Photography students, join us as we welcome Selina Maitreya to share her new program, Survive? Think THRIVE!
You Will Learn:
• The TRUE difference between surviving and thriving in today’s business market.
• The steps other photographers are taking to ensure that their business will thrive!
• What constitutes a competitive product to today’s assignment photo buyers?
• How to match their vision to different industries.
• How to bring sales back into the marketing equation.
• How to successfully utilize traditional (direct mail, email, web portals, blogs) and
online (Flickr, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) social networking marketing tools.
• How to determine whether an agent or a marketing assistant is the right team
player for them and how to find them.
Date / Time: Thursday, December 3rd / 7pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Location: Conaway Center / 1104 S. Wabash / First Floor
Free for all Columbia College Chicago students.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
Maitreya is the owner and founder of Port Authority and author of Portfolios That Sell and How To Succeed In Commercial Photography: Insights from a Leading Consultant (Allworth Press September 2007).
Maitreya is convinced that photographers need to focus their efforts on building businesses that will THRIVE, not merely survive. Her current program, Survive? Think THRIVE! uses real life examples that illustrate the steps photographers are now taking to move from survival mode to prosperity. The presentation will be followed by an extensive Q&A session.
This program is presented in conjunction with the APA Midwest.
Congratulations to our 2009 Get Your Spot Shot Winners!
See the winning concepts here.
The "Get Your Spot Shot" program began in 2007 as a means to give students the opportunity to see an idea through from concept to completion, collaborate with students in other departments, gain real world experience and create a work sample for their portfolio.
Advertising art and copywriting students are invited to submit their ideas for a 30-second spot along with a storyboard and treatment or script. Concepts are selected in the spring semester and then produced by a select group of film students in the summer.
And we foot the bill for all productions (up to $1000).
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 18th. 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, Nov. 18 @ 10am
Thursday, Nov. 19 @ 4pm
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.
Design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s true. The end result: those commercials on TV; your favorite CD cover; that photo in your copy of Nylon or Marie Claire, are all subject to this dance of image and ideas, a balance of agendas and a partnership between creative individuals.
The Portfolio Center, in association with The Photography Department & Art and Design Department, would like to invite you to a discussion on the subject of art and commercial process as part of their Art Works series. On Tuesday, October 27th, two Photographers, two Designers, an Art Director and Art Buyer will join Caroline Juhlin (Portfolio Center) and Richard Zeid (Art and Design Department and AIGA) in a discussion about creative collaboration.
Panelists:
Andrew Martin is a commercial photographer whose work you will recognize in ads for Heinz Ketchup, Allstate and Volkswagen, to name just a few.
Saverio Truglia is known for concept driven imagery, offbeat portraits and graceful productions. His work is commissioned for advertising campaigns and editorial publications.
Chris Froeter is owner of Froeter Design, a strategic partner with companies ranging from international corporations to non-profit institutions.
Jonathan Amen is a senior level creative/designer. He served as a senior creative lead for Brainforest and Graphix Marketing for a variety of design and branding initiatives prior to branching out on his own.
Todd Hoffman is a group creative director who has worked on a wide range of ad campaigns, including: Jim Beam, Dial for Men, Eclipse and Juicy Fruit.
Liz Miller-Gershfeld, VP/Sr. Art Buyer at Energy BBDO. Liz is the critical link between creatives and the account teams at the advertising agency. She is the person who helps creatives execute their vision for an ad campaign by purchasing photography, illustration or other artwork.
Caroline Juhlin (Portfolio Center) and Richard Zeid (Art & Design Department and
AIGA) to moderate the panel.
Sponsored by the ultimate resource for creative collaboration: VISIONATI and co-sponsored by Kim Knight productions.
In collaboration with Columbia College Chicago’s Photography Department, Art and Design Department and The Portfolio Center.
Date / Time: Tuesday, October 27th / 6:30pm
Location: Ferguson Auditorium / 600 S. Michigan / 1st Floor
Free and open to the public.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
The Art Works photography lecture series showcases photographers who make pictures for love and for money. The lecture series began over two years ago and has featured such well-known photographers as Sheila Metzner, Vincent Dixon and Jim Fiscus, among others. Says Juhlin, “Expanding the lecture series to a panel discussion is an opportunity to hear multiple viewpoints and explore how the different creative roles intersect. We want creatives to understand that their role is part of a collaborative effort that produces a singular end result.”
Congrats, your work now has the exposure to make wonderful things happen. You are on the world wide web. The accessible-at-any-time World. Wide. Web. Yes, you can update your online portfolio, that's what we expect you to do. A “portfolio” is always in flux and is never truly finished. But, as you update your work, you want to ensure that your site is always in a presentable state. You want to keep it fresh. The following tips will get you there.
* Purchase a personalized Domain Name and set it up so it redirects your visitors
to your WebAgent account.
* Activating the masking feature provided by the vendor that the Domain Name
was purchased from.
* Setup a personalized email (example: joestudent@joestudent.com) this is a
service provided by GoDaddy and is usually included as part of the purchase of
your Domain Name. Visit GoDaddy.com for more information.
* Only create groupings that you have work for. Avoid creating groupings
prematurely.
* Upload and assign your content to the correct grouping.
* Provide captions regarding your work to spark conversation with your audience.
* Replace the “WebAgent icon" that is normally used as thumbnail with an image
that is directly related to the content you are showcasing. (Example: an audio
file that is uploaded will be assigned an icon that has an image of headphones.
You should replace that icon with an image that is related to the audio file.)
* Upload a PDF of your resume or print portfolio so it is available to be
downloaded.
* Provide a text version of your resume and or bio in the text field located on the
site options tab. This information will be displayed on the “about page” of your
WebAgent site.
* Make sure the dimensions of your images are sized correctly. The images should
not exceed 600 pixels in both height and width.
This event has been canceled. We'll update you if it is rescheduled.
If Art Director Michelle Litos and Copywriter Larry Liss were to put their skills to use in this blog, you’d be blown away. Find out why at Bedfellows: Art + Copy. Litos and Liss, a creative team at Cramer-Krasselt, will show samples of their work and discuss how they collaborate on projects. Cramer-Krasselt is frequently recognized for its insight-driven creativity—spanning advertising, direct, interactive, promotions and public relations—that helps clients change the conversation within their category. Their clients include Porsche, AirTran Airways, Sealy, Corona and Heniz.
Date / Time: November 5th / 6:30pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
Creative professionals in separate disciplines often work in tandem. The Bedfellows program is a unique opportunity to explore how their collective efforts lead to such striking results.
This has got to be the best job ever. Find out how sweet it is. Panelists include David Tamarkin (Food Writer, Time Out Chicago), Ellen Malloy (Owner, Restaurant Intelligence Agency), and Lauren Petersen Edwards (Publicist, Sango LLC).
Date / Time: Tuesday, November 17th / 6:30pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
Free and open to the public.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
The Anatomy Of... is a panel discussion that aims to explore how various arts and media professionals work together.
There's a whole other show behind the scenes to make what you see onstage work. Join us as we welcome some of the music industry's best to give us the lowdown. Panelists include Mike LeMaistre (Talent Buyer, Jam Productions), Andy Hayward (Production Manager, Death Cab For Cutie), Matt Rucins (Talent Buyer, Schubas and Lincoln Hall), Che Arthur (Sound Engineer, Shellac), Mark Dawursk (Tour Manager, Isis, Ratatat) and Laurent Schroeder-Lebec (Guitarist, Pelican).
Date / Time: Monday, November 9th / 6:30pm
Location: The Loft / 916 S. Wabash / 4th Floor
Free and open to the public.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
The Anatomy Of... is a panel discussion that aims to explore how various arts and media professionals work together.
Join Columbia College's Elizabeth Burke-Dain, along with Althea Legaspi (Chicago Public Radio), John Dugan (Time Out Chicago) and Andrew Huff (Gapers Block) as we discuss best practices for developing a voice online, as well as how and when (and if) to make money blogging.
Date / Time: Wednesday, November 4th / 6:30pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
Get the inside scoop on how journalists view publicists, and vice versa. Join us as we welcome Althea Legaspi from Chicago Public Radio and Dana Meyerson from Biz3 Publicity.
Date / Time: Thursday, October 22nd / 6:30pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
Creative professionals in separate disciplines often work in tandem. The Bedfellows program is a unique opportunity to explore how their collective efforts lead to such striking results.
Writers and Marketing/PR students, your work is begging for this opportunity. Don't let it down. Receive feedback on your portfolio from ALARM Magazine.
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.
Date / Time: Monday, October 19th / 3pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
Juniors, seniors, grad students and May '09 graduates are eligible to participate.
Call 312.369.7280 to sign up for an appointment.
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.
We're taking a trip to CBS Chicago. Join us and experience one of Chicago's premiere broadcasting corporations from the inside.
Date / Time: Friday, October 16th / 1:30pm
Juniors, seniors, grad students and May '09 graduates are eligible to participate. Call 312.369.7280 to secure your spot.
Field Trips are your chance to access a working environment, mingle with professionals and engage in conversations about presenting work, portfolios and professionalism.
Free music. Invaluable insight. Join us as we welcome LA-based Dangerbird Records artist The One AM Radio. Band members will discuss the inner workings of a touring band and what it is like working with management, a label, a booking agent and each other.
Date / Time: Tuesday, October 6th / 6:30pm
Location: Hokin Annex / 623 S. Wabash
Free and open to the public.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
The Anatomy Of... is a panel discussion that aims to explore how various arts and media professionals work together.
Playboy creative director and Columbia alum Jay Boersma comes on campus to discuss what it is like to work at one of Chicago's most diverse and interesting employers. Learn how Jay got where he is today, and gain insight into the publishing and online world.
RSVP to Michelle Passarelli, Staff Advisor at 312-369-6987 or
mpassarelli@colum.edu.
Date / Time: Friday, October 2nd / 5pm-7pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
This event is presented in conjunction with the Student Alumni Association (SAA).
Free and open to the public.
Photo Credit: Jullian Woods
Hear from the pros what they are looking for when it comes to presenting your portfolio for a creative job in advertising. This one hour session will discuss what you need in terms of content, as well as physical portfolio choices. If you want to work as an art director, copywriter or interactive art director in advertising, then you don’t want to miss this.
Date / Time: Thursday, October 1st / 5:30pm
Location: Portfolio Center / 623 S. Wabash / Room 307
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Please call 312.369.7280 to register.
Join us on October 14 at 5PM as we celebrate the 2009 Albert P. Weisman Award recipients at the opening reception of their exhibition.
Location: The Arcade, 618 S Michigan Ave, 2nd floor
Weisman Award Exhibition Dates: October 12 - December 11, 2009
The Albert P. Weisman Award was established in 1974 to encourage both undergraduate and graduate Columbia College Chicago students to complete projects in all fields of communication. With projects spanning multiple disciplines the Weisman exhibition presents a dynamic range of contemporary artistic agendas being addressed by Columbia College students. Exhibition organized by DEPS.
PORTFOLIO CENTER
New to the Portfolio Center and unsure how to get started? Stop by between Noon and 1PM any Monday through Thursday for a general “what’s up” at the PC. We’ll guide you through our services and events so you can choose what is right for you in your portfolio development.
PORTFOLIO OVERVIEWS BY MAJOR
Know a little about the Portfolio Center and its programs, but need more information specific to your major or industry? The Portfolio Center has two people on hand that can help you gather feedback on your work to create a more compelling portfolio. If you have questions or need a little guidance stop by and meet with the Creative Industry Liaison for your major on a day and time listed below.
Caroline Cook Juhlin: Walk-in hours Tuesdays 10AM-1PM and Wednesdays 3PM-5PM
For majors: Art and Design / AEMM: Fashion/Retail Management, Visual Arts Management / ASL / Dance / Early Childhood Education / English / IAM / Interdisciplinary Arts / Marketing Communication: Advertising / Photography / Theater
David T. Lewis: Walk-in hours Wednesdays 1PM-2:30PM and Thursdays 10AM-11:30AM
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 / Fiction Writing / Film and Video / Journalism / Marketing Communication: Marketing, Public Relations, Sports Marketing / Music / Radio / Television
WEBAGENT
Visit the WebAgent page for details on how to get help using your site.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Assistance with quick job search questions is now available on a walk-in basis. Stop in for a 10-15 minute meeting with Career Development Specialist Christie Andersen to discuss topics like resume and cover letter revisions, interview tips, job search questions, or an overview of resources.
Walk-in meetings are in 623 South Wabash Avenue, Suite 307 twice a week:
Tuesday: 10AM – 12PM
Wednesday: 12PM – 2PM
Appointments are still available and encouraged for more in-depth questions. Contact Christie at ceandersen@colum.edu or 312.369.6985 for more information.
Meanwhile, there’s a ton of info about portfolios in all fields at www.colum.edu/portfolio. Click on “student” then find your major/media. Dig in.
Join us October 1 at 6:20PM for a discussion with Chris Kaskie, Publisher and Chief Operating Officer of Pitchfork. Kaskie has developed and overseen all of the company's operations over the past five years, which includes the Pitchfork Music Festival, Pitchfork TV and a coffee table book entitled Pitchfork 500. The site is now considered one of the world's most popular, respected, and influential music publications.
Big Fish is a career-centric lecture series dedicated to the up-and- coming voices that help shape Chicago’s creative landscape. Free and open to the public.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, suite 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, how to get started, and how the Portfolio Center can assist you. Open to all students.
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd
Time: 12PM-1PM
Location: 618 S. Michigan, 4th floor
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 (well table) among the crowd of students, organizations and departments. Get there early and you might snag yourself a free poster from the Portfolio Center.
Date: Thursday, September 3
Time: 12PM-3PM
Location: Grant Park, Balbo & Columbus Drive
Keeping your work in both a physical and digital format is a crucial part of creating work. Most artists are unclear about this process, and many can ruin their own work by improper storage. Through this chat, you will learn the basics of archiving, allowing you a chance to preserve your work for your senior portfolio. You will also learn more about the Portfolio Center and how they can assist you at various levels of your college career. Open to all students and recent alumni.
TWO DATES!
Tuesday, September 1 @ 3PM and Wednesday, September 2 @ 3PM. Both sessions take place in the Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, suite 307.
*These sessions are part of Weeks of Welcome.
Here is your chance to pair up with a talented graphic designer or photographer to make an aspect of your portfolio better. For free.* Limited space is available by appointment only. Juniors, seniors, grad students and May '09 graduates are eligible to participate.
