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.
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
Pitchfork Media, Inc. will be on campus scouting for interns and giving feedback to students. Self-motivated journalism, AEMM, marketing and PR students who would like more information about this internship should sign-up for an appointment scheduled for Monday, September 29 between 10AM-12PM. Columbia College juniors, seniors, grad students and May 2008 grads are eligible to participate in these portfolio reviews.
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.
ALARM Magazine, a bi-monthly collection of unique, inspiring, and astonishing stories from the independent music and art community, will be on campus September 22 from 12PM-2PM. Why? To meet with journalism, AEMM, marketing and PR students looking for feedback on their work or those who just want to talk about career options and possible internships. Columbia College juniors, seniors, grad students and May 2008 grads are eligible to participate in these portfolio reviews.
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.
Journalism students: sign-up to have staff of the Onion/AV Club review your work on Monday, September 15 between 12PM-2PM. The AV Club publishes interviews and features on the biggest names in entertainment plus restaurant reviews and previews of upcoming live entertainment specific to cities where the Onion print edition is published. Juniors, seniors, grad students and May '08 graduates are eligible to participate.
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.
Wondering how to get your production work noticed by potential employers? Attend this career strategies session on Saturday, September 13 at Noon and gain insight about how to build a successful portfolio for television careers. Join professional guests as they give inside tips on getting noticed, getting in and staying employed in the television industry. For: Television and Journalism majors. Open to all level students.
Guests: Regina Waldroup (CLTV), Marcus LeShock (Metromix), Dave Rivera (Harpo) and Tyra Martin (WGN)
Location: Portfolio Center 623 S Wabash, RM 307
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.
Portfolio Center: Hi Lauren. Thanks for taking the time to talk. So tell me a little about how you got into Journalism.
Lauren Viera: I started young: I took a Journalism class my freshman year in high school, in Southern California, and after a field trip to the L.A. Times, witnessing the excitement of the newsroom and standing next to those giant rolls of newsprint, I was hooked. I started writing features and music reviews for my high school paper, and eventually began pitching music coverage to local 'zines. Once I got to college, I did the same thing on a larger scale: I got involved with my college paper, both writing and editing, and began freelancing for publications in the area. During summer and winter breaks, when I wasn't in school, I was interning at magazines and newspapers. By the time I graduated college, I had a resume packed with experience, which helped me land my first job at Conde Nast Publications in New York City, on the launch staff of Lucky Magazine.
PC: We spend a ton of time here at the Portfolio Center talking to students about the importance of their Body Of Work. Do you think students should be pitching stories outside of their class work in order to build out their clips?
LV: Yes, definitely. It's a must. Start local, and start small. From there, save your good clips, and start pitching to slightly bigger local publications and, eventually, slightly bigger publications in other areas.
PC: What was the first story you landed?
LV: Gosh. I think my very first published "story" was a live review of a punk show that I went to during my sophomore or junior year in high school, written up for a local 'zine. It was terrible, but it was necessary practice. The first real story I landed was a feature on Modest Mouse that I did while interning for the L.A. Times in 1998. At that point, they weren't well known beyond their local scene, but they were starting to gain momentum on college radio charts. I had to sell my editor on the idea that they were about to blow up nationally, and that the L.A. Times should break the story. He took a chance on me, and it worked out.
PC: How important is an online presence these days? Do you think a blog can be fodder for a professional interview?
LV: I'm pretty old fashioned when it comes to Journalism. So no, I don't think that a blog can earn you a professional interview. Most managers at major Journalism and media outlets were working hard decades before blogging took off, and they're going to want to see some solid evidence -- printed clips -- of what you can do. Anyone can start a blog; not everyone can land a story in a newspaper.
PC: How many clips should you have in your portfolio?
LV: I save everything -- I have hundreds of clips in a few binders -- but I think having 5-10 good, solid clips to choose from is necessary. When going for a job, you're probably only going to be asked to present three of those. But having a few to choose from can't hurt.
PC: Is it better to have more long form pieces or shorter blurbs in your samples?
LV: Both. Variety is key, since you never know what you're going to be doing in the long run. The key with starting off as a Journalist is to avoid being pigeonholed into any one genre of writing. I started off reviewing records; now I'm writing about Caribbean vacations. You have to know how to be a good writer first, and how to research your topic second. The more versatile a Journalist you are, the more attractive you're going to be to potential employees.
PC: One final question and we'll let you go. Should you include unpublished stories?
LV: No. In fact, I think it makes the candidate look unprofessional to include unpublished work. If you haven't yet had any work published professionally, go back to the drawing board and start pitching to publications for which your work might be a good fit. And remember: Start small, and start local.
Lauren Viera is one of our many talented, patient and generous Industry Experts willing to meet with you one-on-one in your Junior or Senior year. If you would like to take part in, or have any questions about our programs and services please reach out to your Creative Industry Liaison as listed below.
