software.
Columbia College has tons of student organizations. In addition to school work, involving yourself in an organization is practically a must in developing your body of work. The listing will look good on your resume and there may be activities initiated by the group that could be used in your portfolio.
While being active in student groups is a great start; don’t limit yourself to campus connections. Remember: you ultimately want to be a professional so start smoozing with the big dogs (or mid-size dogs) now. Nearly every industry has a professional membership organization. If you’re unsure of the exact names of associations relevant to your interest; usually a general internet search with the industry followed by associations, such as “film associations,” will bring up either several direct links or a link with a compiled list.
Joining a professional organization gives you access to numerous resources that may be offered through the association, including industry insights, educational seminars, and social networking events. Plus, once you begin making contacts you’ll have more leverage to get the scoop on jobs, informational interviews and informal portfolio reviews. The best time to network is before you need the contacts.
Portfolios don't just make themselves you know. Some assembly is required. And while the Portfolio Center is available to help senior students document, design and produce some aspects of their portfolios we don't provide printing, duplication or packaging materials. But we compiled a list of companies commonly used for portfolio related supplies and services; including portfolio books, web domain registration, CD/DVD duplication and printing. Check out our materials and service vendors list and imagine all the possibilities for presenting your body of work.
Pulling your work together for the first time for inclusion in a portfolio can be daunting. But you need to buck up and get it done. Then, get your portfolio in front of others and welcome any feedback on how your work is being received. Rachal Duggan, an art & design major, had a huge body of work in illustration. Before this past spring, she'd never organized or presented that work to anyone that could actually hire her. Rachal used the Portfolio Center's Show Off program to work through her presentation jitters.
PC: What industry do you want to work in?
Ideally, I'd like to work within commercial illustration.PC: What’s in your portfolio?
My portfolio is a series of drawings I recently completed.
PC: How are you showing your work to others?
I participated in a show off (portfolio) review at the Portfolio Center, with Langley Creative, an established illustration agency. Receiving professional feedback is invaluable. The Portfolio Center has industry contacts that are willing to come in and sit down with students.
PC: Why do you think receiving feedback on your work is important?
After countless critiques in the classroom, a working professional's advice is vital. From that, you can take what they say and then use it to fine-tune your portfolio.
PC: Anything else you think is important for other students to know?
It can be incredibly intimidating to meet with a professional and peel open your book. After you try it, you gain confidence in the representation of yourself. After one meeting, you'll be ready for several more.
---Rachal worked with a designer to layout her illustrations for inclusion in a portfolio that she can use both in print form and as a PDF. If you're interested in creating your print book, the Portfolio Center will host "DIY Print Book Workshop" and "Clean Up Your Image Day" events during Portfolio Boot Camp during June 9-13.
SAVE THE DATES FOR PORTFOLIO BOOT CAMP! Shape up your body of work during this week long program especially for recent grads. You’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback on how to present your work and tighten up your portfolio presentation through production services. December 2007 & May 2008 graduates are eligible.
Full schedule with dates, times and registration information is coming soon but here are a few of the programs that will be offered:
Portfolio Web Workshop / Move your work onto the world wide web by attending a tutorial session for Portfolio Web, Columbia’s free website publishing system. You’ll have the chance to set-up an account plus we’ll show you sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work.
Photo Doc Day / Get high quality photos of your portfolio samples taken by advanced photography students. For fashion design, product design, flatwork and paintings, headshots, sculpture, packaging . . . anything 3D…if it fits in the door, we'll get it shot for you.
Covered: CD/DVD Package Design Day / Is your work covered? If not, we’ll pair you with a graphic designer to create a cover and disc label for your work. Sending out your film, reel, demo, aircheck or resume tape on CD or DVD with your name scrawled in Sharpie just won’t do...
Short Cuts: Reel & Resume Tape Editing / Bring in your footage* and meet with an editor who will cut a professional reel or resume tape for you. Open to film & video, television, and broadcast journalism recent grads ready to assemble their final reel. *Note: All footage must either be in QuickTime (.MOV), DVCAM, or MiniDV format.
DIY Print Books / Learn how to create and update your print book or press kit. We’ll discuss resources and techniques relating to layouts, image usage and font selection all geared to give you tools for do-it-yourself application.
Clean Up Your Image Day / Ready to organize your work into a PDF, print book or press kit? You’ll have the chance to work with a designer on layout assistance, font selection/type treatment, image cleanup and image manipulation.
We're opening up our doors and giving current Portfolio Web account users several chances to come in, ask questions and continue the plight to online portfolio greatness. If you need individual attention, can't quite get your formatting right, or maybe you can't decide on which design works best with your content then this is the time to resolve those issues.
Schedule:
Monday, May 12 / 12-2PM & 4-6PM
Tuesday, May 13 / 11AM-1PM & 4-6PM [4-6PM session will be held in room 419 of 623 S. Wabash]
Wednesday, May14 / 12-2PM & 3-5PM
Thursday, May 15 / 10AM-12PM & 3-5PM (last chance before Industry Night)
Friday, May 16 / No walk-in hours...you should be at Manifest anyway
Location: 623 S. Wabash room 307 unless otherwise noted above.
Open only to senior and grad students who currently have an account. If you'd like a free web account and you are a senior or grad student please give us a ring at 312-344-7280 for more information.
Back by popular demand: Portfolio Web Workshop Week. Seniors this is your chance to move your work into the world wide web. Attend one of the Portfolio Center's web site tutorial sessions during May 5-9 that will introduce you to Portfolio Web, Columbia’s free website publishing system. You’ll have the chance to set-up an account and we’ll show you sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work. This session will be hands-on so feel free to bring work samples with you.
Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged to ensure you get a seat. Sign-up by calling 312.344.7280. Open to seniors only.
Monday, May 5
4-6PM / 600 S. Michigan, Room 709
Wednesday, May 7
4-6PM / 600 S. Michigan, Room 709
Friday, May 9
Noon-2PM / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709
If you currently have an account and just need some help figuring next steps please come by the Portfolio Center with your questions during Portfolio Web Walk-In Hours.
We're opening up our doors and giving current Portfolio Web account users several chances to come in, ask questions and continue the plight to online portfolio greatness. If you need individual attention, can't quite get your formatting right, or maybe you can't decide on which design works best with your content then this is the time to resolve those issues.
Schedule:
Monday, May 5 / 1-3PM
Tuesday, May 6 / Sorry...no walk-in hours
Wednesday, May 7 / 3-5PM
Thursday, May 8 / 3-5PM
Friday, May 9 / 10AM-12PM
Location: 623 S. Wabash room 307
Open only to senior and grad students who currently have an account. If you'd like a free web account and you are a senior or grad student please give us a ring at 312-344-7280 for more information.