Be sure to read the guidelines and eligibility requirements first then call us at 312.369.7280 to schedule an appointment. All participants must complete an application by the due date listed below to confirm their appointment. Registration opens on Tuesday, September 8 for all Portfolio Production Week events. [Please do not call us before then.] *Printing and duplication not included.
| SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 2 | ||
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | September 28 / Application due by: September 21 |
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | September 30 / Application due by: September 23 |
| Photo Doc Day | For: Headshots and fashion photography | October 2 / Application due by: September 25 |
| OCTOBER 12 - OCTOBER 16 | ||
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | October 12 / Application due by: October 5 |
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | October 14 / Application due by: October 7 |
| Photo Doc Day | For: Product/3D work photography | October 16 / Application due by: October 9 |
| NOVEMBER 16 - NOVEMBER 20 | ||
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | November 16 / Application due by: November 9 |
| Photo Doc Day | For: Headshots and fashion photography | November 18 / Application due by: November 11 |
| Business Card Day | For: Business card design services only. This event is only being offered once this semester. | November 20 / Application due by: November 13 |
| DECEMBER 2 - DECEMBER 4 | ||
| Photo Doc Day | For: Product/3D work photography | December 2 / Application due by: November 25 |
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | December 3 / Application due by: November 25 |
| Graphic Design Assistance Day | For: Layout assistance, CD or DVD package design, type treatment, image clean up, image manipulation, film or music marketing material, DVD menu design, and business card design only with another design service. | December 4 / Application due by: November 25 |
WALK-IN HOURS
New to the Portfolio Center and unsure how to get started? Stop by between Noon and 1PM any Monday through Thursday for a general “what’s up” at the PC. We’ll guide you through our services and events so you can choose what is right for you in your portfolio development.
PORTFOLIO OVERVIEWS BY MAJOR
Know a little about the Portfolio Center and its programs, but need more information specific to your major or industry? The Portfolio Center has two people on hand that can help you gather feedback on your work to create a more compelling portfolio. If you have questions or need a little guidance stop by and meet with the Creative Industry Liaison for your major on a day and time listed below.
Caroline Cook Juhlin: Walk-in hours Tuesdays 10:30AM-Noon and Wednesdays 3PM-5PM
For majors: Art and Design / AEMM: Fashion/Retail Management, Visual Arts Management / ASL / Dance / Early Childhood Education / English / IAM / Interdisciplinary Arts / Marketing Communication: Advertising / Photography / Theater
David T. Lewis: Wednesdays 1PM-2:30PM and Thursdays 10AM-11:30AM
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 / Fiction Writing / Film and Video / Journalism / Marketing Communication: Marketing, Public Relations, Sports Marketing / Music / Radio / Television
WEBAGENT
Visit the WebAgent: Build page for details on how to get help using your site.
Meanwhile, there’s a ton of info about portfolios in all fields at www.colum.edu/portfolio. Click on “student” then find your major/media on the right side of the page. Dig in.
When working with video files that you intend to make available for viewing on the internet specifically using the WebAgent. You will need to make sure your video files comply with the requirements set by WebAgent and Vimeo. Remember WebAgent requires your file must NOT exceed 30mb and Vimeo accepts a wide variety of file formats. For information on compressing your video for the use of Vimeo and WebAgent, please follow this link. http://vimeo.com/help/compression
Beat the heat and come sit in one of our cool labs as you learn how to get your best work online using Columbia's # 1 web publishing system WEBAGENT. For the remainder of the summer we're offering you a choice of three workshop days: Mondays from 3PM-5PM, Wednesdays from 12PM-2PM, and Thursdays from10AM-12PM.
These workshops are set up as two hour crash courses that include a one part introduction to using the system and one part hands on learning experience. We encourage you to bring in your work samples on a USB drive or disc. Oh, and WebAgent is free and available to all students. All you have to do is read the guidelines then register for a workshop.
It's back--Portfolio Boot Camp, our multi-day event designed to help YOU shape up your best work in preparation for a portfolio. June 23-25 are the dates and all sessions are FREE. So what are you waiting for? Register now!
Programs Include:
-Portfolio Workshops: We'll discuss how to prepare, organize and put together a package that showcases your best work.
-DIY Print Book Workshop: Tips and resources for printing and packaging your work. You'll learn techniques related to layouts, image usage and font selections all geared to give you tools to do-it-yourself.
-Resume Reviews: Bring in your resume and cover letter for a one-on-one feedback session with Career Development Specialist Christie Andersen
-You Are What You Website: We'll discuss why building an online presence for your work is important and we'll convince you about the power of a professional, well organized, concise site...and show you some examples.
-WebAgent Workshops: Get your best work online using Columbia's #1 web publishing system. By the end of this workshop you'll have a live site ready to promote or work on further.
-Graphic Design Assistance Day: You'll have 60 minutes to meet with a designer for layout assistance, CD or DVD cover design, type treatment, image clean up or image manipulation.
-Photo Doc Day: You'll have 30 minutes to get your work or yourself documented by skilled photographers...no low resolution images here.
-And more...
Portfolio Boot Camp is open to all level students and alumni. Some production events may only be open to juniors, seniors, grad students and recent graduates.
You’re working the room at Branded and you’ve been pitching your goals for a career in online advertising. An Advertising Exec takes the bait, and asks what your means might be for conversion tracking. Your face gets blank. The entire room can hear the tires screech. All your momentum is gone. We can’t have that, now can we?
Conversion Tracking
In online advertising, a conversion occurs when a click on your ad leads directly to user behavior you deem valuable, such as a purchase, signup, page view, or lead. There are a lot of available software tools to measure these conversions and help sites identify the effectiveness of the sources directing their visitors. A marketing campaign is pretty useless if it generates many visitors but none of these visitors "convert" to customers.
Need to know more? Check out the Portfolio Wiki, read up on industry specific portfolio topics at the Portfolio Center website. While you’re there, check out Portfolio Talk on iTunesU.
The grass is indeed greener on the other side for Marketing Communications grad Bethany Meyers. In addition to attending Industry Night, Bethany turned her passion for environmental services into a career.
Stats
Name: Bethany Meyers
Major: Marketing Communications/Public Relations
Grad Date: May 2008
Current Employment: Saeger Media Group
Follow your passion
Once I graduated from Columbia Chicago, I made the decision to fulfill a long-time dream and move to Los Angeles, CA. Most thought I was crazy. I had no job, no car, few contacts, and was leaving behind a place in Chicago that I had become well established. However, I have always been a follower of my heart, so I packed up my bags and within two weeks I was on the western edge of the US.
Network and You’ll Work
Things were tough at first. Without school to help you acclimate to a new city, you begin to feel lost and rather tiny. I realized if I wanted to find my place I would have to start networking. My goal was to find work in the environmental sector preferably doing Public Relations work for green-minded companies. So, I found an organization entitled "Green Drinks" which is a networking night, once a month, for those in the green field (they also have one in Chicago!). It was here that I met the person, who knew the person, who knew another person that could help me out.
I soon found myself in an interview with a Public Relations firm that focuses on green, environmental, and health and wellness clients. We work with Jamba Juice, O Organics, Manduka Yoga, and many other companies that are doing good things to help better our earth.
Rock Your Resources
Keep in contact with your professors from classes. They have been the most helpful resource I have had. And I can honestly say that I have the Portfolio Center to thank for my current position. My firm had been looking for green minded people to fill this role, and the Portfolio Center helped me to make an entirely "green" book. The environmental work I have previously done was the focus of my portfolio and my designer made sure it stood out with color, layout and presentation. I then had everything printed on recycled paper and put in a sustainable book.
My interviewers couldn't have been happier when I pulled my book out of my bag and started speaking of green work I had done in the past. In fact, later they told me that once I brought out my portfolio they knew I was the correct fit for the company. I put much time into making sure my portfolio was perfect, and the Portfolio Center helped me so much. I talk to other friends who's colleges have nothing like this to offer and it makes me realize how truly lucky we are at our school.
Take Chances
I think the biggest thing I have come to realize is that the world is filled with so much opportunity if we are willing seek it. I think you have to take big chances to see big results. If there is something you have always wanted to do or go or be, now is the time. We have just graduated, we have the world in our hands, nothing tying us back, holding us down, or preventing us from moving forward.
Your first job may not be your dream job, it may not be where you will choose to stay, in fact, you may end up in a job that is completely different from what you majored in, and that is okay. Realize that we are young with lots of time; find what you love, what you are best at and pursue, no matter what anyone else may say. Graduating may not mean you dive straight into a career, it may mean you begin to experience a whole world of opportunity and relearn yourself. Don't limit your being.
Keesha Johnson
MFA Creative Writing
Portfolio Center Production Manager
Currently the WebAgent allows the account users to upload only one PDF file per account. If you feel that you have the need to offer multiple PDF files for download. Then you will want to follow these steps.
1. Upload the file that you wish to make available as a download on your WebAgent site to a free file hosting site.
(There are many websites that provide this service, so make sure you read their guidelines before you use their services. Some sites will only host your file for only 90days or for the first 10 downloads depending on which comes first. So you will obviously need to re-upload you file after it expires)
Here is a short list of some recommended sites.
http://rapidshare.com
http://www.mediafire.com/
http://www.megaupload.com/
2. After you have uploaded your file to the hosting site you will want to take the download link and use that as the URL of the hyperlink that you will create using the WYSIWYG in any of the text fields where the WYSIWYG is available.
3. Remember when creating a hyperlink in the WYSIWYG you will want that new link to open in a new window.
Kid Sister, Cool Kids and Daft Punk all have at least one thing in common--their PR firm Biz 3. On Wednesday, April 1 from 9AM to 11AM Biz 3, one of PR's top taste-making companies, will be on campus to meet with students, review work, and answer questions about generating good PR for music and media. In addition to musicians, Biz 3's client base has expanded to include key press for film and DVD projects, books, websites, new media ventures, festivals, and parties.
AEMM, music, PR and marketing juniors, seniors, grad students and December '08 grads are eligible to participate. By appointment only. Call 312.369.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
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.
Have an idea for the next great commercial but don't have the resources to get it made? The Portfolio Center, Art & Design and Marketing Communication departments are looking to turn great concepts into fully produced 30-second spots. And we'll foot the bill (up to $1000).
"Spot Shot" gives students the opportunity to see an idea through from concept to completion, collaborate with students in other departments, gain real world experience and create a work sample for their portfolio.
Advertising art and copywriting junior and senior students are invited to submit their ideas along with a storyboard and treatment or script. Up to three concepts will be selected and then produced by a select group of film students.
The deadline to submit your idea and application is Friday, April 3 by 5PM. Check out colum.edu/spotshot for full details and application.
Use Web Agent, Columbia’s free web publishing system, to get your best work online. Get set up with an account, upload your best work, work on it over time...it's that easy. Register for a workshop to start. You’ll 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.
Workshops are offered weekly:
Mondays – 12PM to 2PM
Tuesdays – 2PM to 4PM
Wednesdays – 4PM to 6PM
Fridays – 10AM to 12PM
Juniors, seniors, grad students, and December ’08 graduates are eligible to set-up accounts. Read the Web Agent guidelines then call 312-369-7280 to reserve your seat.
SAVE THE DATE for INDUSTRY NIGHT, the exclusive, end of the year, multi-event, career connections bash that puts graduating students and their best work in front of arts & media professionals.
Learn more about how to prepare for Industry Night on:
Wednesday, February 11 at 12PM
Tuesday, March 3 at 10AM
Thursday, April 2 at 3PM
Special Guest: Christie Andersen, Career Development Specialist, College Advising Center
Information sessions will take place in 623 S. Wabash, room 307.
Industry Night is a kick off event to Manifest. Check with your department to ensure you are eligible to participate. Details at colum.edu/industrynight
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 December ’08 graduates are eligible to participate. Registration opens on January 26 for all production event dates.
PRODUCTION DATES / REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Thursday, March 5 / Registration Ends: February 19
Wednesday, March 18 / Registration Ends: March 4
NEW! Tuesday, April 14 / Registration Ends: March 31
Friday, April 17 / Registration Ends: April 3
NEW! Monday, April 27 / Registration Ends: April 13
Visit the Portfolio Production page to read guidelines, eligibility requirements and get reservation details.
*Printing not included.
Graphic Design Assistance Day is part of Portfolio Production Weeks 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 December ’08 graduates are eligible to participate. Registration opens on January 26 for all production event dates.
PRODUCTION DATES / REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Wednesday, March 4 / Registration Ends: February 18
Tuesday, March 17 / Registration Ends: March 3
Thursday, April 16 / Registration Ends: April 2
Visit the Portfolio Production page to read guidelines, eligibility requirements and get reservation details.
*Printing not included.
Business Card Day is part of Portfolio Production Weeks brought to you by the Portfolio Center.
So the weather outside is frightful…BUT it’s the perfect time to lock yourself up at home and work on your web portfolio. And that’s where Columbia’s free account based web system, WEB AGENT comes in. Get set up with an account, upload your best work, work on it over time...it's that easy. Register for a workshop to start.
J-TERM WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Friday, January 9
Wednesday, January 14
Friday, January 16
Wednesday, January 21[CANCELLED]
All workshops take place from 12PM to 2PM in 600 S. Michigan, room 709. Junior, seniors, grad students and December ’08 graduates are eligible. Call 312-369-7280 to register for a workshop. Limited seating is available.
Learn more about Web Agent.Royalty (copyright) Free images that can be used to override the Web Agent icons that are generated for the following Audio, Video, and Text content.
You may have uploaded a piece of work that the Web Agent system assigns a icon that will be used as the thumbnail. You will want to override that icon with an image that best represents your piece.
For example if you have a video that you uploaded. You will then want to upload a photo still from the video shoot or some other image that represents you video. Or if you uploaded an excerpt from a short story you will then want to upload an image of the published cover art to represent your short story. The same idea would be applied to audio.
Now let’s say a photo still or some form of image for your video, audio or text is not an option for whatever reason.
Well there are several options to explore:
A: Take your own photo that you feel expresses and represents the work you uploaded
B: Create a text based image using Photoshop or Gimp
C: Visit a royalty (copyright) free website to obtain an image.
There are several websites that provide Royalty (copyright) Free images that can be used on your site. Here is a short list of some site you might want to visit. It is still important that you make sure you read the providers guidelines in regards to usage.
http://www.copyrightfreephotos.com
1. Reserve a domain name and launch website
2. Show only best quality work
3. Keep your site fresh (add new work regularly)
4. Include your site name on any and all printed material
5. Tell everyone you know about your site and ask them to tell someone
6. Optimize your meta tags for specific terms
7. Exchange links with other websites
8. Participate in blogs, forums, social, and professional networks
You may have asked yourself: Do emerging PR professionals need a portfolio? On Friday, December 5 at 10AM we’ll bring together several PR professionals who will give tips about how public relations students can showcase their skills in a package. Hopefully you’ll leave this session with all the answers (or at least most) and be ready to define the best way to develop your PR portfolio. Open to all students.
Guests: Eva Penar (Manager of Public Relations, Chicago Community Trust), Dominic Calabrese (Public Relations Director, The Chicago Lighthouse), Brenda Schulze (Senior Communications Specialist, The Chicago Lighthouse), and Kate Peters (Senior Vice President, dg&a)
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Produced in collaboration with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
Who owns your work? On Friday, November 21 at 11AM we’ll give you the scoop on how to protect your intellectual property from being ripped of as well as how to negotiate contracts that work in your favor. This session is a MUST for anyone considering freelancing, commissioning work or publishing work online. Open to all students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Juniors, seniors, grad students and spring ‘08 grads interested in marketing films are eligible to participate. By appointment only. Call 312.369.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
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.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Do you ever find yourself wondering what else you could do to prepare for internships, job interviews, or even graduation? CLICK, Columbia's networking organization, is hosting an event to showcase all of the resources that our students and faculty offer to make sure you get the most out of your time and tuition spent at Columbia. At the event there will be information about The Portfolio Center, The Writing Center, the Career Development Specialist in the Advising Office, ColumbiaWorks, the Loop, the Entrepreneurship Center, CLICK, and the Student Organizations Council. There will also be a mini-presentation or advising session from each organization involved. Finally, the best part about the exciting things that these valuable resources offer to you is that they are all completely FREE!