Caroline Cook Juhlin for majors: Art and Design / AEMM: Fashion/Retail Management, Visual Arts Management / ASL / Early Childhood Education / English / Fiction Writing / IAM / Interdisciplinary Arts / Marketing Communication: Advertising, Sports Marketing / Photography
David T. Lewis for majors: AEMM: Arts Entrepreneurship, E-Business and New Media Management,Media Management, Music Business, Performing Arts Management, Sports Management / Audio Arts and Acoustics / Cultural Studies / Dance / Fiction Writing / Film and Video / Journalism / Marketing Communication: Marketing, Public Relations / Music / Radio / Television / Theater
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.
Nearly 10,000 journalists and media executives will meet in Chicago from July 23-27 to discuss timely issues affecting journalism and the media industry as part of the Unity '08 Convention. Unity: Journalists of Color, Inc. is a coalition of the four alliances, the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association.
Open to all (but not for free), this quadrennial convention hosts workshops, broadcasts critiques, a career expo and a full day focused on student projects in multiple media. Registration is now open.
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.
Industry Night is a series of 5 campus wide receptions that happen on May 15 (the night before Manifest) that will give graduating students access to working arts & media professionals. Over 250 professionals have RSVPed so far. This is your chance to trot out your portfolio, wave your resume around and pass out those business cards. It’s called networking. And it’s vital to getting started in your profession. But maybe you need a little bit more information or some encouragement...that's fine...hop on over to the Portfolio on Wednesday, May 7. We'll be giving tips on what to bring, how to dress, and hearty handshake demos between 11AM-4PM, every hour on the hour.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
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.
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.
The staff of the Onion/AV Club will be at the Portfolio Center to review print journalism student work on Monday, April 14 from 1:30PM-4:30PM. The AV Club contains restaurant reviews and previews of upcoming live entertainment, specific to cities where the Onion print edition is published, in addition to interviews and features on the nation's biggest names in entertainment and the arts. Juniors, seniors, grad students and December ’07 graduates are eligible to participate.
Call 312.344.7280 to sign up to show off your work or for more information. Limited spots available.
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.
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
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.
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...
Journalism, marketing and AEMM students are invited to participate in a portfolio review with Alarm Magazine on Tuesday, March 11 from 12PM-2PM. Founded in 1995, ALARM Magazine is a bi-monthly collection of unique, inspiring, and astonishing stories from the independent music and art community. From the biggest names in new music to the outermost borders of the creative landscape, ALARM unites the most exciting artists to create a moving patchwork illustration of what is really happening in art and music.
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.
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.
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
Althea Legaspi has been covering all things music for more than a decade. The former editor in chief of Illinois Entertainer magazine, Althea currently writes for Chicago Tribune, Paste magazine, Global Rhythm magazine, and Stop Smiling magazine, among others.
She is the on-air music critic for NPR affiliate Chicago Public Radio's "Eight Forty-Eight" program and her features also air on "All Things Considered." She co-produces and co-edits her segments. Althea has served as an on-camera correspondent for Rollingstone.com, HOB.com, and the PBS affiliate WTTW television show "Sound Opinions," as well as co-hosted Q101¹s "Local 101."
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
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 non-film majors at 3PM. 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.
Wondering how to get your production work noticed by potential employers? Attend this career strategies session on Saturday, February 9 at Noon and gain insight about how to build a successful portfolio for television careers. Join professional guests as they give inside tips on getting noticed, getting in and staying employed in the television industry. Open to all level students.
Guests: Regina Waldroup [anchor, CLTV News], Terry Barthel [producer, WGN Morning News], Mark Saxenmeyer [reporter, Fox Chicago]
Location: Portfolio Center 623 S Wabash, RM 307
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
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
If you're planning to be a broadcast journalist, you may not need a resume but you definitely need a resume tape. But, what if you're not sure what goes into making a great one? We asked TV news reporter and Industry Expert Regina Waldroup what students should plan to have ready as they pursue work on camera. Here's two minutes of solid advice on making a resume tape that will get you recognized.
Kari Lydersen is a staff writer at The Washington Post out of the Midwest bureau in Chicago. She also freelances for media including The Chicago Reader, In These Times, Swimming World and ColorLines magazine. She is the author of the book "Out of the Sea and Into the Fire: Latin American-US Immigration in the Global Age." She graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in journalism in 1997.
Availability: 11am to 7pm most weekdays.
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert, and have already registered with us, call 312.344.7280 to schedule an appointment. If not, complete the registration form and be sure to select the Industry Expert option. Easy.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
Terry Barthel is a Producer on the WGN-TV Morning News, the highest rated morning news show in Chicago. He has won two Emmy awards in Chicago, one for 'Sports Feature' and one for 'Specialty Series'. He has been a writer, sports producer and special-projects producer at WGN. Before moving to Chicago, he lived in Atlanta and worked at CNN/SI, CNN's sports channel. His first job in TV was at the NBC affiliate in Savannah, Georgia (WSAV-TV) - a tiny station where he had a whole bunch of menial responsibilities. He lives with his wife and daughter in the Bucktown neighborhood.