Here is a quick tutorial on how to resize your images for the Portfolio Web system using Photoshop.
Go to File > Open… and select the image to be resized.
Go to Image > Image Size… a pop-up window will display your image size and resolution information.
Make sure that the Pixel Dimension fields are chained together in order to keep your image proportion correct. (If the Pixel Dimension fields are NOT chained together, then place a check mark in the box next to Constrain Proportions)
Then In the Image Size window you will NEED to lower the resolution to 72.
In the drop down box located at the bottom of the Image Size window you will want to choose”bicubic sharper (best for reduction)”
In the Pixel Dimension field lower the width to 600 pixels* (make sure you have selected pixels NOT Percent in the drop down box that is to the right of the width field) then press OK. *Remember NOT to exceed 600 pixels wide nor 800 pixels high.
Go to File > Save As… and select JPEG as your file type and choose a destination for your file. Remember to give your file a different name, so you avoid writing over and losing your original file.
Choose JPEG from the drop down box. **IMPORTANT** Rename your file so you do not loose the original file.
We realize that you may not know exactly where to begin when it comes time to build your portfolio. Quick word of advice: Start with your content. Does any of your work need to be documented? If so, there are several services that the Portfolio Center offers to help seniors and grad students capture their work. Lani Schuster, an MFA student in the Book & Paper Arts program, utilized the Portfolio Center's Photo Doc Day to get high quality photographs taken of her paper art.
PC: What type of work do you produce?
Lani: I am a Book Artist, Paper Artist and Sculptor.
PC: How do you showcase or promote your work?
Lani: I participate in exhibitions and with the help of the Portfolio Center I will have a website.
PC: What type of information or samples are in your portfolio?
Lani: I include an artist statement along with slides, digital images and samples of my books, handmade paper and sculptures.
PC: How did the Portfolio Center help?
Lani: They have helped in documenting my artwork and have provided tips on how to represent myself as a Fine Artist.
PC: Why do you think displaying / packaging your work is important?
Lani: The only way to get exposure is to show your work. This leads you to making connections with those whom can offer you opportunities you didn't have before.
PC: Anything else you think students should know before putting their portfolio together?
Lani: Although it is an overwhelming task the Portfolio Center will help you step by step and encourage you along the way.
-----Lani was able to get dozens of photographs of her work by participating in Photo Doc Day. Graduating students needing professional documentation of their garments, products, fine art, and really any 3-D work or even headshots should plan to get it done at the next Photo Doc Day in mid-June during Portfolio Boot Camp.
Mark your calendar for Portfolio Boot Camp: Workshops & Production for New Grads to be held this June. We can't give you specifics on which professionals will be here or give you the exact times / dates of programs yet, BUT we can tell you that if you're graduating in May and still unsure of how to pull your work together then you should plan to attend.
During this week you’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback from professionals and tighten up your portfolio presentation through production services. More details coming soon about how you can shape up your body of work during Portfolio Boot Camp. Check back...and if you haven't already, register with the Portfolio Center and let us know you're graduating. We'll put you on our mailing list.
We're spotlighting some of the talented soon to be or recent grads of Columbia and their work...as well as services they've used through the Portfolio Center (of course). Blake Wells, Audio Arts & Acoustics major, recently set-up his text-based portfolio using Portfolio Web. He shared with us his approach to showcasing his skills online.
PC: What industry do you want to work in?
Blake: Acoustical Consulting
PC: How are you showcasing or promoting your work?
Blake: Scanning documents from previous classes and a lab notebook. Displaying my resume and other attributes that will show that I am qualified for the position I'm applying for.
PC: What type of information or samples are in your portfolio?
Blake: Written reports, a lab notebook, and a preview of a final project that is still in the works.
PC: How did the Portfolio Center help or what services did you receive through us?
Blake: I was able to create a website that potential employers could navigate to in order to learn more about the Acoustics program at Columbia and the work that I am able to produce. It also created a place for people to see my resume if they lost it.
PC: Why do you think displaying / packaging your work is important?
Blake: It's important for people to see what kind of work I am able to do after my education at Columbia. The Acoustics program is unique and many people do not know much about it. Showing my work reflects the caliber of the school and what I can offer to potential employers.
PC: Anything else you think students should know before putting their portfolio together?
Blake: Know what to show, and what not to show. Keep it simple and to the point. Don't overwhelm your audience with too much info, but put your best foot forward. Try to be as creative as possible, but still maintain a professional atmosphere. Have reasons for why you did what you did because interviewers will reference things you display in the portfolio and have questions for you about it.
-----Blake used Portfolio Web, Columbia's free web publishing system for seniors & grad students, to get his work online. If you're a senior or grad student interested in moving your work to the world wide web check out an upcoming Portfolio Web Workshop during April 28-May2.
Seniors: Get your work online, in time for graduation. Attend one of the Portfolio Center's web site tutorial sessions during April 28-May 2 that will introduce you to Portfolio Web, Columbia’s free website publishing system. You’ll have the chance to set-up an account and we’ll show you sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work. This session will be hands-on so feel free to bring work samples with you.
Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged to ensure you get a seat. Sign-up by calling 312.344.7280. Open to seniors only.
Monday, April 28
10AM-12PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 921 - Art & Design Lab
4PM-6PM / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709 – TV Lab
Tuesday, April 29
10AM-12PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 921 - Art & Design Lab
12PM-2PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 307 - Portfolio Center / Portfolio Web walk-ins. Only for students who currently have accounts and need assistance.
4PM-6PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 419 – IAM Lab
Wednesday, April 30
10-Noon / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709 – TV Lab
4PM-6PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 419 – IAM Lab
Thursday, May 1
10AM-12PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 921 - Art & Design Lab
3PM-5PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 307 - Portfolio Center / Portfolio Web walk-ins. Only for students who currently have accounts and need assistance.
Friday, May 2
12PM - 2PM / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709 – TV Lab
Last chance of the semester for juniors, seniors, grad students & December '07 grads to get hooked up with a graphic designer through the Portfolio Center will create a kick-butt CD or DVD cover especially for you. This means a snazzy cover design for your demo, air-check, reel, resume tape or film. You can’t beat the price (it's free, printing not included) and professional quality is guaranteed. Your work is worth it!