So make sure you pay us a visit on Wednesday, November 19th between 12 noon and 4 pm. We will be hanging out in the Hokin Annex in 623 S. Wabash, 1st floor and expect you to drop in and say hello!
Questions? Send an email to CLICK@loop.colum.edu
Would you like to be recognized for your best work? If you answered “yes” then the Columbia Collective Awards (CCA) Talent Programming Committee is looking for YOU! CAA is seeking candidates for the 2008 Columbia Collective Awards “A Chronicle of Creating Change” which recognizes the achievements of Columbia students and gives merit to their work. Ten awards will be given out to various majors and all you have to do is nominate yourself. To do so, send an electronic file of your best work to ccctalentmanagement@gmail.com by Thursday, November 6.
Good luck and we hope your portfolio is together…
Come out on Thursday, November 20th and meet with one or several communications professionals between 9:30AM – 11:30AM during Adstock. Juniors, seniors, grad students and recent alumni are eligible to participate. Call 312.369.7280 to sign up for a review appointment. Here's who you can meet with:
Company / Reviewing:
Arment Dietrich / public relations
Artisan Talent / print design, web design (including flash) & copywriting
Bandwidth Marketing / advertising
Narcisco Carlos (freelance art director) / art direction
Gen Art / public relations, marketing, & event management
GMR Marketing, LLC. / marketing
Golin Harris / public relations
Manuela Guidi, LLC / art direction, copywriting, web design
rEvolution / public relations & sports marketing
Saatchi & Saatchi X / art direction & graphic design
TeamWorks Media / public relations
Walker Sands Communication / public relations
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.
Location: 1104 S Wabash, 8th Floor
Adstock is sponsored by the Marketing Communication Department and the Portfolio Center.
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter will be on campus Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30PM to discuss graduate school options and applications for creative talent. VCU has five distinct programs focusing on ad direction, copywriting, communications strategy, creative brand management and creative technology. Come learn more about these programs and also get general advice that might help you decide if grad school is right for you. Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Adstock is THE career, networking and leadership conference for Columbia students interested in careers in the communications fields. Between brainstorming sessions, portfolios reviews and a panel discussion there will be a WIDE RANGE of industry people for students to meet with and hear from on November 20 from 9AM-1PM. Location: 1104 S. Wabash, 8th floor.
Participating companies include:
720 & Religion
A.J. Wright & Associates
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Lighthouse
Flair Communications
Edye Deloch Hughes (freelance consultant, creative director)
Marketing Werks
Noreen Heron & Associates
Ogilvy
Ruder Finn
Starcom
Artisan Talent
Bandwidth Marketing
Gen Art
GMR Marketing, LLC.
Golin Harris
TeamWorks Media
rEvolution
Walker Sands Communication
Schedule of Events:
8:30AM – 9AM / Registration and continental breakfast
9:00AM – 9:30AM / ADSTOCK welcome and keynote presentation
9:30AM – 11:30AM / Part A: Brainstorming Sessions / Industry professionals will meet with students in a group brainstorming session to discuss the industry and an offer career advice. / Part B: Portfolio Reviews / Industry professionals will meet with students one-on-one to review work and give advice on portfolio presentation. Available to juniors, seniors, grad students and alumni. Call 312.369.7280 to sign up.
12:00PM– 1:00PM – Networking Session
Adstock is Sponsored by the Marketing Communication Department and the Portfolio Center
Are you unsure about how to assemble your body of work for inclusion in a portfolio? On Wednesday, October 22 at noon we’ll talk about ways that you can turn your “box, discs, files, etc” 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 deeper understanding of what pieces are needed to build your portfolio as well as how to present them.
Location: Conaway Center, 1st floor, 1104 S. Wabash
This session is open to all student and is being produced in conjunction with the Graduation Block Party.
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
Tracy Nader, copywriter at Wunderman, will be on campus to review copywriting portfolios on Tuesday, October 28 from 6-8PM. Wunderman Chicago is part of a global award-winning promotional agency whose clients include Microsoft (Xbox), Burger King, Vodafone and Coke. Open to juniors, seniors and spring ‘08 graduates.
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.
Team up to: Win Awards. Build Your Portfolio.
student advertising and design competition
Entering student competitions sponsored by creative industry groups and publications can put you on the map. Most of the competitions require that you work in creative teams because in the real world EVERYONE WORKS WITH OTHER CREATIVES ALL THE TIME. And so should you. Your department and the Portfolio Center think that these competitions are so valuable that we'll hook you up with other students to form creative teams and pay your submission fees. You supply the bright ideas and artful execution. Later, when you win some heavyweight awards, we'll bask in your reflected glory.
The competitions that we've singled out for this year include: The One Show Student Competition, D&AD Student Awards, Love Your Body, and Columbia's own Spot Shot
Attend the Kick Off meeting for more information: Tuesday, September 23 @ Noon | 623 S. Wabash, room 307 | 312.369.7280 to RSVP
Brought to you by: The Marketing and Communication, IAM, Art & Design, and Film & Video Departments and the Portfolio Center
Senior Copywriter for Cramer-Krasselt, Larry Liss will review copywriting portfolios on Thursday, October 9 from 6-9PM. Cramer-Krasselt knows a thing or two about advertising, branding, direct and interactive marketing, media, PR, promotion, and market research services. With clients that include Porsche, Benjamin Moore and AirTrans Airways, this firm is said to be the fourth largest independent agency in the US. Open to juniors, seniors and spring ‘08 graduates.
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.
Director of Recruitment Ashley Houston of GolinHarris will be on campus Tuesday, October 14 from 12-2PM to meet with interested PR students about their portfolio. GolinHarris is a leading public relations firm with over 50 years experience. They have 34 offices and offer a distinctive combination of global resources and world-class expertise -- working with clients like Nintendo, McDonald's and Sprint. 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.
One of the world's top booking agencies just happens to be in our back yard. The Windish Agency handles Battles, Justice, Kid Sister, Girl Talk, Dizzee Rascal and Jamie Lindell, among others. They will be on campus Wednesday, October 8 from 12-2PM looking to meet with AEMM, PR, and marketing students. 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.
On Thursday, September 25 @ 4:30PM come hear from creative recruiters about what they look for in advertising art and copywriting portfolios. This is your opportunity to hear from folks that hire only the best and how you can get their attention with a stand-out advertising portfolio. Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
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.
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.
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 - / CANCELLED /
November 20 – Metro Chicago @ 3PM / 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.
Get A Great Portfolio Piece!
Heck, maybe even WIN a competition...
One of the most acclaimed advertising and graphic design student competitions is the annual One Show College Competition.
Click here for more info:
http://www.oneclub.org/oc/education/college/
and do your school proud!
We spend a ton of time here at the aptly named Portfolio Center ranting and raving about getting your Body of Work in order for your portfolio. But what does that mean?
For some of our students the idea of the portfolio is fairly well established: Photographers are looking to get their print book put together, Filmmakers are putting together their reels, Broadcast Journalists are working on their resume tapes, but what about our other majors?
What the &$#@&! can the Portfolio Center do for you?
Well…as it turns out a lot, but as with all things in life first you have to know what you need. Our services come two-fold, of course we handle an assortment of production services, but your first step into our office should be educational. We want our students to be empowered and knowledgeable, savvy and prepared for the industry they are looking to make a living in.
To that end we have cobbled together a sketch here; an overview of what your portfolio might include and some guidelines to collecting materials to that end and finally a brief overview as to what else we can do to help.
What all AEMM, PR & Marketing students share is a need to demonstrate their vision over the course of a project. This is something that can be easily documented through your portfolio. What you really need to exhibit is how you think about your work through all stages, from conception to execution. This is the same if you are a band manager as it is if you are a brand manager (clever!). Employers will look for the same critical thinking skills: what was your vision for the project, how did your engage that initiative and what did you learn in the process.
Another constant here is writing. In addition to your interpersonal skills it is intrinsic to demonstrate that you can communicate concisely. This could be press releases, project proposals, or artist bios. Be sure to have as many people as possible read and reread your work. This could be family members, faculty, or peers. Really you can’t get enough feedback and remember, “writing is rewriting.”
So what does this all mean, this blur of words? Well a few things. If you are still confused it is ok, we are here to help. Please look at our Student Quick Guide and start with your Creative Industry Liaison. We want to help and if we don’t know the answer we will make something up that sounds good, or, introduce you to one of our many industry experts whom can further illuminate the in-and-outs of your industry. We also have events all semester long where we bring in experts from you field for one-on-one meetings (Show Offs) or class based presentations (Sessions). All this with the hope that the more familiar you are with what is expected of you the more honed your Body Of Work will be. Ultimately our services are here to help you present yourself as both professional and confident. The time you invest now will pay off in dividends as your career unfolds.
We promise!
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.
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.
Join reps from Crate & Barrel's local team on Tuesday, April 22 at 1PM as they share their insights and experiences regarding marketing to internal audiences. Crate & Barrel opened it's doors in 1962 as a family business. Fast forward 40 years. And did it ever go fast. Today's Crate & Barrel family has grown to 160 stores and over 7,000 associates nationwide. Open to all students.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
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
Have an idea for the next great commercial but don't have the resources to get it made? The Portfolio Center, Art & Design and Marketing Communication departments are looking to turn great concepts into fully produced 30-second spots. Junior and senior advertising art and copywriting students are eligible to apply. And we'll foot the bill for production costs up to $1000.
Do we have your attention yet? Good. Here's what you need to know about the process:
Step 1: Visit the Spot Shot website for complete guidelines and application materials. EXTENDED DEADLINE is 5PM, Friday, April 18.
Step 2: Up to three concepts will be selected based on originality, clarity of idea and (production) practicality.
Step 3: Production teams will be selected to direct and shoot the commercials. Production will begin in June.
Questions? Contact Keesha Johnson, Portfolio Center Production Manager, kajohnson@colum.edu
Get Your Spot Shot is a collaboration between the Portfolio Center, the Art & Design, Marketing/Communications and Film & Video departments.
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.
En Prise Entertainment has a reputation for being on the cutting edge of the music scene. Co-owners Chess Hubbard and Matt DuFour, both tastemakers in their own rite, have been organizing, promoting and hosting successful, music-centric events in Chicago for the past few years. The pair--whom manage local troupe Office, Hollywood Holt, Life During Wartime Djs, and Tiger City-- will be on campus Tuesday, April 29th from 12PM-2PM to meet with AEMM, Marketing and PR students and give feedback on work samples and career goals. 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.
Louella St. Ville, Director of Education and Development, Crate & Barrel will be meeting with marketing and PR students to review portfolios on Friday, April 22 from 10AM-12PM. Crate & Barrel opened it's doors in 1962 as a family business. Fast forward 40 years. And did it ever go fast. Today's Crate & Barrel family has grown to 160 stores and over 7,000 associates nationwide. This is a great opportunity to discuss how to present your work. 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.
Want to find out some ways to increase your exposure as a performer? Attend Marketing the Performer on Friday, April 4 at 10AM. We'll discuss tips for creating effective publicity and how to attract others (besides your friends) to your work. 1st floor, 1104 S. Wabash.
Panel: Dennis Watkins [Director of Marketing, The House Theatre of Chicago], Denise Garrity [Publicity Director, Goodman Theater], Kyle Terry [Artistic Director, Dance Crash] and Chelsea Keenan [Marketing Director, The Next Theatre]
Moderated by: Chris Piatt [Theater Critic, Time Out Chicago]
And it happens at PerforMarket, Columbia College's only expo geared to help performing artists and performance art management students connect with professionals in their industry.
Be sure to stick around after this panel and mingle with several organizations during the Industry Expo from 10AM-2PM. This is your chance to find out about possible internships, get feedback on your resume or portfolio and receive general advice from performing arts professionals. And don't miss a special performance by musical group Napoleon at 1:15PM! Open to all students.
PerforMarket is sponsored by the College Advising Center and Portfolio Center.
The team from Edelman Multicultural is seeking a hard-working junior, senior, or graduate students with an enthusiastic, team-player attitude to serve as interns or trainees this summer in their Chicago office. On April 11 from 9AM-11AM reps from Edelman will meet with marketing and PR students who could be potential candidates for the internship program. The Intern and Trainee positions range from three to six months in duration. This position requires the candidate to be fluent in or have a strong knowledge of Spanish. Edelman is the world's largest independent public relations firm, with 2,000 employees in 45 offices worldwide.
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.
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
Time Out Chicago Marketing Manager Eva Penar will be on campus Thursday, April 10 from 3PM to 5PM to review student work. The publication--which offers a fresh young perspective on the scenes of London, New York and Chicago--is looking for marketing and PR interns. 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.
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.
Saatchi & Saatchi X’s Worldwide Creative Director Carlos Sanchez and Chicago-based Creative Director Matt Kuttan will be on campus Thursday, March 6 at 12:30PM to discuss with students a new concept called Shopper Marketing that agencies and marketers are raving about.
Shopper Marketing evaluates various shopping situations and finds ways to improve the consumer’s experience by designing interactive, easy to navigate environments using brand strategies.
Saatchi & Saatchi X is one of the pioneers of Shopper Marketing. With over 10 years of turning 'Shoppers into Buyers,' the company creates intuitive shopping environments that increase purchase behavior. Come find out how you can get in on this cutting edge trend.
Matt Kuttan will also stick around after the session to review student portfolios. Limited appointments available. Sign-up by calling 312-344-7280 to ensure you get in.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Having spent two decades building, managing and inspiring both creative and multi-disciplined teams, Carlos now leads the creative vision for Saatchi & Saatchi X. Most recently, as Chief Marketing Officer at Shop Bistro, a multi-channeled shopping brand with global ambitions, Carlos was instrumental in shaping their brand for the future by creating an entertaining and universally appealing shopping experience for a global marketplace.
His creative career began as Senior Designer at the highly awarded Wolff Olins London, where he designed and implemented corporate identities, lead conceptual development and client presentations, and lead project teams and new business pitches. In the early 1990s, he joined a young start-up called Diefenbach Elkins as Design Director. His career continued to gain momentum when he joined Landor as Creative Director and was charged with creating, defining, and building a new corporate identity practice. He later cofounded St. Aubyn with a simple holistic approach: to create branding programs that are as strategically smart as they are creatively compelling. His next three years were spent as Executive Creative Director at Interbrand, where he championed and evolved the integration of strategy and creative, nurtured existing and new practices, and cultivated winning relationships within the Omnicom network.