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
Josh Modell is Managing Editor of The Onion A.V. Club. He made his first foray into journalism in grade school, when he wrote a sarcastic piece skewering lunchroom food. (Sample line: "It was smooth sailing on my Taco Boat!") The subject was re-examined in a middle-school monologue (to rapturous applause), but Modell eventually turned his critical pen toward music. In late 1993, he launched Milk Magazine, a regional print publication (this is before ya'll had websites!) with an eye toward indie-rock. Milk wound to a close just as The A.V. Club came calling, and with more than a little backstabbing and water-cooler character assassination, Modell worked his way up the ladder to Local Content Editor, a title which probably means nothing to you, but at least sort of pleases his parents.
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
Ben Fasman is a staff writer, editor-at-large and marketing consultant at Stop Smiling magazine. He has had a monthly section on the Economist.com where he reports on Chicago arts and politics for the past year, and his writing has been featured in other magazines such as XLR8R and Juxtapoz, as well as various art and culture websites. He is also a record collector and DJ, having played everywhere from London to LA to NYC and everywhere in between, and has appeared on NPR on a number of occasions talking about DJing. He moved to New York to become the chief research assistant for a best-selling release on Testify Books, "Where'd You Get Those?" and dearly misses living Brooklyn after being in Chicago for the past four years.
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
Amy Schroeder is the editor and founder of Venus Zine, the internationally distributed magazine and Web site about women in music, the arts, film, fashion, and DIY culture. Schroeder also has worked for the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Blaze magazine, and SOMA, and speaks at universities about editing, media, and how to run a creative small business.
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
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
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.
Krystal Morris, Reporter/Weathercaster for Lakeshore News Tonight will conduct broadcast critiques of student resume tapes on Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 10AM to 12PM.
Prior to joining Lakeshore News Tonight, Krystal anchored the morning and noon news broadcasts at WMBD-TV in Peoria. She started her career as an intern with WGN-TV and later was hired as a Desk Assistant. She went on to WGEM-TV in Quincy, where she learned to produce newscasts as well as shoot and edit her own stories. Krystal has tons of advice for broadcast journalism students about working in both large and small markets. Seniors and spring ’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.
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.
Program Director Mitch Rosen of WSCR “The Score” sports talk radio will review airchecks on Thursday, November 29 from 2PM to 5PM. You may know WSCR as home to the ever-lovable “Boers and Bernstein Show” but while Mitch is here, he’ll be available to give feedback on non-sports radio demos from radio and radio journalism students. Seniors and spring ’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.
Join professionals for a conversation about searching and applying for freelance writing jobs. On Thursday, November 8 at 1PM you’ll receive tips that will help make your approach stronger as well as information about ways to assemble your portfolio specifically for these types of gigs. Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Professional Guests: Pat Cronin, founder, Writers Workspace; David Tamarkin, Food/Dining Writer, Time Out Chicago and Tom Drennen, Copywriter, Upshot.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Award-winning photojournalist Ed Kashi will meet with emerging photojournalists and review their portfolios on Tuesday, Oct 30th from 9AM to 11AM. Dedicated to documenting the social and political issues that define our time his clients include National Geographic, Time, NY Times Magazine, Newsweek and the list goes on (and on).
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.
Expand your Rolodex as Chicago Women in Publishing presents Speed Networking. It’s a great and easy way to make many new contacts in one evening. And it can only help you if you happen to be looking for a job or internship.
Bring your business cards and “elevator speech” a 30-second pitch of who you are and what you do. The facilitator will be Stacy Hope Jones, director of business development and marketing for Shakespeare Squared.
When: Wednesday, October 17, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Where: National-Louis University, Room 4012-14, 122 S. Michigan Ave.
Cost for students with ID is $10
You can register online at www.cwip.org/events.htm by Monday, October 15, call 773-508-0351 x2, or walk-ins are welcome with cash or check only.
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.
Time Out Chicago is THE one-stop publication for news, events and entertainment information. Here is your chance to discuss how to assemble and present a strong clips package geared towards the magazine industry. Managing Editor Amy Carr will meet with writing students on Monday, October 29 from 11AM to 1PM and give feedback on their clips. Students will be required to submit two to three writing samples via hard copy to the Portfolio Center by October 18 in order to participate.
Columbia College seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates are eligible to participate.
Registration is required. 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.
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.
Editors want solid freelancers. Freelancers want to be published. Here's a way to connect the two. On Tuesday, October 2 @ 7PM, listen to veteran editors and freelancers discuss their tips and suggestions for freelancing in Chicago. Editors from the Chicago Tribune, RedEye, Chicago Sun-Times, and Chicago Magazine as well as several veteran freelancers will be on a panel, followed by a question-and-answer session. Free and open to the public.
Location: Conaway Center, 1104 S. Wabash, 1st Floor
Presented by the Chicago Headline Club a chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Questions? Contact Dawn Reiss dreiss100@gmail.com or call 312-590-1921.
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.
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.
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
Do you have a burning desire to write about the works of art you love – and those you don’t? Put those opinions to good use and join us at the Portfolio Center on Wednesday, September 12 @ 9AM for a discussion on how to prepare a portfolio to earn freelance work as an arts reviewer.
Guests: Tasha Robinson, Associate Entertainment Editor, The Onion and Hank Sartin, Film Reviewer, Time Out Chicago
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
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.
Storin