To participate Monday, May 5 or Friday, May 9 you MUST RSVP by April 28. Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
Attention editors: Here are two opportunities to hear from established, local editors about the daily grind of post production. These are open forum Q&A sessions geared to discuss current standards in the job market. Be sure to come with questions about how to structure your reel and land your dream gig. Open to all students.
TWO DATES!
Tuesday, April 15 @ 3:30PM with guest Eric Bee / Bee started his career as the college's staff editor before moving on to work in the advertising industry as a creative editor, working with clients like S.C. Johnson, Coors, Kraft and rock group Fall Out Boy.
Wednesday, April 16 @ 3:30PM with guest Joe Clear of Avenue Edit
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S Wabash room 307
WHO: You + Your Portfolio Samples + Working Professionals
WHY: Feedback + Conversation + Networking
WHAT: Resumes + Business Cards + Websites
Graduating seniors and graduating grad students are invited to attend the events listed below that will host the kinds of arts & media professionals you hope to work with in the near future.
WHERE:
>Advertising & Design Showcase / 4PM to 7PM / Conaway Center 1st Floor, 1104 S. Wabash / Advertising Artists, Copywriters, Illustrators, Photographers, Marketing, PR, Motion Graphics, Interactive Arts & Media and Filmmakers
>Art Expo / 5PM to 8PM / At galleries across campus (tba) / Fine Artists including: Painters, Photographers, Book & Paper, Interactive, Sculptors and Visual Arts Managers
>Journalism Reception / 5PM to 8PM / J Department, 2nd Floor, 33 East Congress / Writers, Broadcast Journalists, and Photojournalists
>Film & Video Reception* / 5PM to 8PM / Film Row Cinema, 8th Floor, 1104 S Wabash / Producers, Directors, Cinematographers, Editors, and Screen Writers / *By invitation only.
>All Access Night Club* / 6PM to 10PM / Location TBA / Music Business: managers, promoters, journalists, photographers / *By invitation only.
>ASL / 4PM to 7PM / Ferguson Theater/Tour Center, 1st Floor, 600 S. Michigan / ASL graduating seniors
New info will be posted soon. Talk to your department’s Manifest Liaison for details. Do the Indu Twist.
When thinking about posting video clips online it's important to know which formats are best suited for the system where your website is being hosted. Below is a list of the accepted video file formats that can be used with the Web Agent. Note: Video files must NOT exceed 30mb in file size. (Files that exceed the 30mb limit will not upload to your website)
Accepted File types: asf, asx, avi, divx, dv, dvx, m4v, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, qt, wmv, 3g2, 3gp, 3ivx and 3vx
We’re looking for student producers, directors, cinematographers, editors and all other crew positions to shoot three commercials. The Portfolio Center, Art & Design and Marketing Communication departments held a competition (Get Your Spot Shot) giving opportunity to advertising art and copywriting students to submit their best commercial ideas. Three concepts will be chosen and we’d like to enlist YOU (well, maybe you but definitely production students) to shoot the projects in June. And we'll foot the bill for production costs up to $1000. For details and application visit www.colum.edu/spotshot and check out the “Info for Filmmakers” section. This is a great opportunity for you to gain a new work sample for your portfolio and collaborate with students from other majors. So go ahead and apply...you know you want to...
Short Cuts is your chance to bring in your footage and meet with an editor who can cut a professional reel or resume tape for you; for FREE. This service is open to film & video, television, and broadcast journalism senior-level students, graduate students and recent graduates ready to assemble their final reels. By appointment only.
Contact Keesha Johnson, Production Manager, at kajohnson@colum.edu or 312-344-8624 for details.
Need a cover designed for that DVD? Check out Design Daze.Come network with Columbia talent from all majors on Tuesday, March 11 from 3PM-8PM. The Student Programming Board is gathering various student organizations, individuals and even the Portfolio Center for a day (or rather evening) geared to celebrate young professionals. That means you.
There will be free food, speed networking, and motivational speeches given by Joe Roberts [Ecenter AEMM Director] and Rahim Fazel [Entrepreneur]. Location: Hokin Annex, 1st floor 623 S Wabash.
Contact SPB at spb@colum.edu or 312-344-7188 for more information.
This event is a collaboration between the Student Programming Board (SPB), Click, E-club and Portfolio Center.
On Wednesday, March 19 at 4:30PM come get tips about assembling a reel, building a website, and designing materials such as a DVD cover, press kit or business card. During this session we’ll show you examples of good film packages and discuss ways for your work to make a reel good impression. Open to all students.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Q: What happens when two Portfolio Center staff members make a bet to see who can book the most portfolio reviews for one day?
A: A whole lotta chances for students to get feedback on their work that's what. March 11, 2008, the day we've coined as Show Off Showdown, will bring seven local arts & media professionals onto campus for a day of reviews and in some cases intern scouting.
While we offer portfolio reviews for various majors throughout the semester and call the program "Show Off," we normally don't schedule 7 on one day. Come out and show us what you got.
Here is what's scheduled for March 11:
Show Off to 97.7 / 96.9 (The Drive)
Show Off to Taylor Castle, Photographer
Show Off to James Imbrogno, Photographer
Show Off to Callie Lipken, Photographer
Show Off to Midwest Teen Sex Show
Students should call 312-344-7280 to sign-up for an appointment. Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for 20-minute one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get juniors, seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
Don't see a Show Off that interests you? No worries. Check out our program and events page to see more upcoming events. Or register with us and get notified via e-mail about reviews and sessions related to your industry.
Oh, by the way-- The score is David Lewis 4, Caroline Juhlin 3...but who's counting...
Whether you just have an idea or already own a business – no matter what stage your business is at, the Arts Entrepreneurship Center (Ecenter) of the Columbia College Chicago AEMM Department, is here to help YOU! THE ECENTER IS YOUR ONE-STOP RESOURCE!
We are pleased to announce that the Ecenter now has a business specialist to provide technical assistance FREE to all Columbia students seeking self-employment in the Arts. You will gain valuable business advice, access to business plan reviews, and guidance to help you create a business plan.
Consultations are by appointment only, Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 am – 3pm.
Call 312-344-8620 for an appointment or e-mail ecenter@colum.edu for more information.
What’s Design Daze you ask? It’s a chance for juniors, seniors, recent grads & grad students to spend 45 minutes with a graphic designer who will create a stellar press kit, CD cover, or DVD cover especially for you. This means a snazzy cover design for your demo, air-check, reel, resume tape or film. Or a press kit to promote your film or music talent. You can’t beat the price (it's free, printing not included) and professional quality is guaranteed. Your work is worth it!