He has been a catalyst for companies worldwide to define, express, and leverage who they are through their brands. Throughout his creative leadership career, Carlos managed corporate, consumer, and innovations branding for a roster of globally respected clients including AT&T, Ameritrade, eBay, CNN, GE, P&G, Timex, Heinz, J&J, 7UP, International Paper, Merck, and others.
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.
[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.
Pitchfork Media, Inc. will be on campus scouting for interns and giving feedback to AEMM, marketing and PR majors. Pitchfork Media is the self proclaimed home of the gratuitously in-depth record review. Self-motivated individuals who would like more information about this internship should sign-up for an appointment between 10AM-12PM.
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.
UR Chicago and En Prise Entertainment will meet with design, marketing and management students on Wednesday, March 5 from 10AM to Noon to give feedback on student work and scout for interns. UR Chicago is looking for a design intern and En Prise Entertainment (which owns UR) is looking for a marketing/AEMM intern. Both interns would work for both entities. In case you don’t know UR Chicago is a free monthly arts, lifestyle and entertainment magazine based in the Windy City. En Prise Entertainment has a reputation for being on the cutting edge of the music scene and organizes, promotes, and hosts successful, music-centric events in Chicago.
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.
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
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
Whether you’re creating a design identity for yourself or for a client; effective branding is a key element to having your work remembered. On Wednesday, February 27 at 6PM several design professionals will discuss how to assemble a portfolio that showcases your best branding work. Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Guests: Dave Weik [Co-founder and Creative Director at Studio UKV]; Bill Ferdinand [Founder, zun partners]; and Nick Staal [Upshift Creative]
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Cynthia McVicker, creative recruiter for Draft FCB, will visit the Portfolio Center on Monday, February 25 at 3:30PM for a discussion about her process of reviewing advertising portfolios. She’ll discuss do’s and don’ts that any student serious about pursuing creative ad work should know about submitting portfolios and standing out from the pile. Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
This session has been CANCELED. Be sure to join us for Ad Portfolios: A Recruiter's Perspective on Monday, Feb. 25.
Come hear recruiters speak on Tuesday, February 19 at 4:30PM about what they look for in advertising art and copywriting portfolios. This is your opportunity to hear how to use your portfolio to get the attention of folks who could potentially hire you. Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
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.
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) is bringing their 2008 Mosaic Career Fair to Chicago on Thursday, February 21 at DePaul University. This event gives students the opportunity to learn about jobs and internships from recruiters representing some of the nation's top advertising, marketing and communications businesses. Some of the programs attendees can participate in are career development workshops, panel discussions and one-on-one resume & portfolio critiques. The registration deadline is February 14.
Chicago Women in Publishing (CWIP) presents "Contracts for Freelancers" on Wednesday, February 20 from 6–8:30PM. A panel of experienced freelancers will provide tips on how to negotiate the contract you need and want. The panel will include Mary Beth Klatt, who writes about fashion, design, and architecture and has served on the American Society of Journalists and Authors contracts committee.
Location: National-Louis University, 122 S. Michigan Ave. Cost for CWIP events is usually $10 with a student i.d. Don't take our word for it though, check their website for costs and registration details.
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
Brian Grabiner is a Program Manager for Mess Marketing. Drawing on a love of independent music and media and over ten years of event production and execution experience, Brian works as a marketing professional with an emphasis on these disciplines. He creates relationships with bands, labels, promoters, and venues and uses these resources to select and acquire content for various marketing programs. Brian works with an array of different clients across many product categories and helps these brands accentuate their position in the market and promote their products using independent music as a touch point with their consumers. He actively plans events/concerts in Chicago and beyond. Brian has worked on several International Film Festivals, at an independent television station, and has been producing concerts for over a decade and is excited to share on how those experiences have shaped his role as a marketing professional.
Availability: Varies
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.
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.
Eva Penar is the Manager of Public Relations for The Chicago Community Trust. Before joining the Trust, Eva Penar was the marketing manager/events, promotions and publicity for Time Out Chicago. She was hired on as part of the original marketing team to handle the launch of the publication in a new market. Penar also worked at the National Museum of Mexican Art for five years as their marketing/media director. During her tenure there, she worked on the “Gelman Collection: Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and 20th Century Mexican Art” exhibition and an expansion of the MFACM that tripled its size. Her hard work was recognized at the Chicago Emmy ceremony in 2004, where a public-service announcement that she coordinated with Univision Channel 66 won an award. She’s also worked as a communications associate for the Chicago Millennium Celebration, Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of Chicago. Penar is fluent in Polish and Spanish.
Availability: Weekdays anytime.
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
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.
With 12 locations worldwide, including Chicago, Miami Ad School is known and well-respected for turning out advertising folks with stellar portfolio books. On Friday, November 16 from 10AM to Noon Denise Esterkyn, Director of Miami Ad School’s San Francisco location, will review advertising, ad art and copywriting portfolios. 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.
With 12 locations worldwide, including Chicago, Miami Ad School is known and well-respected for cranking out advertising folks with stellar portfolio books. On Thursday, November 15 at 3:30, Denise Esterkyn, Director of Miami Ad School’s San Francisco location, will provide insight on what qualifies as a strong advertising portfolio. She’ll also discuss the school’s unique portfolio development programs in art direction, copywriting, graphic design, account planning and fashion photography. Location: 623 S. Wabash, Room 311 (near but not in the Portfolio Center)
Denise will also stick around campus and conduct portfolio reviews with advertising students on Friday, November 16 from 10AM-Noon
Creative Recruiter Allison Sagehorn with Manuela Guidi LLC will review portfolios for students preparing for ad-creative careers on Tuesday, November 20 from 1:30-4:30PM. Manuela Guidi is one of the most respected names in the Midwest advertising community. The firm sources creative talent for many of the areas biggest and most successful agencies. Open to seniors and spring ’07 grads with advertising art, copywriting and web design portfolios.
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.
Whether you’re creating a design identity for yourself or for a client; effective branding is a key element to having your work remembered. On Tuesday, November 13 at 9AM we’ll engage several professionals in a discussion about how to assemble a portfolio that showcases your best branding. Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Guests: Peter Zapf, Principal/Writer at Flow Creative and Dave Weik, co-founder and Creative Director of Studio UKV
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
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.
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.
Every year One Club sponsors it's One Show Awards honoring advertising's best work in print, radio, television, design, interactive and new media. And this year, that best work is coming here, to Columbia.
On Monday, October 15th, head over to the Conaway Center for the One Club Reception at 5:30-7:00 P.M. This is the only time you'll be able to see the winning television ads, plus you can mix & mingle with the advertising and marketing professionals who come out for this. They want to see the excellent work worthy of these awards- and you should too.
Booked on Monday? Then make a point to visit the Conaway October 9th through the 18th; the print ads will remain on display.
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.
You may have your opinions about what merits a strong, captivating advertising portfolio but the professionals have the experience. Thursday, September 27 at 3:30PM you’ll have the opportunity to hear Jessica Altus, Recruiting Coordinator, Leo Burnett and Susie Steinberg, Creative Recruiter, DDB discuss everything from portfolio content, delivery formats, branding and follow-up inquiries. Between the two of them, Jessica and Susie receive more portfolio submissions than you can imagine. Come find out how to make your ad art and copyrighting work stand out from the pile.
Open to all Columbia College students and alumni.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
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.
Perhaps best described as the Kordell Stewart of marketing magic, Tom “Slash*” Drennen is a Copywriter (sometimes Art Director and every now and then Illustrator) at Upshot, where he develops creative marketing solutions for Miller Brewing Company’s Miller Lite and Pilsner Urquell brands. Tom’s past client experience includes work on Disney Vacation Club, Proctor & Gamble and Kyocera.
Prior to Upshot, Tom was a Graphic Designer for Costello Nardecchia Advertising.
Tom holds a B.F.A. from the Columbus College of Art and Design.
*No one really calls him that. He just likes how it sounds when he poses shirtless in front of his bathroom mirror and says it.
Availability: Weeknights 6:30pm – 8:00pm (Unavailable Thursdays)
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.
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
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 still or video camera. If you are a senior, you can contact the Portfolio Center for assistance with documenting your work. Find more information about Portfolio Production (pdf) from the Portfolio Center’s website.
If you are not a senior, you may want to review the guidelines on our site (in some instances, you may qualify if you aren’t a senior). Some departments may provide resources for photographing or videotaping your work, providing facilities or giving demonstrations on how to do this. Another way to find someone to help is by posting flyers in the Photography, Film, or Television Departments. Dorms are a great place to meet fellow students who may have the skill to assist you in documenting your work. Many students are looking to assist other students in this area. Providing compensation is the best way to ensure that work gets done. You could offer monetary rewards, or trade some of your work to pay for the services.
When you find a student to assist you, make sure that you do not turn over your original work. The best practice would be to meet with the individual at the time they would do any photographing. This not only creates less of an opportunity for your work to be lost or damaged, but will let you in on how the process works.
Documenting your work is not the time to be artistic. If you are doing still photography of the work, you want to have even lighting, usually from the side to avoid any glare. Framing should center on the object. You want to be as straightforward with your images as possible. This will let the work stand on its own strength.
Storing Digital Copies
Once you have your work documented, or if your work is already in a digital format, you need to store the digital files. Many students make the mistake of only saving the files on a CD or DVD. The problem with this method is that many CDs or DVDs have a life of only 5 years. Glues that hold the recorded layer to the plastic can give out, especially the inexpensive spindles you purchase at office supply stores. Markers that most people use to write on the discs contain acids that can speed up this process.
CD-RW and DVD-RWs create a new set of problems, as the more you re-record on these discs, the more chances your files may corrupt. These discs also fail to hold the integrity of the original file, and you may experience a loss of resolution.
It is important to understand that a CD or DVD should only be considered a method of delivering your files, not a method of storage. The best way to store digital files is on a hard drive. Some people store all of their images on their computer. This is problematic when your hard drive crashes, as you may lose all of your files. File sizes can also eat up your storage space.
The ideal method of storing your digital files is to purchase a hard drive that is dedicated to storage. Many affordable options are available these days, most under $300. Of course, if you are storing movie files, you will need a much larger drive. For this ideal method, your storage drive will be backed up either on your computer or a second drive. This may become cost prohibitive to many, so we will outline the next best method.
The second best method is to store your files on the storage drive, and make CD or DVD back ups. If you do this, make sure you purchase metal discs, as the glue is much better. These discs can have a life of up to 10 years. Silver discs are the most affordable and readily available. The cost difference between these discs and the budget discs is not drastic. For labeling your discs, purchase an acid-free marker, available in many camera stores. If the hard drive purchase is out of the question, let’s look into the budget solution to storing digital files.
The third best method of storing files is on CDs and DVDs. We already mentioned why this isn’t the ideal method, but if you are on a tight budget, this is the way to go. Remember though, only by metal discs, no rewritables, and make sure you use an acid-free marker. This will work for you until you can purchase a storage drive for your computer.
A few words about file formats
The most common formats for saving image files are JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and BMP (bit mapped). For movie files, MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group), and audio files MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio). All of these formats are considered lossy, which is a fancy term meaning resolution is lost when saving in this format. What happens in the creation of these files is that your computer runs an algorithm, also known as a codec (for compression/decompression), to compress the information into a usable size. While this helps with storage space, you risk losing important information. Unless your original image is in one of these formats, you may want to choose storing your images in one of the following formats. These are generally considered lossless, meaning there is little or no resolution lost.
Preferred Storage Formats for Digital Files
Image Files |
Audio Files |
Movie Files |
.psd (Photoshop) |
.wav |
.mov |
.raw (Raw image file) |
.aiff |
.mp4 |
.tiff (Tagged Image File Format) |
.au |
|
.png (Portable Network Graphics) |
This list is intended to give you a starting point for file saving. There are many more options, but these are good places to start.
Note that when storing your files in one of the above formats, the file size can become very large. You may not be able to store these files without an external storage drive. If you need to keep a smaller version of your file, make sure compression is at a minimum.
Movie Files
Movie files will no doubt rapidly take over your hard drive. A five-minute movie, uncompressed, could be as large as 20 gigabytes. A solution to this is to record a copy of your movie on a DV tape (Digital Video). This records a digital version of your file on a tape. The only drawback to this is unless you have a DV player, you won’t be able to watch the movie again. Here are a couple of ways to back up your movies.
Best-case scenario is to save an uncompressed version on a storage drive, and make a back up on a DV tape. This allows you to have two copies, uncompressed.
Second best scenario is to record a copy to DV tape, and save a compressed copy on either your hard drive or a DVD-ROM. A DVD-ROM can store up to 4.7 gigabytes, which may work for a compressed movie.
Some people are under the impression that an authored DVD is the same as a DVD-ROM. This is not true: An authored DVD is one that is playable in a DVD player and usually has a menu. All files on this type of DVD are compressed, and while it is convenient for delivery of your files (viewing), it is not the best way to store your files.
A DVD-ROM is more like a CD-ROM. They can be the same blank disc as a regular DVD, but you use them like a CD. Drag and drop your files, then burn the disc. Note that you must have a DVD burner on your computer in order to create DVD-ROM discs.
Digital File Naming Conventions
The way you name your files can have a drastic effect on compatibility between computers and the integrity of the file. Below are a few guidelines for you to follow.
Following the above conventions can assure compatibility with multiple platforms and older software programs.
What not to archive
Many classes give you footage from existing movies or images from existing advertisements to work with. For example, a Television student may have footage from the British Television Show Brightwolf; a Film student may have used Law and Order: SVU for an editing project; or an Advertising Art student may have pulled images off the internet for a class ad campaign. While you may want to save copies of these until you create more advanced work, you typically want to avoid using copyrighted material in your final reel or portfolio. For more information regarding this, check with your instructor or our website to find a Portfolio Advisor in your area.
Your next step
Review the work you have and determine which you would like to archive. If you need assistance with this, review your options with an instructor, or an Industry Expert through the Portfolio Center. Once you have choices made, document what you can into a digital format. As you save your work, subscribe to the Portfolio Center blog to get the latest announcements on other workshops about archiving. When you are a senior, sign up for Portfolio Production, and we can help you put it all together. Once you have your work packaged in a professional manner, sign up for Show Off events to show your work to visiting professionals. And don’t forget, the Portfolio Center Archive is always looking for submissions. Students, alumni, instructors, and employers view the online Archive. Now go out and start saving your work.
Dirk Matthews is the Assistant Director of the Portfolio Center and an adjunct faculty member in the Film/Video Department of Columbia College Chicago.
Creative recruiting companies want to find new talent for their clients. That's their job. They want to look at good work. They also want to let you know what they think good work is. The Creative Group is a superb example of giving marketing and advertising talent an inside scoop on what is expected in the industry in terms of portfolios, resumes and interviewing. The TCG website has a career resources section with articles on creating a winning portfolio and preparing for interviews. But wait there is more. The company also has an eZine that includes a career corner and an archive of articles with topics ranging from freelancing to tips for creating an e-book to business card blunders.
Come on. They’re basically willing to spoon feed you. Open your mouth and eat (the knowledge). Mmm, mmm good for you.
Anyone will tell you: marketing executives will stop at nothing to make sure their product, slogan, organization or whatever else gets burned into the collective frontal lobes of every man, woman and child that might potentially care. They're sneaky. They're clever. Be sure to show them you are too.