To participate Monday, March 30 or Friday, April 4 you MUST RSVP by March 24. Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
Last Design Daze of the semester:
Monday, May 5 and Friday, May 9 – Register by April 28
Brought to you by The Portfolio Center
[CANCELLED: Why? Because not many of you signed-up...no sign-ups, no Show Off]
Midwest Teen Sex Show is a comedic, semi-educational video podcast featured bi-monthly. MWTSS has 65000 subscribers through iTunes making it one of the most popular podcast on the market. Following a recent swell in media attention the creators are looking to expand and need interns with production, marketing, design and PR know-how. If you have been looking for a great ground floor company to get in with...this could be your chance. Sign-up to meet with the creators on Tuesday, March 11 between 2PM and 4PM. Columbia College juniors, seniors, and December ’07 graduates are eligible to participate.
Call 312.344.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for 20-minute one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
Local producer and director Carey Lundin is looking for an intern who is not afraid to get their feet wet. On Monday, March 3 from 10AM to 12PM, she will meet with film and television students whom are interested in this one of a kind opportunity. Lundin is currently directing and producing “Jens Jensen Harmonious World,” an hour-long documentary to premiere in October, 2008 at the Garfield Park Conservatory, and to air on PBS. She created the webisode “CitizenKate.TV” and is executive producing and consulting on TV series for Chicago based Pixel Brothers including: "Fighting Words," "Open Road TV," "Inside Chicago" and "What’s On Tap," a travel series now in development for the Fine Living Channel. Columbia College junior, seniors, and December ’07 graduates are eligible to participate.
Call 312.344.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for 20-minute one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
Join us for a panel discussion on film journalism on Thursday, February 21 at 6PM. Panelists will discuss their views on current issues in criticism, the formation of a critical voice, and shifting trends in both the film and media world and how those issue might impact journalism now and into the future. Special attention will be given to the delineation between blog culture, print journalism, and more academic pursuits; how styles vary between those outlets and how to write for multiple audiences. This session is open to all departments.
Guests: Hank Sartin [Time Out Chicago], Tasha Robinson [The Onion], Ben Fasman [Stop Smiling]
Location: 1104 S Wabash Room 402
First impressions count! Be sure you are in the know about best practices for creating your resume and portfolio package. On Tuesday, March 4 at noon Multicultural Affairs is teaming up with the Portfolio Center and Writing Center to cover some basic things to consider about putting together job search must have materials. You'll also be introduced to on-campus resources that can assist you.
Open to all Columbia College students. Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs with presentations from the College Advising Center and the Portfolio Center.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
What’s Design Daze you ask? It’s a chance for juniors, seniors, recent grads & grad students to spend 45 minutes with a graphic designer who will create a stellar press kit, CD cover, or DVD cover especially for you. This means a snazzy cover design for your demo, air-check, reel, resume tape or film. Or a press kit to promote your film or music talent. You can’t beat the price (it's free) and professional quality is guaranteed. Your work is worth it!
To participate Monday, March 3 or Friday, March 7 you MUST RSVP by February 25 Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
Next Design Daze Dates:
Monday, March 31 and Friday April 4 – Register by March 24
Monday, May 5 and Friday, May 9 – Register by April 28
Brought to you by The Portfolio Center
Business Card Day is a chance for juniors, seniors, recent grads & grad students to get hooked up with a graphic designer who will create a knock-out business card design especially for you. You can’t beat the price (it’s free) and professional quality is guaranteed. Network in style.
To participate Wednesday, March 5 you MUST RSVP by February 25 Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
Next business card design dates:
Wednesday, April 2 – Register by March 24
Wednesday, May 7 – Register by April 28
Brought to you by The Portfolio Center
Sundance Film Festival is one of the hardest fests to break into due to tons of competition for a limited number of slots. BUT there are some key guidelines you should follow if you decide to submit your film. On Wednesday, February 20 at 6PM Adam Montgomery, manager in the programming department at Sundance Institute, will discuss basic submission dos and don’ts, screen a few short films and answer questions from students. This is a great opportunity for filmmakers to hear from one of the most prestigious festivals about how to appeal to film programmers and audience. Open to all.
Location: Film Row Cinema, 8th floor, 1104 S. Wabash
Sundance Institute has selected Columbia College to participate in a special research initiative that allows students to help influence and generate ideas for new, meaningful programming. Sundance will be on campus on Wednesday January 20 to conduct a focus group with undergraduate film students at 1PM. The session will be approximately 90 minutes and all students participating will be asked to fill out a quick multiple choice survey prior to the session (sent via email after confirmed registration). Space is limited to 12 people. Students participating in the focus group will receive a $15 iTunes Gift Card, Chicago-style pizza, and refreshments. Interested in participating? Call 312-344-7280 by February 13 to reserve a spot.
The Sundance Institute, a national non-profit, most popular for the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah also provides a series of professional training labs for artists (screenwriting, directing, playwriting, documentary film editing and music composition for film), programs for public audiences in New York and Utah, over $1M in direct artist grants as well as extensive free online content.
McDonald’s Corporation has several open positions in their Creative Services department-- and they want to hire Columbia students. Company reps will be on campus Thursday, February 21 from 11AM to 1PM to meet with film, TV, motion and graphic design students interested in learning more about production job opportunities. This is also a good way to receive general feedback on your work. Columbia College junior, seniors, and December ’07 graduates are eligible to participate. By appointment only.
If you haven't already, register with the Portfolio Center and make sure you select the 'Show Off' option. Then, call 312.344.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for 20-minute one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
One of the most misconceptions regarding purchasing and registering a domain name is that a majority of people think that they need to have a website first before they can even purchase and register a domain name.
The reality is NO and it is highly recommended that you purchase and register your domain name first. The reason that this is recommended is that by the time a website is done being designed and launched onto the Internet Super Highway there is a very good chance that someone else already purchased and registered the domain name you wanted regardless on how unique the domain name might be.
For tips on choosing a good domain name read an article written by Christopher Heng of sitewizard.com
Columbia's Ecenter AEMM invites artists with a passion for their work to attend the Self Employment in the Arts Conference to be held on Friday, February 29 and Saturday, March 1. Planned for the event are a range of resources to help you move forward in your career, including artist led sessions, inside the industry panels, performances, a gallery exhibit and one-on-one sessions.
The event will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Lisle, IL. OK so that's about 30 miles & minutes outside of Chicago city limits BUT the conference is free for Columbia College students. Can we say field trip anyone? Contact Ecenter for details.
Congratulations to the 2008 Albert P. Weisman Award recipients. Over thirty-five undergraduate and graduate students will be awarded funding for projects in areas that include AEMM, dance, fashion design, film, interdisciplinary arts, photography and theater.
2008 Recipients:
Matt Austin, Brooke Berger, Jean Bevier, Margaret Rose Breffeilh, Rachel Buck, James Cackovic, Asher Danzige, Kirstin Demer, Stephen DeSantis, Loni Diep, Dalila Droege, Kaelyn Garcia, Brandon Graham, Niki Grangruth, Allison Grant, Jessica Hannah, Yu-Ting Hsueh, Sean Jourdan, Joseph Lappie, Lisa Lindvay, Zach Litwack, Curtis Mann, Nick Martin, Molly Mae McCarty, Emily Miller, Angel Nava, Heyjin Oh, Kaitlyn Parks, Jason Reblando, Brian Schodor, Abraham Velazquez Tello, Eric Turner, Terttu Uibopuu, Marie Ullrich, Sarah Louise Walker, and Kameishia Wooten
AVID’S “MAKE YOUR MARK” SERIES is a panel discussion on ways to take your career to the next level. With editorial experts John Binder, Cutters; Mike LaBellarete, Outsider; Carlos Lowenstein, Whitehouse; Jon Adler, Daily Planet and Sean Berringer, Red Car, moderated by Optimus’ Tom Duff.
Date: Thursday, January 31
Time: 3-7 PM
Location: Flashpoint Academy, 28 N. Clark
What's the line between creative presentation and gimmick? During this session we'll explore answers to that question and discuss how to create a marketing identity for your body of work that attracts attention in a good way. Part of the Spring Weeks of Welcome. Open to all Columbia College students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Back-up your talent with a digital copy of your work. On Tuesday, January 29 at 3PM we'll discuss best practices for documenting, archiving and formatting work for inclusion in a portfolio. Part of the Spring Weeks of Welcome. Open to all Columbia College students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
It's never too early to think about how to present your body of work. On Monday, January 28 at 3PM we'll introduce you to portfolio formats, resources and ways students in various majors can showcase their talent in a portfolio. Part of the Spring Weeks of Welcome. Open to all Columbia College students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Congratulations to Columbia's student winners of the 2007 Ava Awards!!! Two of the spec commercials produced as part of our first “Get Your Spot Shot” competition won top places in the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals' student category.
Jennifer Crider’s “Levi’s Pure Devotion” won a platinum Ava directed by Jim Kalfas, shot by Fred Miller and edited by Casey Lock. “Ecko Life”, conceptualized by Andy Walensa, garnered a gold Ava. Cezil Reed directed, Terry Zumalt shot, and Ai Lene Chor edited the piece.
Spot Shot was a collaborative project between Columbia College’s Art & Design and Marketing Communication Departments in conjunction with the Portfolio Center. Advertising art and copywriting students were invited to submit their ideas along with a script and storyboards. The top three concepts were selected and then directed by film students. Students interested in participating in Spot Shot should be on the look out for the spring 2008 deadline. Check out the winning videos below.
by Emily Easton
So, we’ll admit that the connection between portfolios and graduate school applications for programs outside of the arts is tenuous at best, but hear us out: both require you to present your work professionally and succinctly- and most students have the exact same questions about both their applications and their portfolios: what should I put in and what are people looking for?
A graduate application for a non-arts program usually includes GRE scores, a writing sample, a transcript, recommendation letters and a statement of purpose. Daunting, yes, but grad school applications are daunting for a reason; graduate study is a major league commitment. If you can’t handle the ap, you’re not ready for grad school.
Before your stomach hits the floor, consider the following advice from Chad Cyrenne of the University of Chicago’s Master of Arts in the Social Sciences Program. He reviews both M.A. and PhD applications so he knows what that side of the table is looking for.
-GRE scores are not the final word on your application, but they are an important component. Be as ready as you can to take the test well the first time around as all scores are reported to the program you’re applying to. (While you do have the option to retake the GREs, your early scores don’t just disappear.) Don’t completely disregard the quantitative section either- just because you’re applying to a writing-based program doesn’t mean they won’t look at how good you are at math.
-A writing sample should be a maximum of 35 double-spaced pages. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Proofread.
-Make sure to have your transcripts sent in a timely fashion by your college or university. A late transcript is a late application and late applications are not considered. If you have some grade dips, that’s not the end of the world. If you can show you improved throughout your undergraduate career, most programs will take that into consideration.
-Make sure your recommendations come from people familiar with your work- preferably your academic work. If you have been working in a field related to your anticipated course of study, professional recommendations can be a strong asset as well, but be sure to have at least one from your undergraduate institution. Some students ask for these letters soon after they graduate and store them online at interfolio.com. If you have been out of school for a while, be sure to allow time to discuss or even meet with your former professors to make sure they can write a strong letter.
-A statement of purpose should address: the intellectual puzzle you hope to tackle, what relevant experience (academic and professional) you bring to the subject matter and why the particular department would be the ideal place to undertake your research. Identify key faculty members who have written in your field and mention them by name. Include articles or books they have written that relate to your research. This is not the time to offer a chapter of your autobiography; this is the space to show what you’re going to do with the opportunity you’re asking for and why you deserve to do it with their specific program.
If this seems like a lot of work, we’ve gotten our message across: it is. But, thousands of students find success every year and there’s no reason you can’t; especially if you’re properly prepared.
Emily Easton is Senior Program Development Officer at University of Chicago
There are tons of portfolio resources available to students but where should you start? Well, that depends on the level of your work. We've added a Quick Start guide to our website to help students navigate their way to Portfolio Center programs and resources that they're eligible for. Next, register with our center (if you haven't already) and you'll receive occasional e-mails from us announcing events that you can participate in. Also be sure to check out your industry page to view more information about portfolio issues relevant to you.
The Portfolio Center created a Portfolio Wiki as a means for students to research common terms used in arts & media industries. With currently over 90 articles, this wiki aims to educate those assembling and revising their own creative portfolios, as well as serve a exchange point for information about creative portfolios from educators, professionals and artists.
The information is divided into three main sections, with categories within. Information is offered on portfolios depending on the type of media they serve, a general listing of terms and organizations that offer help building and revising a portfolio and an admissions portfolio section, which details arts and media programs around the world and what they expect in an application portfolio.
If you're unsure what a portfolio for your industry is, the Portfolio Wiki is a great place to get the correct information. Check it out.
Are you graduating this year? Congrats! Next step job hunting, right? Wrong. Shape up your body of work first. Take this quick survey (it really is quick) and let the Portfolio Center know ways in which we can help you build your portfolio.