In the last decade, guerrilla marketing has come more and more into the mainstream and, as such, most internship and professional portfolios should include at least one example of a guerrilla marketing campaign. Why? Because that's what the pros are doing and you have to show them you're a pro too. "Any student portfolio should try to be diverse enough to include a guerrilla campaign," said a representative from Campbell-Ewald, "We know you can do the traditional stuff- show us what else you can do."
The guerrilla marketing plan should be as detailed as you can make it. Include sketches, photos and descriptions of what it would look like and how it would work. Explain who it would appeal to and (briefly) why. You don't need to stage it (unless you can pull it off successfully) but, show them you how sneaky and successful you can be.
How much explanation do you need to give in an interview? This will vary. Some reviewers like the concept to make perfect sense without verbal commentary, others like to see you present it. Get a feel for the reviewer and use your best judgement.
So go ahead and show them you can burn your talents into their frontal lobes. Knock 'em dead, tiger.
On June 11, 2007, marketing and public relations students visited the Portfolio Center to discuss strategies for building a case study-based portfolio. We called in reinforcements to help with the task. Professionals Kimberley McArthur, a senior member of Edelman's Tourism & Lifestyle and Multicultural team, and Tina Dugas, senior associate with the executive recruitment firm Bloom, Gross & Associates imparted a multitude of advice upon students. We’ll share a few of the highlights with you.
Case study portfolios are easier to piece together than you may think. The most important detail to remember when creating any portfolio is; in the words of Kimberley, “Show me, don’t tell me.” Case studies provide an excellent medium for you to brag about your experience in brief detail. A case study should include the following:
-Title of the project
-Your role in the project
-Project description in the form of a problem/solution model.
-Photos, graphics, and/or documents that support or show the outcome of the project
Students should include projects beyond classroom work in their portfolios. Get out into the world and participate in jobs, internships or volunteer work that will grow your skills sets. Tina mentioned that, “Students are in the fact finding part of their careers and should be open to various opportunities in order to gather as much information about the industry as possible.”
Tina and Kimberley both agree that students should value their current knowledge base. Think about all the projects you’ve worked on. Create case studies using the elements listed above. You’ll probably be very impressed with yourself when you discover that you’ve done more than you thought.
One last note from Tina; “Reach out to professionals in the industry. They want to help you.” We say, reach out to the Portfolio Center. We want to help you too.
We made new friends with Tina Dugus, senior associate with the executive recruitment firm Bloom, Gross & Associates, when she participated in one of our portfolio brainstorming sessions with students. She left behind a nifty brochure titled: Tips for a successful search experience (PDF). It’s basically a brief guide on what creative recruiters expect from you and what you should expect from them. Although you may dream about searching the internet and finding a long list of marketing, advertising or public relations jobs (and that may happen); the reality is many companies prefer to use recruiters in their search for talent. Honestly, it saves employers the headache of weeding out the less talented. Assuming you have solid work, the more knowledgeable you are about recruiting practices the better prepared you’ll be to land a job and develop strong relationships with recruiters.
Another good resource that we found on Bloom, Gross & Associates’ website is PR Week’s 2007 salary survey (PDF). This is a MUST read if you have questions regarding salary, quality of life and the general job market for the public relations industry. One of the more interesting sections described the PR industry as a jobseeker’s market due to abundant opportunities and high demand. You’ll have to read the document to find out the rest.
Visit the portfolio center on June 11th at 9am for a brainstorming session centered around the idea of building a portfolio in the form of a series of case studies. Our professional guests, Kimberley McArthur and Tina Dugas will brainstorm portfolio strategies with marketing & pr students and we'll discuss how these portfolios can be structured in a similar way to a marketing case study.
Kimberley is currently a senior member of Edelman's Tourism & Lifestyle and Multicultural team and has a background in cultural programming and event marketing. Tina is a senior associate with the executive recruitment firm Bloom, Gross & Associates, a firm specializing in the placement of advertising, corporate communications, PR and marketing professionals.
Students need only bring themselves and any samples (papers, case studies, class projects, projects from internships, photos from events, newspaper and magazine clippings, etc.) to be able to participate.
This discussion is open to all current students of Columbia College Chicago and May 2007 graduates and will be held in the Portfolio Center, 623 S Wabash, Room 307.
Filmmakers, designers and copywriters have a pretty clear idea what we mean when we say portfolio, but the concept applies to PR and Marketing students as well. Join other students and professional guests from the industry for an advice oriented brainstorming session geared towards helping you understand what a PR/Marketing portfolio has in it, what it looks like, and how you can begin building yours.
Guests include creative marketing guru Wendy Lalli and recruiters Rachel Grimm and Sharon Potsch from Artisan.
This discussion is open to all current students of Columbia College Chicago and May 2007 graduates and will be held in the Portfolio Center, 623 S Wabash, Room 307.
On Friday, May 18th, Columbia students and recent graduates will have an opportunity to get their portfolio samples documented by advanced/expert photography students for free. Fashion design, product design, flatwork and paintings, headshots, portraits, sculpture, packaging . . . if it fits in the door, we'll get it shot for you.
The Photo Studio is at 72 East 11th Street on the 6th floor. You may sign up to work with a photographer at either 10 a.m., 1 p.m., or 3 p.m. Lights go out at 5 p.m.
Call 312-344-8660 to sign up. Your work must be organized and absolutely ready to go.
The maximum number of items you may bring is 10. If you need special props and/or special materials, you must bring them. We'll provide you with a CD of your images.
You MUST sign up in order to attend.
This opportunity is open to all currently enrolled students of Columbia College Chicago and May 2007 graduates.
The best portfolio in the world won't help you get work if employers can't figure out how to get in touch with you when opportunity knocks. Get a business card. One that you can be proud of.
To sign up for a design session on May 17th with one of Columbia's finest, call 312-344-7280.
This opportunity is open to all currently enrolled students of Columbia College Chicago and May 2007 graduates.
Graduating seniors with portfolio samples that reflect achievement advertising can make an appointment to get portfolio feedback and advice from several accomplished professionals from their field.
Professional guests:
This discussion is open only to December 2006 and May 2007 graduates of Columbia College Chicago.
*This session will be held on the 2nd floor of the University Center, 525 S State Street. Participants must call 312.344.7280 to make an appointment.
Interested in learning how to promote films with effective PR materials? IFP's Producing Series concludes with :
"MARKETING: Selling Your Film," an all day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. workshop on trailers and materials, developing a website and finding publicists and producer's reps. Extra: Pitch Your Film to Industry Pros," lead by Michael Moore's producer, Jim Czarnecki ("Fahrenheit 9/11").
At 1104 S. Wabash, 8th floor. Registration, 9 a.m., sessions 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch provided, noon-1:30 p.m. Cost for Columbia College students is $10.
Know what AdStock is? It's a must for students who want into advertising, events, marketing or public relations.
If you aspire to work in the ad, marketing, event or pr world, this is your chance to meet over fifty professionals from some of the biggest agencies and organizations in the Midwest. Professional guests visit AdStock to meet our students, look over resumes, portfolio samples and to give you some much needed career advice. They're also scouting talent for internships and full-time positions.
Each year a number of students find work directly from connections they make at AdStock. This could be your year. So look sharp, bring a resume, your card and your portfolio, and we'll see you there.
Our 2007 guest organizations:
Although the idea of a PR portfolio is not yet universal, there are many things an emerging PR professional can do to surpass those who represent themselves with only a resume. Two accomplished PR pros, Rebecca Thiem and Eva Penar, will work with students to brainstorm an effective strategy for building a PR portfolio that will help earn entry into the competitive field of public relations and publicity.
More about our guests:
Rebecca Theim, current VP of the Chicago chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), is a successful freelance PR manager/communicator whose professional experience includes times as Manager of Corporate Communications for Playboy and Director of Public Relations for Britannica.com.
Eva Penar is the Senior Marketing Manager for Publicity & Events with Time Out Chicago. Prior to Time Out, Eva worked on behalf of the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum and as a communications associate for the Chicago Millennium Celebration, a project sponsored by the Department of Cultural Affairs for the City of Chicago.
This discussion is open to all students and 2006 graduates of Columbia College Chicago and will be held in the Portfolio Center (seating is limited); 623 S Wabash, Room 307.
Something for all creatives is the motto of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs/Chicago Artist Resource's annual Chicago Creative Expo. On Saturday, April 21, from 10AM-4PM at the Chicago Cultural Center, venders and seminars will be a plenty with resources on issues such as affordable housing, creating a business plan, protecting intellectual property, insurance and the list goes on. The event seeks to connect artists with tool and services available to them in Chicago. So go and get connected...it's FREE!
Graduating students & recent alumni:
Do you already have a web portfolio? If so, please email your website to us, so we can include it in our collection of online portfolios. Not only might you end up getting a call from a potential employer, but you'll be helping those who haven't yet completed their portfolios by giving them an excellent example of how it's done.
If you DO NOT have a web portfolio, and you are about to graduate or have graduated within the past six months, then let us help you create one! You can register for portfolio production by filling out our registration form.
* All web portfolios received will be reviewed before adding to our portfolio collection.
The Marketing Store does it all. Like other integrated marketing agencies they create communications that span advertising, direct mail, in-store promotions, event promotions and interactive websites. Unlike other agencies, their clients are global consumer giants like McDonald's, Dasani, Snapple, Dove..and the list reads on and on. Each spring The Marketing Store visits the Portfolio Center to scout talent for internships and possibly freelance work. Students pursuing work as a copywriter, graphic designer, ad artist or flash designer will get portfolio advice from a global agency creative who can speak to your strengths and weaknesses in the eyes of the big agency employers.
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.
If you're reading this after this review came and went, check the Show Off page for a current schedule of guests.
No, we do not have the direct line for the Knights in Satan's Service. But we do have some practical advice on creating a usable, professional email. In a nutshell? Keep it simple, stupid.
Avoid numbers. If possible, try and avoid something with a number at the end. Did someone take the email you wanted? Tough. You might easily remember the year you were born, but an employer won't.
Do not divulge your less than wholesome hobbies. While it's best to avoid nicknames all together, email addresses with the words "stoner," "420," "hottie," "sexy," "lush," or any other word referencing sex, drugs or booze is a quick way to make sure no one writes you back. You're not being slyly clever; everyone knows what all these words mean and no one usually wants these characteristics in a employee.
Be yourself. Your best choice of an email? first name.last name@whatever.com Or, if that's been taken, consider first initial and last name. Or, try your putting in your middle initial. However, using your name means you're easy to remember- and get a hold of if something comes up.
Armed with a simple, professional email, look into printing up some business cards. That way, whenever you meet someone, you can make sure they can reach you at a moment's notice, without being afraid to hire someone calling themselves "midnightlover2003."
A common mistake most young artists and freelancers make is to forget about the Taxman. Failure to plan accordingly can doom a self-employed individual's livelihood. The good news is, there's help. The Chicago Artist's Coalition is hosting their annual Tax and Record Keeping Workshop 1:00 on Saturday, 20 January at the School of the Art Institute, 280 S. Columbus Drive.
Led by Mary Fahey, C.P.A., this workshop is for all self-employed individual including artists, filmmakers, photographers, dancers, etc. There's a nominal fee for the workshop, and more information is available online.
If you can write with proficiency and creativity you may want to seek out freelance writing jobs. The truth is, you may not obtain a full time job immediately after you graduate. And in many fields, such as advertising, marketing, public relations and journalism, freelancing is fairly common. And yes filmmakers, you too may want to consider corporate scriptwriting to pay a bill or two. I know; the truth hurts. No need to feel ashamed. However, you should be prepared and know the rules of the game.
Independent Writers of Chicago has published a set of professional standards to guide you through the process. Issues such as written agreements, expenses, spec work and terms of payment are included in a concise and informative document published on IWOC's website at www.iwoc.org.
This past Sunday (January 7th), an article appeared in the Chicago Tribune, entitled "Candidates make videos part of resumes," that discussed a new trend in "video resumes." According to the article, these video resumes feature prospective employees highlighting their experience and discussing why they want a career in their particular field. The candidates then either send their clips to prospective employers or send their clips via a link through e-mail. Sounds like some sort of strange version of a video dating service to me, but then again, how many of us spend more time with our employers than at home with our significant others?
Apparently, there has been some success with this method, as the Chicago Tribune illustrates with a few examples (pdf). But others are skeptical and voice concerns about sending video clips to prospective employers, suggesting that some candidates could be turned down "for interviews after seeing what they look and sound like on video," which could also leave some employers "open to discrimination lawsuits."
Another article by NPR points out, in "Job Hunters Seek Winning Edge in Video Resumes," that while these types of resumes have been around for years, the "growth of broadband connections and the proliferation of easy-to-use video-making applications" have created a large increase in the number of people who post or send video resumes to employers. NPR similarly highlights a number of success stories with people that have utilized video resumes and received numerous interviews and job offers. But again, there's a cautionary warning: "pitching yourself on video can backfire." Not only might you turn off a potential employer with your video, but according to Peggy Mastroianni, "as associate legal counsel at the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission," videos can be problematic because they can also "reveal information -- race, religion, disabilities -- that shouldn't figure into who gets an interview and who doesn't."
So our advice? Tread with caution. If you do decide to pursue this route, you might want to get feedback from professionals in your industry before turning the camera on yourself. And then weigh the positive possibilities against the negative. You might hit gold, but then again, your video might become the thing that people send around the office for a good laugh.
What we do encourage is the utilization of technology (audio, visual) and the internet to showcase your talents . . . your actual work. Creating video or audio clips of examples of your work that are easily made available by the click of a mouse has also proven to be quite beneficial, but without many of the accompanying concerns over potential discrimination.
How much does a portfolio cost to assemble? Well, everything at the Portfolio Center is free, including Portfolio Production. However, if you need to take care of it yourself, here's a rough idea on what you should plan to spend:
Business Card Design: 60$-150$ per side
Headshots: 100$-300$ for a one location, one setting shot
Assembling a Reel: 250$ (not including cover design, which costs an additional 135$)
Website Design for a 5 page, HTML site: 350$-750$
Website Design for a 5-page, Flash website: 500$-1400$
Web Templates: 75$-240$
And, the more skill and experience you require, the more you can expect to pay. You may be able to find a diamond in the rough (similar to yourself) who just needs to get their work out there and is willing to work cheaply, but, be prepared to be flexible about what you can demand.
As always, it's your choice. If you're comfortable spending between 250$-1700$ to get your first job, don't let us stop you. In fact, take us out to lunch at Custom House and tell us all about it. But, if you'd rather have someone else foot the bill, remember, we're here to help.
We, at the Portfolio Center, were recently notified that we won the 2006 NASPA Excellence Silver Award for the "Careers, Academic Support, Service Learning and Community Service" category!
What's that mean? It means the Portfolio Center has been recognized as the second best in the nation of all those who submitted in this category.
So congratulations to us! And congratulations to you, too, because our center's success is a huge reflection of our students and all of our collaborators (faculty, staff, and industry professionals).