Then, mark your calendar for Portfolio Boot Camp: Reviews, Workshops & Production for New Grads to be held January 21-25. During this week you’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback from professionals and tighten up your portfolio presentation through production services. But, be sure to complete the survey so that we can tailor the events specifically to you.
Chicago Artists' Coalition is hosting a free workshop focused on how to write artist statements for portfolios or grant applications on Wednesday, November 7 from 6-8PM. This workshop is being presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and will be taught by Kate Schutta, SAIC.
Preregistration required to attend. Contact membership@caconline.org or 312.781.0040 for more information.
Last call of the semester for students who would like their reel or resume tape edited. Sign-up for Short Cuts, November 5-9, a week-long opportunity for film & video, television, and broadcast journalism students to bring in video-based work and be paired with an editor. Seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates ready to assemble their final reels are eligible to participate. You must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 312.344.7280.
Wednesday, November 7 is your last chance of the semester to get a professional CD or DVD cover designed at the Portfolio Center by a talented graphic design student. Juniors, seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates seeking package design for their reels, demos, airchecks or resume tapes are eligible to participate in this event for free (printing not included). You must schedule an appointment in advance by calling 312.344.7280. Hurry though-- there may only be a few spots left.
Reel Exchange 2007 continues with a session for directors on Thursday, November 1 at 1PM. Film professionals will join directing students in a discussion about assembling clips for presentation on a reel. This session is an excellent opportunity for students and alumni to ask questions pertaining to assembling their body of work or simply attend and absorb the knowledge.
Guests: Justine Nagan, Kartemquin; Phil Bjorat, Chicago International Film Festival; Liz Laine, Liz Laine Reps; and D.P. Carlson, Film Foetus.
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: 1104 S. Wabash, 8th floor
The Producer's Guild of Columbia College (PGC) presents the First Annual Film Expo "Behind the Scenes" on Tuesday, October 30 from Noon to 3PM in the Conaway Center at 1104 S. Wabash.
This expo will provide an interactive look at the many stages of filmmaking and provide attendees with resources and tools to help them better prepare for production work.
PGC invites all members of the Columbia College community to attend and experience the exhibits, network with fellow students, and celebrate the many talents involved in film production.
Oh, and your friends from the Portfolio Center will be there as well with sample film packages and press kits so be sure to stop by our table and say hi.
Reel Exchange 2007 continues with a session for cinematographers on Thursday, October 25 at 1PM. Cinematography professionals Michelle Crenshaw (American Dreams, The Closer), Steven Hiller (The Fugitive, Anchorman, Primal Fear), and Bill Birch (The Blues Brothers) will join students in a discussion about assembling clips for presentation in a reel. This session is an excellent opportunity for students and alumni to ask questions pertaining to assembling their body of work or simply attend and absorb the knowledge.
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: 1104 S. Wabash, room 504
Even if you aren't a music business major, you may have projects in the works which will require the use of music. How much do you know about music licensing? This Wednesday, October 17 The Forum will engage three professionals from the entertainment industries in a discussion about what you need to know before using copyrighted tracks. This session takes place at 6:30-8:00 PM in Ferguson Hall, 1st floor, 600 S. Michigan Ave.
Guests include:
Gregg Latterman, Founder and CEO of Aware Records/A-Squared Management. Aware has been in a joint venture with Columbia Records for the last ten years, bringing together grassroots artist development to an international market. Some of the artists include: John Mayer, Mat Kearney, Five For Fighting, Kyle Riabko, The Fray, Motion City Soundtrack, Mae, Brandi Carlile, and many more.
Paula Erickson, Sr. Vice President, Music Licensing, SONY BMG Music Entertainment. The Music Licensing Department works with all SONY BMG labels and artists to create opportunities and maximize the use of master recordings in films, television, commercials, trailers, video games, and other related areas of entertainment.
Michael Sirota, Vice President and General Counsel at Leo Burnett, an award-winning Chicago advertising agency with offices in 84 countries. Leo Burnett was established in 1935 and is now known as the Most Effective Agency in America. Clients include McDonalds, Visa, Wrigley's, Kellogg's, and Samsung.
The Forum is free and open to the public. This event is a collaboration between Click and AEMM at Columbia College.
Canadian born Photographer/Director Stewart Cohen will show and discuss his work in the Ferguson Lecture Hall (1st floor of the 600 S. Michigan Bldg) at 7pm on Thursday, November 8 as part of the “Art Works” Photography Lecture Series. Stewart is winner of over 60 top industry awards; most recently at the IPA Lucies. He has been profiled in Communication Arts Magazine and has been selected by Adweek/Southwest as Photographer of the year. Stewart's work has taken him to 7 continents for clients such as Nokia, Samsung, Frito Lay, American Airlines, and Toshiba.
This session is open to the public. Art Works is sponsored by the Portfolio Center and the Photography Department.
Photographer/director Stewart Cohen has worked on seven continents for clients such as Nokia, Samsung, Frito Lay, American Airlines, and Toshiba. Stewart is winner of over 60 top industry awards; most recently at the IPA Lucies. He has been profiled in Communication Arts Magazine and has been selected by Adweek/Southwest as Photographer of the year. Stewart will meet with students on Friday, November 9 from 10AM to 2PM to review portfolios and answer questions about presenting work for commercial "gigs."
Columbia College seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates are eligible to participate. If you haven't already, register with the Portfolio Center and make sure you select the 'Show Off' option. Then, call 312.344.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for 20-minute one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
After you’ve put the finishing touches to the fine cuts of your film projects you then need to go through all your projects and extract your best editing work for inclusion on a reel. You only have a few minutes to communicate that your editing is second to none and your reel is how you’ll be “judged.” Join the Portfolio Center and industry professionals on Wednesday, October 17 at 3PM as we breakdown some of the key components to building a high caliber reel.
Guests: John Dingfield, Editor, Cutters Inc; Marc Lichtenstein, Managing Director/Exec. Producer, Red Car Chicago; Ian Miller, Freelance Editor, Risk Night Productions.Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Sure, sharpies are cool and who doesn’t like writing with them? But when it comes to your reel, demo, aircheck or resume tape a CD or DVD with your name scrawled in permanent marker isn’t really professional. The question you need to ask yourself is: Are you covered? If not, sign-up for our CD & DVD package design day where we’ll pair you with a graphic designer to create stellar packaging for your work. You must call to reserve a spot ahead of time by calling the Portfolio Center at 312.344.7280. This service is open to juniors, seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates.
Need your body of work edited first? Check out Short Cuts.
When applying for jobs in the film, TV or broadcast journalism industry you’re going to need either a reel or resume tape to accompany your resume. Short Cuts is your chance to bring in your footage and meet with an editor who can cut a professional reel for you for FREE. Appointments are available throughout the week, but you must reserve a spot ahead of time by calling the Portfolio Center at 312.344.7280. This service is open to film & video, television, and broadcast journalism senior-level students, graduate students and May ’07 graduates ready to assemble their final reels.
Need CD or DVD cover design too? Check out Covered.
Reel Exchange is an exchange of motion images and ideas. Several film professionals will visit Columbia to view student reels and provide feedback to animators, cinematographers, directors, and editors. This is a one-of-a-kind program that allows film students and alumni to learn about best practices for assembling body of work that will get the attention of professionals in the field.
Our 3rd annual event kicks off on Friday, October 19 at 10AM in 1104 S. Wabash, room 502 with a session for editors. Professional guest editors include: Peter Teschner ('81) (feature editor: Borat, Charlie’s Angels); Eric Bee ('03) (commercial editor: Kraft, S.C. Johnson and Fall Out Boy); and Greg Juhlin (freelance editor, Big 10 Network).
Save the dates!
Wednesday, October 24 at 1PM – Reel Exchange: Animation
Thursday, October 25 at 1PM – Reel Exchange: Cinematography
Thursday, November 1 at 1PM – Reel Exchange: Directing
Check back for updates on professional guests and locations.
Could you use additional funding to finish your masterpiece? Apply for the Albert P. Weisman Award. This matching grant provides funding, up to $4000, to a limited number of undergraduate (60 credit hours or more) and graduate students in a variety of media who seek financial assistance in order to finish a significant project.
The application deadline is Thursday, November 29 and we’ve scheduled four information sessions to help you prepare. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered about the application process and receive tips on how to submit a solid proposal for the Award. AND, if you think this award isn't applicable to your major or interests that's an even better reason to attend an information session so we can tell you that you're wrong-- I mean give you some ideas about possible uses for the funding.
Information Sessions:
Thursday, October 4 @ 2PM
Tuesday, October 30 @ 10AM
Thursday, November 1 @ 3PM
Wednesday, November 7 @ 6PM
All sessions will be held in the Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307.
Sponsorship:
The Albert P. Weisman Award is made possible by the generosity of Tony Weisman, the Weisman committee and the many friends of Albert P. Weisman who donate both time and resources to make this award possible.
Back by ever popular demand: Business Card Day will take place on Tuesday, October 23. We’ll pair you with a graphic designer who will create a professional card for you-- for free (printing not included). By the time you read this, spots may already be full. That’s because you aren't the only student who knows that a business card is an essential networking tool.
No worries though; we’ve scheduled the final Business Card Day of the semester for Thursday, November 8. Call us at 312.344.7280 to make an appointment. Current Columbia College students and May '07 graduates and eligible to participate.
We've also written some basic business card guidelines as a reference if you're unsure what information to put on your card.
THIS THURSDAY, September 27 from 1PM to 3PM come show your director’s reel to Tommy Wike. You may be asking: Tommy who? He is a 2002 alum of Columbia College. After graduating and interning at Spyglass Entertainment, Tommy moved back to his native Norway and has since been working as a freelance producer/line producer on commercials and music videos. This is a great opportunity to discuss film production on an international level and possibly establish a connection to Scandinavian clients looking to shoot in the US.
Columbia College seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates are eligible to participate. Registration is required. To sign-up call 312-344-7280.
Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
There is no doubt that good work speaks for itself. However, being able to communicate the contents of your portfolio will command even more attention for your work. On Thursday, October 4 @ 1PM we’ll discuss some basic do’s and don’ts on how to clearly and effectively present your work and, ultimately, yourself to potential employers.
All Columbia College students are welcome to attend. This session is produced in conjunction with the Graduation Block Party.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Are you unsure about how to assemble your body of work for inclusion in a portfolio? On Thursday, October 4 at noon we’ll talk about ways that you can turn your “box” of completed projects into a professional package. You’ll be introduced to various delivery formats and examples of creative portfolios. By the end of this session you’ll have a thorough understanding of what pieces are needed to build your portfolio as well as how to use them.
All Columbia College students are welcome to attend. This session is produced in conjunction with the Graduation Block Party.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Perhaps in your darker moments you've thought about bucking the whole "get a job" trend? Perhaps you've got fantasies of someday being called "professor" or "doctor" or "lawyer"? In both cases, perhaps you've considered grad school. . .
Picking a program is a great place to start and, as a student, you're welcome to the Chicago Graduate and Professional School Fair, hosted by UIC on Tuesday, October 2nd from 3:00-7:00. Over 60 programs from around the country will be there at the UIC Pavillion, armed with information and advice.
But, perhaps you're looking to continue in the arts? Two of the best programs in the country are coming to the Portfolio Center: Tisch School for the Arts (that's, ahem, NYU's art school) will be here October 3rd and the Memphis College of Art will be here in November. They're coming with more than information and advice- they're coming to see you and your work. Stay tuned to this very blog for more information.
The Portfolio Center is pleased to welcome three newcomers to our staff: Keesha Johnson, Portfolio Production Manager; Caroline Juhlin, Creative Industry Liaison; and Weston Morris, Production Coordinator: Web. Additionally Mercedes Cooper has moved to Communications Coordinator and Emily Easton has been promoted to a second Creative Industry Liaison position.
These changes will allow us to help more students shape their final bodies of work into distinctive, professional-level portfolios, tapes and reels.
To find out more about who we are and what we do, please go to www.colum.edu/portfolio.
There is no easy route to "make it" in theatre, film or writing. If you’re pondering graduate school as a next step in any of those areas then a review of your artistic work will probably be required to apply. Help is on the way. Dan Sandford, Director of Graduate Admissions at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts will be here Wednesday, October 3 at 4PM.
Dan will speak specifically about Tisch’s portfolio requirements and expectations for the following programs: Design for Stage and Film, Dramatic Writing Program, Film Production, M.F.A./M.B.A. Dual Program in Film Producing, and Musical Theater.
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Congratulations to the 2007 Albert P. Weisman Memorial Scholarship recipients. Fifty-two undergraduate and graduate students were awarded funding for projects in areas that included book & paper arts, film, fine art, music, photography and writing.