Yeah YOU. All of you. I know, some of you feel weird carrying around a business card when you're "just" a student, but you wouldn't believe how helpful they can be in getting you that gig, interview, or freelance opportunity. Think about it. You're at some event (like Show Off), and a professional actually shows interest in you or your work. There's some mumbling about a possible job coming open soon. You want to give her your contact information, so you fumble around for that pen and scrap of paper, scribble it all down, and thrust it into her hand.
Now, be real. How likely do you think it is that she'll even remember where she stuffed that little wad of paper or who you are if she ever does find it? That piece of paper will most likely get dry-cleaned the following week. Or worse, yet, pitched in the nearest trash can.
A nicely designed business card, with your contact information and website (if you have one) is much more likely to get that second look; it's also easier to file for future reference, and it looks so much more professional! Even if you haven't done much of anything yet, it says, "I take myself seriously, and so should you."
Have confidence in yourself and think of business cards as a convenient and efficient way to network and share contact information.
Now, how to get them? We're holding a Business Card Day on January 25th. We'll have some of Columbia's finest designers custom create a business card for you (pdf) , according to your specifications. All you have to do is call us to set up an appointment (no, you can't just walk in). Call 312-344-8660 and reserve your spot!
AEMM students frequently ask us if they need a portfolio. Our answer is yes. But to support our opinion we've asked several professionals in arts & entertainment management roles what they think about portfolios. Julie Darling, one half of event production and public relations partnership DC Inc., spoke to us about she expects to see in a potential employee's event production portfolio. (mp3)
Our friends at Carnegie-Mellon, a really well respected institution located in Pittsburgh put up a portfolio basics page on their career center site. (They were also a guest institution conducting grad school portfolio reviews at this fall's Go Go Graduate School event.) It's a good reference with tips for portfolio organization, web based portfolios and specific advice for architects, artists, designers, musicians, performers and writers.
We don't know if we would take 100% of their advice as gospel, but it never heards to read, consider and make informed decisions now does it. Thanks Carnegie...Mellon.
Proofreading is essential if you want anyone to take you or your work seriously. You can spend hours of the material, work with a Portfolio Advisors, gets a professional web cite created, but, the butter the portfolio, the more glaring the typos.
You owe it too yourself to check each and every peace of copy - obviously including you’re resume- at least twice before you ad it to the finished portfolio. Reed it out loud word buy word. Get a friend too look it over. Alls it takes are one teeny tiny mistake and an employer stops reading an moves one.
Are we being too hard on you? No. Were not. That extra ten minutes of reading means a huge difference in how you present your self. Simple typos make and employer question you’re ability to pay attention to detail, submits quality work and the pride you take inn what you’ve done. No employer want to compromise on these issues- we don’t care what industry your in.
Microsoft Word made this process Evan easier a few years ago when they addled a super sophisticated grammar and spelling editor to their programs. Guess what? Its not perfect. It missed 30 errors in this entry alone.
Speculative work, or spec work, can bulk up your portfolio into a polished piece employers gush over or set you up for more a more difficult career down the line. The camp is divided. Who’s right? We’re not sure, but, we thought you should know all the facts.
What is spec work? Spec work is work you do without a client involved. You might be fleshing out that ad campaign you thought might be cool, redesigning a website you thought could improve or creating a brand and logo for an imaginary company. No one asked you to do this work, but you’re creating it anyway.
Pros of spec work:
1. Spec work is a great way to build up your portfolio with work you’ve done outside of class.
2. Most professionals won’t expect you’ve done much paid work right out of college (because you’re obviously looking for more.)
3. Spec work is a chance to show how creative and targeted you can be without a client dictating any specifications.
4. You can do spec work anytime, anyplace and at any point in your career.
Cons of spec work:
1. Spec work shows an employer that you will work for free- so why should they pay you?
2. Many professionals are vehemently against spec work, as they feel it devalues their work.
3. You don’t get the opportunity to work with a client, which is a key part of most design jobs.
4. Spec work can’t be protected, meaning anyone who sees your portfolio can use your work.
What is a recent grad to do? That’s your decision. If you ever need advice or a professional opinion, we’re happy to help, but, be sure to make the portfolio really does show your best work- no matter where it came from.
This is not exactly portfolio related. And the Portfolio Center is not hosting the workshop. However, I thought it would be a good idea to post info about the seminar below since I know several students (from dance to film & video to AEMM majors) who have started or are interested in starting not-for-profit organizations. And of course we want to support you as you find independent ways to outlet your art & media.
The Lawyers for Creative Arts will again present its workshop on Not-for-Profit Incorporation and Tax Exemption on Thursday, December 7, 2006 from 5:30 p.m.- 8:45 p.m.
This workshop will discuss whether to start a NFP, how to establish a NFP, as well as certain recurring operating problems. Also covered, how to obtain a 501(c)(3) tax exemption and discuss several legal issues regarding maintaining tax exempt status. The cost is $75 for one person, and $100 for two people.
Please call LCA at 312-649-4111 to register. Visit www.law-arts.org for more information.
Kimberley McArthur rejoined Edelman in July 2006 in the Tourism & Lifestyle and Multicultural practices. As an integral member of both teams, Kimberley focuses on executing national and regional Multicultural campaigns for a varying array of clients.
Kimberley previously held the position of Director of Development and Public Relations for the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC), where she created custom programming tie-in opportunities for corporate partners looking to strategically communicate with the Chicago bilingual, bicultural Latino market. Her relationships and experience with local and International media helped to add a new dimension to the publicity of the organization, increasing the diversity of coverage and content for the Chicago Latino Film Festival and other year-round programming.
Prior to joining the ILCC, Kimberley was an integral member of the Diversity Solutions practice at Edelman Public Relations Worldwide. There she leveraged her background to execute innovative media and promotional campaigns for health, food and consumer packaged goods clients wishing to break into the U.S. Hispanic market.
She has also worked within such organizations as TeleFutura Chicago, Goodbay Technologies and NewsWire One. Her experience has focused primarily on media, entertainment, business-to-business sales and Hispanic marketing and promotions.
Born in Brazil, Kimberley spent her childhood living throughout the Americas (Colombia; Costa Rica; Mexico; Ontario/Quebec, Canada) and settled in the United States, specifically Arizona, in 1992. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and minors in Marketing and Spanish. She is fluent in English and Spanish, and has a working knowledge of French and Portuguese.
Actively involved in the community, McArthur has worked closely with Y-ME of Illinois for more than four years, Gilda's Club Chicago, GenArt and local community organizations. This year, she will be serving her third term as an adult jury member of the Chicago International Children's Film Festival.
Featured in the media, McArthur was named one of "Chicago's fabulous 20somethings" by RedEye and MetromixTV in the summer of 2004. She has also appeared as a spokesperson for the ILCC in local and International print, radio and television news coverage.
*Availability: Weekdays between 12:00PM-2:00PM or 5:00PM-7:00PM (off campus).
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.
Understanding one's portfolio as an "outfit" isn't that much of a metaphorical stretch. Just as you wouldn't show up for a job interview or first date in sweatpants and a terrycloth hoodie, you wouldn't show off your fashion portfolio as a grab bag of materials in a manilla folder. Right?
How then can one appropriately "dress up" a fashion portfolio? How is a designers book the same as a managers? How are they different? What are people in the industry expecting to see? What are the portfolio faux pas you should avoid when putting together your body of work? These are the questions you have; these are the questions we hope to answer on Tuesday, November 28th at 6pm.
Helping us will be award winning designer Allie Adams from Doris Ruth (her company), Chicago Gen Art(ist) Kelly O'Brien and Laura Stuefen, a Senior Buyer with Macy's (as if you needed a link to know who they are).
Kelly, Laura and Allie will answer questions, talk about what they think makes a portfolio successful (both for a designer and a fashion or event manager) and then break into small groups to look over student's samples and brainstorm ways students can build and effective and relevant presentation of themselves.
This event is for all students interested in fashion design, marketing or management. Alumni are welcome as well. Space is limited, so arrive early (say 5:30) to ensure you get a good seat. Questions? 312.344.7280.
Show Off rolls on with an "emergency" session this Friday, Nov. 3rd with Saatchi & Saatchi Creative Director Matt Kutton. So why the "emergency" label? 'Cause we got word on short notice that Saatchi may well be in need of some Jr Art talent and we want Columbia people to get first dibs.
Thus, if you have some Art Direction chops, as evidenced in your portfolio, bring it and yourself to the Portfolio Center on Friday to meet Matt - but - you must have an appointment and be an '06 grad or scheduled to graduate this December.
If you answered "yes" to the above call 312.344.7280 to sign up and register with our office if you haven't already.
Go get. The Portfolio Center
Due to the fire and damage to the 630 S Wabash Bldg (aka the George Diamind Steakhouse) we unfortunately had to postpone (and hopeful can reschedule) Show Off visits from Wunderman and Pie Town TV. Go Go Graduate School (located in the 1104 S Wabash Bldg) however is still very much on for Friday, October 27th at 10am as is Monday's 7pm session for interactive designers, Too Flashy? Showcasing your interactive talent. (The 623 S Wabash Bldg is currently slated to re-open on Monday the 30th.)
It's a sad fact, however, the old cliche of the starving artist sometimes feels very real to people trying to make a living as filmmakers, photographers, performers, painters and other fabulous and creative professions. Some keep at it by surviving on ramen noodles. Some devote the 9-5 portion of their day to a desk job. And some go to graduate school.
But, how would more school help anything? You studied your craft for 4 years (sometimes more) so how would another two or three or even five years of learning get your closer to your goals? Well, graduate school and undergraduate school are two totally different experiences.
For starters, graduate study allows you to focus more specifically. While your undergraduate career has armed you with the basics, your graduate career will most likely offer a more unique and specialized course of study. The culmination of your graduate study will most likely allow you the opportunity to make that documentary, shoot that series or sharpen that specialized painting technique that started your interest in making art.
Additionally, graduate school offers you the chance to meet more artists and make more connections. With projects and grants for support, you will have more opportunities to get your name out there with the backing of a university. Those connections come in pretty handy later when you're out on your own.
Lastly, many programs will offer some level of funding, meaning you have a chance to work on your art without accruing too much debt (also meaning you may escape the ramen noodle diet after you earn your degree.)
However, to apply to graduate school, you need to prove to admissions committees that you are focused and committed to what you intend to study. Part of your application package will include a portfolio, and that's where Go-Go Graduate School leaps to the rescue.
On Friday, October 27th, the Portfolio Center and the Advising Center are bringing over 25 programs to campus to help you get the inside track on how to make the most of your application. We'll be offering panels on the visual arts, film & television, as well as a general "how-to" and information about the newly emerging "digtized portfolio." Not a listener? All of the schools will be there answering questions and reviewing work. It will be a great way to start learning about the process. You don't need to apply right away, but, the information will come in very handy should you ever find yourself trapped in a cubicle.
If you're reading this blog, then chances are you've stumbled across the basic concept of a portfolio 11 or 12 times already. However, while mostly we're concerned about getting you a job after graduation, sometimes a job isn't the answer. Sometimes more school is the answer. Well, we've got you covered there too.
A portfolio for a graduate school application is a whole different body of work. You need to be prepared to show what you can do and what you plan do all in a concise set of 8-15 images or a three-minute reel, along with an essay explaining your intentions during your future study.
How can we help? Well, we can't really. But, we did invite a whole mess of people who can. 22 schools from around the country are arriving on Friday, October 27th to give YOU the insider information on what makes a good application rise to the top of the pile. We'll be hosting panels on the Visual Arts application, the Film/TV Application, and digitizing your portfolio. Heads of Music and Theater departments will be there to explain how to nail your audition. Law school representatives will be there- and no, you're not a sell out if you're excited to talk to them. Interested in psychology? Five art therapy programs want to help you get started.
Come by. Bring your work to get some feedback. Grab a brochure. Go on to greatness. You can thank us later.
On November 8th from 11am-2pm, the SOC (Student Organization Council) is hosting Viva Volunteerism! Columbia College Service Expo in the Hokin Annex, 1st Floor, 623 S. Wabash.
The goal of the expo is to connect students to community partners and to develop partnerships between the two. Focusing on the 3 main components of working within the community; social, academic, and career development, the expo hopes to host between 15-20 community partners and 5-10 student organizations that actively participate in community life through service. Tables will be set up in the comfortable Hokin spaces of Columbia. Students, staff, and faculty will be able to view tables with information and speak to representatives. Refreshments will be served.
Visit www.colum.edu/leadership for more information.
Just to be clear, we're not in the habbit of stumping for anyone anxious to get their hands on your money. Nor do we endorse any company or product. If, as is the case here, we mention a service that is not free it's because we think it's worth looking in to....so, we think MOO's Flickr Minicards program is worth looking in to. For $20 clams (more like $25 when you add shipping) you can use some of the nearly infinite imagery on Flickr as the basis for your business card. Judging by some of the cards we see, you could use the help.
...and keep an eye out 'cause once in a while, our Portfolio Production guru Adam Berry offers up some of Columbia's best design talents for the custom creation of business cards. To ensure you hear about that when it happens, be sure you're registered with us.
Glad we could help
Each year we, the Portfolio Center, face a battle that is at once new and familiar: getting you to show off. One of our cornerstone beliefs is that advanced students in the arts and media should spend a good deal of time showing work to professionals in their field and collecting feedback on how it can be improved. One program in particular, Show Off, is our go-to when it comes to getting senior, graduate and recent grads' work in front of experts in their field. Following is a brief explanation of what Show Off is, and how you can use it to your benefit.
First, Show Off is ongoing. It runs throughout the year, hitting a crescendo in the middle of the Spring semester. It could happen on a Monday afternoon as easily as a Thursday evening, October through May. We book visits based on the availability of our guests, many of whom travel to Chicago and take time out of otherwise hectic schedules to be here.
It is not a recruiting program, although a number of students find work, internships and exhibition opportunities through it every year. Most of the guests who come are indeed looking to scout talent, but at the same time, the focus of each advising session is on helping you understand how to move your portfolio presentation along to the next level. Some guests are tough, some supportive, but they're all coming to help.
So, how does it work? Simply. Once you register you'll get email updates whenever we book guests in your field. When we book someone you want to meet with, call us at 312.344.7280 and we'll get you scheduled for a specific time. Then its you, the guest and twenty minutes to show off what you can do. These are tightly scheduled meetings, so showing up late (or not showing up) is not cool.
We have about 120 Show Off sessions each year, but when you break it down, each area gets somewhere between 3-10 chances (we get more guests from specific fields like advertising, design and photography) to have their work reviewed. About 250 students participate and most take part in multiple reviews.
Don't wait until the late Spring to get started. It's not uncommon for Spring schedules to fill up quickly.
Your pal,
The Portfolio Center
I'm the PC staff member that is probably newest to blogging. Call me slow to grab onto the technology. But I have to admit, this thing is really cool! Everytime we've got a new event, portfolio advisor, article, portfolio example, or even some new tidbit of information that we think is important for you to know about, someone here at the Portfolio Center blogs about it.
But the neatest part is that you don't have to keep coming back to the blog page to get the latest. Just subscribe to the blog! And I'm talking to all the faculty, too, not just the students!
On our main page, there's an RSS icon 
that you could just click on and then subscribe to ALL the blog feeds OR, if you just want to know what's relevant to you, click on the blog subscribe icon from your major/industry home page, then subscribe!
A "feeds" link will then show up on your browser's toolbar, and all you have to do is LOOK - all the new blogs will be there. Waiting. Patiently. Silently screaming . . . COME TO THE PORTFOLIO CENTER . . . we've got events for you! advisors, portfolios, ice cream . . .
No wait, that was across the hall, the Multicultural Affairs folks were the ones giving out the ice cream (well, you never know what student affairs has got going on around here, so it's a definite benefit).
It wasn't long ago alums Jaime Groth and Kevin Willard were in the Portfolio Center showing their work to everyone in a three-mile radius, looking for feedback, looking for some sign they had the make-up to make it in the ad game. They did.
If you're considering a career as a copywriter, stop by the Portfolio Center on Monday, Sept. 25th at 4pm for a Q&A with Kevin (a copywriter with Zipatoni) and Jaime, (a freelance writer most recently with Euro RSCG) and a show & tell session with the work they used to get work.
This program is presented by the Portfolio Center, in conjunction with Larry Minsky's Copy II class and is open to all current students of Columbia College Chicago
GO, GO to this event on Friday, October 27 from 10AM-3PM if you want to meet with representatives from several of the nation's leading arts & media graduate programs. Both the eager prospective applicant and the undecided knowledge seeker are sure to benefit from attending. You'll have the unique opportunity to meet admissions counselors, program coordinators and MFA directors and receive one-on-one feedback about packaging your application materials; including your portfolio or reel. You should attend. But please-- walk, don't run! We don't want you to hurt yourself before getting accepted.
Check out the Go-Go Graduate School page for details and a list of attending schools.
If you're feeling a bit creative and able to channel that creativity in a quick time frame than you may want to try submitting to the Chicago Advertising Federation's Creative Club Competition. The initial deadline of Monday, August 28 has been extended to Friday, September 1 by 5PM due to low amount of student entries.
This year's assignment: Create a campaign that helps convince the International Olympic Committee that Chicago should be selected as the host for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The prize: The winner of the 2006 Student Competition will receive three interviews at Chicago area agencies/design firms of his or her choice.
Find out complete details at www.chicagocreativeclub.com/students.
This is a challenging task I'm sure but remember even if you don't win; you can still use your campaign for your portfolio. And isn't that reward enough?
Narciso Carlos has one of those "problems" where, prior to graduation, he was pulled into the ad/mktg/design business. Talent can be hard to contain. That said, talent must be "on display" to be noticed. If that sounds too obvious, it's mentioned here because too many talented students aren't outward enough with their work. Narciso is not one of them. A new design and integration of blogging tools into his portfolio site are worth the look to all who have or want an online portfolio. There's a wealth of links to other creatives and their portfolio sites as well.
This fall, the Portfolio Center will host a program, "blogging for portfolio." (Day and time TBD, so stay tuned.) Narciso, you're invited. We hope you can make and share your thoughts on the subject. Your site looks excellent (as does the work inside) and the blogging is right on. Tells who you are, what you do and highlightes your creative talent. Bravo.
All the best, Portfolio Center.
I'll admit it, I'm a 30 something with a MySpace account. I have fun with it, connect with a few friends and some of my favorite celebrities, (Ohhh...isn't it cool that I'm friends with Stewie Griffin!) but there's two things I don't do with my MySpace page. One, I don't put anything up I wouldn't want my boss (or Mom) to see. Two, I don't pretend it's an acceptable replacement for an online portfolio.
Yes, I too have heard all the stories about MySpace as a networking tool and how bands have made it big from their MySpace profile - etc. Connecting with people, however that happens, is (almost always) a good thing. Job hunting is different.
In the creative fields the employers read into the way you present yourself to them. Any business that hinges on selling creative ideas to clients or customers is largely about effective presentation (sure, creativity has something to do with it too...). The Portfolio Center emphasizes presentation in many of our programs for exactly this reason. When guests visit to look at student work, they often comment, "The work was good, but your students need to up their ability to present it."
So how does this relate to MySpace (or am I just ranting)? MySpace is the easy way out. Sending your MySpace page along is like writing a 10 page paper the night before, they're gonna be able to tell. There's no shortcut here. Online portfolios are the wave of the future and are already the norm in many fields. If you're not a proficient web designer already your options are to get crackin' learning Dreamweaver, to partner with a talented IAM student, or, if you're approaching your last semester at Columbia, ask us to produce a website you can be proud of. If it stops you from putting your work up on your MySpace page, you'll be doing yourself a favor
Sharon is a talent representative with Artisan where she reviews portfolios and interviews graphic designers, copywriters, art directors, and creative directors to help make the match between their talents and available opportunities throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Sharon is a contributor to Graphic Design USA where she writes career advice articles to help creative artists put their best foot forward with advice on portfolio presentations, resume writing, and interviewing techniques. Prior to her current role, Sharon was a writer with Hewitt Associates where she wrote online website content for international clients. Her career began in telecommunications staffing where she fell in love with helping people find jobs. She majored in English at Illinois State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Sharon is available to speak with both graphic design and copywriting students about putting together portfolios that make strong impressions, writing resumes that work, and interviewing techniques. She specializes in helping creatives make strong presentations of their work and has written an article summarizing some of the basics.
Read Sharon's article Your Portfolio, A Complete Package (pdf)
*Availability: Wednesday and Friday at noon (off campus).
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.
Chicago Artist Coalition is another organization that has, for lack of a better description, good stuff. Check them out! Here is one event that they may have trumped us on.
Entering the Digital World
June 29, 6:30-8:30pm
Led by Rachel Powers, Associate Professor of Digital Design at DePaul University
This workshop will walk participants through the ins and outs of digitizing their work in preparation for a web presence, as well as the creation of a digital portfolio. The workshop will cover best practices for taking digital pictures of one's work, saving these images and getting them ready for:
- a website (what software to use when editing digital images),
- a portfolio,
- a CD-Rom,
- and slides.
Additionally, this workshop will cover standards for uploading images to online portfolio websites, such as the CAC Online Gallery.
Visit www.caconline.org for details about costs and location.We first met Kimberley in April when she was on of our guests at PR Portfolios. Uncharted Territory. We were impressed. She's got great things to say about the next generation of PR portfolios and the experience to back it up. She's worked for giant PR agencies, non-profits, film festivals and for herself. She's also been recognized as one the "who's who in Chicago under 30." (Bragging moment: She's not our only portfolio advisor on tha list.)
If you're looking to break into PR, Kimberley is your Advisor. Take advantage. And hey, if you're a savy film student, looking for strategies on publicizing your film, this might be a match as well.
It's not a portfolio in and of itself, but business cards are a good startm unless of course they're bad business cards. Whats makes a business card bad? We don't know, we only know from good business cards and if you come by on June 20th, we'll sit you down with a skilled designer who will design a business card with you. One you can be proud of. To sign up, call 312.344.8660.
Photo Doc Day
On Wednesday, May 24th , Columbia students and recent graduates will have an opportunity to get their portfolio samples documented by advanced/expert photography students, for free. Fashion design, product design, flatwork and paintings, headshots, portraits, sculpture, packaging . . . if it fits in the door, we'll get it shot for you.
The Photo Studio is at 72 East 11 th Street on the 6 th Floor . You may sign up to work with a photographer at either 10AM , 1PM , or 3PM . Lights go off at 5PM. Call 312-344-8660 to sign up. Your work must be organized and absolutely ready to go.
The maximum number of items is you may bring is 10. If you need props or special materials, you must bring them. We'll provide you with a CD of your images.
You must sign up in order to attend.
*Brought to you by the Portfolio Center with the generous support of the Photography Department.
On Wednesday, May 24th, Columbia students and recent graduates will have an opportunity to get their portfolio samples documented by advanced/expert photography students, for free. Fashion design, product design, flatwork and paintings, headshots, portraits, sculpture, packaging . . . if it fits in the door, we'll get it shot for you.
The Photo Studio is at 72 East 11 th Street on the 6th Floor. You may sign up to work with a photographer at either 10AM, 1PM, or 3PM. Lights go off at 5PM. Call 312-344-8660 to sign up. Your work must be organized and absolutely ready to go.
The maximum number of items is you may bring is 10. If you need props or special materials, you must bring them. We'll provide you with a CD of your images.
You must sign up in order to attend.
*Brought to you by the Portfolio Center with the generous support of the Photography Department.
If you've been reading this blog, you know that one of our favorite things are beautiful, effective and stylish online portfolios...and I found another. Recent MFA graduate, and interactive media producer Danielle Corches, maintains a nice webfolio that details both her professional work and her life as a filmmaker. No small feat. Looks great Danielle! Congrats.
The Marketing Communication department puts on an outstanding annual career fair, AdStock, each May, and truthfully if you're planning a career in advertising, marketing, publicity, events, promotions or public relations it is a must attend.
AdStock will bring almost one-hundred professionals to campus to meet students, review their resumes and portfolios, answer their questions and discuss potential internships and entry-level work. That's our part, we book the guests...and if you'll forgive our lack of modesty, we do a heckuva job. This year's guests include some of the biggest Chicago names in advertising, marketing, entertainment and PR.
The event is free and open to all students, regardless of major, and kicks off bright and early (9am) on May 4th. The early bird just might get the job.
Earlier this week, we held a session for public relations students called "The PR Portfolio. Uncharted Territory" with Barnaby Dinges of The Dinges Gang, Kimberley M. McArthur, Director, Public Relations & Marketing, Latino Cultural Center and Sallie Gaines, a Sr Vice-President with Hill & Knowlton. The question of the day was: Is there a need for a PR portfolio and if so what form does it/should it exist?
Kimberley was of the opinion that a resume is not enough. Your portfolio is your personal pitch. Think of it as a press kit about you and what you bring to a company. For Sallie, a stellar resume is top priority. It should be one page and highlight your skills. Then, if you get called in for an interview that may be an appropriate time to show a portfolio. Barnaby stated it best: Your resume is an outline for communication. If you are able to effectively highlight your skills, potential employers will want to see more. So why not be prepared with a portfolio?
If you're developing a portfolio, whether digital or print, make sure it is organized and specific to the company where you are applying to. Overall the professional guests thought that be it in a resume or portfolio you must communicate that you have strong writing ability, creativity and are able to work with people. Remember: The PR industry is a relationship industry.
A lot of students often wander into the Portfolio Center (sometimes desperate) requesting our Portflio Production services. Portfolio Production meaning we hire a producer to work with you on presenting your body of work. If you aren't a senior or recent graduate you probably aren't eligible for this service. Or you may need help documenting, photographing, recording, or designing one specific project and our office isn't quite set-up for that either.
But have no fear, Columbia College's newest student organization Click is here. Click will act as an online networking group for Columbia College artists looking to collaborate with other students on a per project basis.
Thursday, April 27 from 5-9PM Click will host their first networking convention at 1104 S. Wabash in the first floor Conway Center. They'll have musical acts, raffle prizes and guest speakers. It will be a really hip opportunity to network with ALL types of artists!
Visit Click's website for more information. www.columbiaclick.org
We think yes, but then again we're the portfolio center, we're supposed to say that. We've invited some of the PR players in Chicago to visit us on April 24th, at 12pm, to explore answers to this question and to brainstorm with students creative and professional ways to show off their samples.
Our guests will be Sallie Gaines, a Sr Vice-President with Hill & Knowlton, Holly Bartecki, Sr Vice-President of Creative and Strategic Development with Jasculca/Terman, Kimberley M. McArthur, Director, Public Relations and Development with the Latino Cultural Center, and Barnaby Dinges, Principal of the Dinges Group.
Attending students can show samples or simply hang back and listen. Students will meet our guests in small "brainstorming" groups to throw out and discuss ideas for showing off a PR body of work.
We hope you'll join us for (use your theatrical inner-voice) Public Relations Portfolios. Uncharted Territory this coming Monday, April 24th at 12pm, in the Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307.
Applying to graduate school can be a daunting process. As opposed to most undergraduate applications, you need to show the graduate admissions committee a portfolio to demonstrate that your undergraduate career has sharpened the skills you plan to utilize for your next set of academic challenges. Selecting the right work for your portfolio and presenting it correctly will be a deciding factor in the success of your application.
The selection process begins with the work that you and your professors consider your very best work. From that collection of work samples and projects you should create a selection tailored to the specific program you hope to be accepted to. This may require some research on your part to know the academic and aesthetic agenda of the schools you plan to apply to. This may require leaving some good work out of your portfolio because it doesn't fit with the programs you're interested in. For example, if you are applying to a fine art photography program, don't include commercial photography samples unless you feel strongly that you can substantiate (in the application) your ability to move that work in a fine art direction.
If you are applying to a program that will be a continuation of your undergraduate studies, you should have plenty of material to work with. However, if you plan to study in a field that marks a departure from your previous studies, you should consider including any work that would be relevant. (Many schools are interested in having students trained in disciplines other than their own and will adjust their portfolio expectations accordingly.) For example, if you are applying to an architecture program, any drawing classes you've taken may have produced some useful samples. If you haven't done anything remotely related to what you plan to study, consider taking at least one class in your new area of interest.
Whether or not you are continuing your studies, or branching off in a new direction, you should also be sure your portfolio is tailored to each and every program you are applying to. This may mean you need several different portfolios. It's more work but an individualized portfolio shows that you have thoroughly researched the program and chosen it because you feel you can contribute something significant. One way to know the agenda of a specific school and department is to research the work of the faculty who teach in the program. If your work is in the same vein as theirs or you are inspired by their work, that program may be a good fit for you.
Once your work is together and you've chosen your best pieces, you will need to format your portfolio according to the program's guidelines. Follow directions to the letter; you should be creative with your artwork, not with your formatting. These instructions will vary by school or even program. If you don't give the school what they asked for, most schools will consider your application incomplete and throw it out before they even look at it. And don't give them more than they've asked for . Go over the instructions carefully and, if you have any questions, call the Admissions Office; they will be happy to answer any questions if it means they receive a correctly completed application.
Lastly, when you find yourself with a finished, formatted, ready-to-send portfolio, get a second opinion; another set of eyes will help you identify any areas you should strengthen. Your professors and academic advisor are a great place to start. Many schools also offer informal portfolio review sessions with their Admissions counselors and National Portfolio Days bring several schools together to review portfolios. Take advantage of these opportunities. A little advice from the other side of the admissions process can help your strengthen your application and your portfolio.
Emily Easton is a Coordinator in the Portfolio Center of Columbia College Chicago.
On Friday, Mar 10 @ 2pm, creatives from The Marketing Store will be here to review ad art, design and copywriting portfolios.
The Marketing Store is a creative marketing agency specializing in brand promotions, promotional marketing, experiential marketing for a number of top consumer brands including McDonald's, Pfizer, Sony and many others.
This session is open to juniors, seniors and recent grads and the Marketing Store is looking for potential intern candidates for the summer.