An exhibition of the winning artistic works will be held September 4 – October 12 in the Hokin Annex & Gallery at 623 S. Wabash. A reception will take place on October 11 from 5-7PM in the Hokin Annex.
2007 Scholarship Recipients:
Elizabeth Austin, Renee Bair, Alverne Ball, Sarah Baranski, Zoe Bare, Andrew Bruah, Amanda Clifford, Mercedes Cooper, Hannah Dallman, Christopher Davis, Elliot Dickerhoof, Stacee Droege, Ross Efaw, Margaret Eliot, Joel Everett, Kristin Freeman, Aron Gent, Maria Gigante, Olga Gonzales, Brian Guido, Colleen Halloran, Mary Beth Hoerner, Emily Hoskins, Todd Kephart, Matthew Kopp, Curtis Mann, Chase McGuire, Amberlee Mucha, Jamieson Mulholland, Robert Noble, Ben Olsen, Sara Pooley, Melissa Racho, Rebecca Rakstad, Anuradha Rana, Paul Rizzuto, Joseph Rynkiewicz, Shawnecee Schneider, Lani Schuster, Emily Sepik, Joshua Siegal, Vincent Singleton, Bethany Souza, Christian Sprenger, Jon Steinhorst; Eric Stolze, Julia Stotz, Rachel Stratman, Rachel Swenie, Terttu Uibopuu, Lauren Wakefield and Victor Yanez-Lazcano
Wondering how to get your production work noticed by potential employers? Attend this session on Saturday, September 15th @ Noon and gain an overview of how to build a successful portfolio for television careers. Our professional guests will give you valuable tips for getting noticed, getting in and staying employed in television.
Guests: Misty Tosh, Producer/Line Producer, Freelance and Fatcake Productions; Barbara Allen, Producer/Editor, WTTW-TV and independent filmmaker; and Andrew Ryann Executive Producer/Director, Pixel Brothers
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Saturday, September 8, 2007 – Women in Film Chicago Roundtable Series presents “Entering The Chicago Production Community”. What are the entry level jobs available and how do you get a foot in the door? Once you have an entry level job, then what? What are some tips for making the most of the entry level job?
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: Under The Ginko Tree Bed and Breakfast, 300 N. Kenilworth Ave., Oak Park.
RSVP to rsvp@wifchicago.org with Entering The Biz Roundtable in subject line.
Visit Women in Film Chicago's website for more information.
Congratulations to Laura Madalinski (Film & Video, ’04) on her grand prize AICE 6th annual Trailer Park win for her 90-second trailer selling the action movie “Hero.” Laura is currently assistant editor at Outsider Inc. Might we add she landed that job through our Show Off portfolio review program. Outstanding!
Planning a career involving film, video games or television? You're going to need a reel to show the work you've done, as well as what you're capable of.
We present you with Short Cuts which is your chance to bring in your footage and meet with an editor who can cut your reel. What can a professionally edited reel do for you? Take a look at some of these reels and consider the possibilities.
Then, make an appointment for Short Cuts on Thursday, September 20th. Appointments are available all day, but you must reserve on ahead of time by calling the Portfolio Center at 312.344.7280. This service is open to senior-level students, graduate students and recent alumni.
The ever-popular and always-packed Business Card Day is back. The first of three for the 2007 fall semester will take place on Wednesday, September 19th.
What is Business Card Day? You mean you haven't heard? The Portfolio Center will make an appointment for you with a (really good) designer to create a (really good) professional, personalized business card. Do you really need a business card?
Well...ask yourself this. Do you want be able to meet people who might hire you? Do you want them to be able to get in touch with you? Well do you? yeah, we thought so. So yes, yes you do need one.
Appointments are available throughout the day. To participate you must make an appointment by calling 312.344.7280. This service is open to all current students, graduate students and May 2007 graduates.
You've always known you're not an artist - at least, not a designer. It's okay, you don't have to be. You're a [...insert your desired occupation here]. That doesn't mean your portfolio materials shouldn't be visually appealing. They absolutely should.
Design Daze is your chance to pair up with a graphic designer who will layout and design your press kit, demo cover, reel packaging, logo...If it's a portfolio thing, we'll design it.
We'll be hosting the first Design Daze of the fall semester on September 18th. To participate you must make an appointment by calling the Portfolio Center at 312.344.7280.
We'll be offering appointments in 45-minute slots throughout the day. First call, first serve.
What are Archives?
Archives refer to any collection of records, as well as the location of the collection. In order to truly keep an archive, copies of records are kept in separate location. This is known as redundancy. Duplicates protect the original record in event of a disaster, technical or natural, destroys an original. Most copies are in a digital format, which usually is used for the web, allowing a greater audience to access the records.
Why do I need to keep an archive of my work?
For you, the important part of this is to keep a copy of your work in a digital format, and to make sure that copy is stored in a separate location. This way, if something happens to the original, you will have a copy. The digital copy of your work will also help you as you graduate, and produce a final portfolio or reel reflecting your own body of work. Many seniors use these files for their professional web sites or DVDs that they construct with the help of the Portfolio Center.
Storing Original Work
Since work by students at Columbia College Chicago is varied, we will not address specifics of how to archive a painting, sculpture, or other three dimensional materials. We will, however, give you some general ideas for storing work. Most people find that the room with the greatest storage capacity is a basement storage area. These places can be the worst for keeping work, as there is generally a high level of moisture. Over a relatively short period of time, damage can become noticeable through yellowing of pages, fading of colors, and even growth of mildew.
The location you choose should be relatively dry, free from excessive dust and dirt, and out of any direct sunlight. This means that typically a shelf in a closet will work for you. Avoid floors, or bookshelves near a bright window. If possible, purchase an acid-free storage container. Most of these are available at art supply stores. These are perfect for keeping smaller paintings, and most sizes of photographs and documents. What is acid-free? Many plastic products and glues that are used contain acid. Even over a relatively short time, this can affect the integrity of what is stored next to it. The words ‘Archival’ and/or ‘Acid Free’ are typically displayed prominently on these items. The cost difference between non-archival and archival material is usually nominal. Books or larger items may be best stored in plastic sleeves, which also can be purchased at art supply stores.
More information regarding preservation of physical work can be found on the Columbia College Chicago's Library Archive site.
Documenting Work
Making physical copies of paintings, sculptures, or clothing you created may be nearly impossible. In this digital age, the best option is to make a digital copy of whatever you have. If you work in a digital format, this isn’t that difficult. Videotape is the obvious choice for any time-based art form, but still images can show details that can enhance your documentation. So you want to copy your work, but you don’t have access to a st