If you haven't already, visit the Show Off page and register to receive email updates whenever we confirm new guests in your field.
No matter what you're year or major . . . this is for you!!
What is archiving? And why should you be concerned with archiving your work? The answer is simple: when you finally put together your body of work in a portfolio or reel, you want to be able to look over ALL of your work, not just your most recent or final projects. While early work is not always appropriate for a reel or portfolio, there may be a small gesture, a certain shot, a remarkable moment that could wow a potential employer or win you that grant.
The idea of archiving can bring to mind back rooms of libraries and museums filled with shelves of materials preserved for future generations. While the image and idea can be daunting, the process of saving your work can be simplified. Archiving your work involves two main components: saving the highest quality possible and keeping a copy in a separate location. Come find out the most effective and efficient way to do both!
This sessions event will be led by Dirk Matthews, Assistant Director/Archivist of the Portfolio Center.
Interested in seeing great examples of archived work? Check out our archives!
For the past few months the Portfolio Center, and by the Portfolio Center I mean our Portfolio Production manager Adam Berry, has been busy hooking students up with other talented students to help produce polished, professional portfolios.
Much focus of late has been placed on web portfolios. The web after-all is a medium that can accomodate all formats of portfolio work - photography, poetry, fine art, public relations, film, etc.. You name it, a website can be conceived to promote it.
Interested in a portfolio site of your own? Would you like the Portfolio Center to help? If you are a senior or grad student in your final semester, you may be eligible. Visit the Portfolio Production section of our website for more details.
Draft is one of the largest creative marketing agencies in the world. Their clients include CVS/pharmacies, Procter and Gamble, Hewlett-Packard, Verizon, Bank of America, Jose Cuervo, Nokia and Coca-Cola. The creative work they do encompasses advertising, graphic design, branding, environmental and interactive design.
Alum Lia Koo (03), an Art Director from Draft, will be here to look at student work developed for the advertising, marketing or graphic design industries. Prior to joining Draft, Lia was Creative Director for Ten by Ten Magazine and a designer at several prominent local agencies.
When? Thursday, Feb 9th
Where? The Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash. Room 307.
If you have already signed up for Show Off, and are a senior or recent graduate, please call 312.344.7280 and ask to be added to the Draft schdule. If you have not yet registered, please visit the Show Off page and look in the student section for the registration form.
Everyone can use a Portfolio Advisor . . .
Are you in the beginning stages of portfolio production and wondering what work to save for your future portfolio? Or do you have an upcoming internship interview and not sure what work to show and how to prepare? Maybe you're a music composition student, and you're interested in finding out how to break into the film industry -- how would you present your composition portfolio to someone in film and to whom, exactly? Or perhaps you're a senior or graduate student about to graduate and you just got a call from a potential employer about a job, and you're not sure whether you should include the work you did for your most recent class project in your portfolio. Or are you that film directing student, who has also done a lot of work in animation -- should you have one portfolio or two? And then there's that photography buddy of yours who has already created an impressive portfolio, has received good feedback on her work through Show Off portfolio review sessions, and is interested to learn how to get an agent to promote her work, but she has no clue where to go.
These are all questions that you and your friends could ask our portfolio advisors, working professionals in a variety of industries who are available by appointment to address these questions and more.
You can also show our portfolio advisors your work-in-progress and get feedback. And while you've got their full attention, ask these important questions, learn more about your media/major, and NETWORK!! You just never know what doors you might open when you walk through ours.
The Portfolio Center
623 S Wabash, Suite 307
312-344-7280
* Don't see someone in your field? Email mgreen@colum.edu and tell us what kind of industry professional you would like to have available.
Columbia was visited by Arc Worldwide Creative Director (and Alumni) JT Anderson and a whole gang of designers, motion artists and art directors who looked at student work as part of the Show Off program.
Here is the lowdown on what they saw, and what they had to say:
1. They like us.
They were very impressed with both the motion and flash work they saw and in fact plan to follow-up with several students they met with about future internships and employment opportunities.
2. Montage or not?
For the motion designers...JT and Chris, one of their senior motion designers, both expressed a preference for more montage work within a motion portfolio. Don't show everything you've done, but instead put your reel together as its own piece. Transitioning creatively between various projects you've developed. Then, make your full pieces available to watch if the person watching your reel is interested.
3. The weakest link
If you're a great motion or flash designer, but a mediocre interface designer or DVD author, make sure you UI and authoring work are simple and functional. Keep in mind your portfolio is looked at holistically. Any part of it that is weak, brings the whole thing down. Consequently you should either keep what you're not great at simple and minimal or have someone help you.
4. Don't apologize
As great as our students work is, they too often begin a review session with, "Well, I'd like my work to be more like ____ but..." or "I'm not happy with this piece but..." If you've got work to show you should be proud of it. It doesn't have to be the best work ever and sure you can and will do better in the future, but be confidant in what you are showing.
5. ...but don't be cocky
That said, no one is receptive to someone who think their work is great and is only doing a review to hear how great it is.
Thanks to JT, Mike, Chris and Pat from Arc for their visit.
A portfolio presentation in any format is a demonstration of your skills and talents and a suggestion of your style or artistic vision. Crafting a carefully written statement to put on your portfolio website can enhance the impression your work makes and clarify your goals.
Understand a bio not as a chance to tell your history as a creative person ("I was five years old when I started drawing pictures of my cat...") but instead a chance to say who you are right now ("My illustration work is about capturing motion; in animals, athletes, cars, windblown trees, waves, whatever."). A bio is also an opportunity to say what your take is on how to be successful or do good work in the profession or medium that you are entering. If you've got attitude, commitment, a great work ethic; make sure it comes across.
State your immediate goals in your bio, not your long-term goals. "I wish to direct major motion pictures that will bring about world peace," might be off-putting to someone looking to hire a PA or even an Assistant Director. "I want to work on every feature that I possibly can, to learn as much as possible," is more effective.
Be sincere and to the point. Funny is good, if in fact, you are funny. Most importantly, be yourself. Don't try to sound like an art historian, Snoop Dogg, or Don Pardo. Use your own words. Write in the first person or risk sounding like a punch-drunk boxer. (Everyone reading it will know your bio was written by you not by a professional writer, right?) Write it like you'd say it aloud, only cleaned up in terms of grammar and punctuation. And lastly, be brief. You should be able to get all of the above done in a paragraph.
If this writing task seems impossible, get help from a teacher, advisor, or someone in the Writing Center. In all cases, have someone proof your work for correct grammar and punctuation before you put it on your website.
An Artist's Statement is integral to the presentation of a body of fine art online or elsewhere. It can position your work among other genres and media, provide a historical context, and better enable the viewer to appreciate your project. Ideally you will have completed this important written piece as part of the process of completing the body of work it accompanies. Right? Right.
A strategy to consider in a web presentation is to put an excerpt of your artist?s statement on the homepage with the full statement linked to another page or pdf. A carefully selected excerpt will give the viewer the essence of your project and might further encourage them to read the full text but won't sidetrack them from viewing the work itself.
As above, if you need help, get it.
If neither a bio nor an artist statement seems to fit your particular web portfolio, consider finding a quote that gets to the heart of your work without leading the readers attention astray. Or simply write a line or two that introduces the work. Or if you think your work really and truly speaks for itself and won?t suffer from the lack of grounding that a written piece can provide go without.
Tim Long is an accomplished photographer and the Director of the Portfolio Center.
Friday, October 21st Open to all students and alumni Immerse yourself in this annual salon-style expo event that brings Columbia performers and performing arts management students together with professional agents, managers, performers, representatives from unions, and associations to help you learn how to showcase your talent, market yourself and find work! 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Marketing the Performer / Panel Discussion Professionals in the industry will discuss the best ways for students and alumni in the performing arts industry to market their work and themselves. Learn how to become a player on the real stage! Professionals from various agencies, theaters, associations, and guilds will be giving out information about their organizations and casting calls, taking resumes, interviewing for internships, soliciting portfolios, and more. A great chance to just to fill up your book bag with lots of information -- or an excellent opportunity to network! 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Roundtables Professionals will be available at roundtables for drop-in group career advice. Pull up a chair and have an informal chat with an industry professional about where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there! Make a new friend, while you're at it. ** Pro Expo and Roundtables will take place concurrently. SEE MORE DETAILS!! Industry Experts are working artists and media professionals we've lined up to give you practical advice on building and showing a portfolio in your field. Whether you're putting together a final portfolio presentation or just trying to decide what you could possibly show, a session with an industry expert will prove helpful. Questions for your industry expert: Eligibility Juniors, seniors, graduate students and alumni within six months of their date of graduation are eligible to meet with an industry expert. Students are limited to one appointment per semester and appointments are made on a case-by-case basis. We find that most of the above questions can be answered by one of our staff members so start by visiting us during our walk-in hours. If we can't get you going then we'll pair you up with an industry professional who can. Portfolio Production refers to the process through which the Portfolio Center will help students build and present a professional caliber portfolio. Most often this translates into services like graphic design, photography, reel editing, DVD authoring, and portfolio web publishing. Most anything that will make your portfolio presentation visually stronger...we'll help. These services would literally cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars to obtain on your own, but through the Portfolio Center, they're free. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth....We're the gift horse. Eligibility Portfolio Production is open to seniors and graduate students in their last semester as well as alumni who are within six months of the date of their graduation. Get started Production begins when you've prepared your final portfolio materials. Read over the portfolio production guidelines...seriously, read these first and then register with the Portfolio Center and select the Portfolio Production option. If you've already registered with us, call 312.344.7280 and let us know what type of services you want. Show Off is the primary way the college brings creative arts & media professionals to Columbia to meet you, give you feedback on your work and, if you're lucky (and good), hire you, sign you for representation, buy your script or put you in their gallery. It happens all the time, but only to those who show up to show off. Show Off works like this...you come with your portfolio-in-progress. You'll have twenty minutes with a successful person from your field. They'll give you a god's honest opinion about your work as it is, and also give you advice for presenting and marketing your work to people in your field. Bam. That's it. Eligibility Show Off is open to all juniors, seniors and graduate students, as well as alumni who are within six months of the date of their graduation. Others may participate with a letter of recommendation from a faculty member in your department. These letters should, in effect, let us know you have developed a body of work that is at a point of development that warrants professional feedback. Check out the Portfolio Review Quick Guide to prepare. When does this take place? Show Off sessions are scheduled based on the availability of visiting professionals. We work with our professional guests to find time for them to come meet you. You have to be ready to meet them when they can come. Sorry, that's how it works out there. You can check out our events schedule to see whose coming in soon. How can I make sure I don't miss out? If you join our mailing list , we'll email you whenever someone in your field schedules a visit. This will translate into anywhere between two and twenty chances to participate, depending on your field. Scheduling You must RSVP to reserve a Show Off appointment time. No walk-ins. These schedules usually fill up fairly quickly. Also, no "no shows." Call us if you can't make it. If you no-show, you'll be killed. Ok, maybe just beaten. Ok, not beaten either, but you will be at risk to lose any future privileges to participate in Show Off, portfolio production, and Industry Expert appointments. And that's bad. Wendy began her career as a copywriter and eventually worked her way up to creative director, working for both advertising agencies and an in-house marketing department. She has won dozens of awards for campaigns selling everything from checking accounts to computers and is still frequently asked to judge award shows for the Business Marketing Association, Direct Marketing Association and other professional organizations. In 1999, Wendy became a recruiter for Paladin Staffing, interviewing and presenting copywriters, art directors and others for various positions with ad agencies, corporations and professional associations. She is currently Senior Copy Supervisor of UMarketing LLC. A recognized authority on professional development whose articles appear frequently in the Chicago Tribune, Star, Quincy Herald and various trade publications, Wendy now specializes in career development for marketing communications specialists at all levels, career changers, students and others in transition. Availability: Generally any weekday after 6pm. All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert, call us at 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. If you're a copywriter or art director looking for a new position with an ad agency or marketing department, your portfolio is every bit as instrumental to getting a job as your ability to give a good interview. In fact, most hiring managers won't see you until they've seen your work. So if your book isn't good enough to impress an agency recruiter or/and creative director on its own, you may never get past the reception desk. Here are some tips on how to showcase your work to its best advantage whether you're just out of school or an award-winning veteran. Less is more. Keep your book to 12 or 15 pieces! Whenever possible, show campaigns of two or three ads each rather than single pieces. Quality counts! You're better off with one outstanding campaign and two others that are almost as good, than your best work plus a lot of off-strategy filler. Print ads are favored over storyboards. The bounds of good taste. Break-through creative is, almost by definition, unsettling. But to make sure that your work hasn't gone too far, show it to two or three other people and ask them what they think. If two out of three seem to have trouble meeting your eye, you may want to choose another campaign. An offensive campaign may be easily remembered, but to your detriment. When you're in the room? Good advertising should be able to stand on its own. Yet judging an ad fairly, often depends on knowing what the objective was and what obstacles or limitations the creative team had to overcome. Let's say you were asked to create an ad that would boost the hits on a client's website by 100 per cent on a total budge of $200. Keeping within budget, you created a black and white tombstone ad that exceeded the client's goal ten times over. Creative directors won't know the full story behind an ad unless you tell them. Once you decide which campaigns to include, create a presentation sheet for each one that describes the client, your strategic objective, the concept rationale and the results of your work. Presenting this information upfront not only shows off the work better, it demonstrates just how good your communication skills really are. Presentation skills are huge. The sheets in your portfolio can serve as notes when you're making a verbal presentation of your work. Use them to help you explain the project's objectives and the rationale for the creative. An interview is an ideal opportunity to show how you would do in a client presentation, so the more polished you are the better. You should also be able to tell how you came up with your ideas. Did you read 20 articles about the product on the internet, interview people who used the product, see it written in the foam in your cappuccino. Don't be afraid to tell the back-story (in brief). Edit your book for every viewer. If you're interviewing with a head hunter or staffing agency, your book should show a variety of products, approaches and projects. If you're interviewing directly with an agency, try to put in at least one piece (real or "spec") that's relevant to a product they might actually have as a client. Remember, a successful job search begins by marketing yourself effectively. And your portfolio should be the most powerful weapon in your arsenal. Wendi Lalli is a copy supervisor and brand strategist for Lanyap. She has years of experience across a variety of communications disciplines includes marketing, advertising and public relations. She is also a portfolio advisor, available to meet marketing students by appointment.
Posted by mgreen at 10:58 AM
October 7, 2005
PERFORMARKET: Oct 21st
10:00 a.m. -- 2:00 p.m.
Hokin Annex & Hot House
HOKIN ANNEX
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Pro Expo
HOT HOUSE
HOT HOUSE
Posted by kscott at 10:21 AM
September 9, 2005
Industry Experts
Posted by mgreen at 9:16 AM
August 28, 2005
Portfolio Production
Posted by mgreen at 2:04 PM
August 18, 2005
Show Off
Posted by mgreen at 2:24 PM
June 30, 2005
Marketing Industry Expert Wendy Lalli
Posted by mgreen at 3:55 PM
June 5, 2005
Portfolio Power
by Wendy Lalli
Posted by mgreen at 3:57 PM
