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.
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.
We are a visual culture. We often take for granted our other senses, but the world of radio is an art form all it’s own. As much theater and acting as it is technical know-how. Radio majors need to (intentional bad demo pun warning) demonstrate their craft as much as the next guy and in many ways have to keep up on trends constantly.
Radio students are either on-air talent or more production focused. The market place is ever shifting and ultimately students find their work showing up in the form of Airchecks. These demos are intended to show off the talent of an announcer or radio programmer to a prospective employer. The Airchecks are frequently changed to make sure they don’t become stale and can be housed as a CD and more and more on the DJ’s website.
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.
Nearly 10,000 journalists and media executives will meet in Chicago from July 23-27 to discuss timely issues affecting journalism and the media industry as part of the Unity '08 Convention. Unity: Journalists of Color, Inc. is a coalition of the four alliances, the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and the Native American Journalists Association.
Open to all (but not for free), this quadrennial convention hosts workshops, broadcasts critiques, a career expo and a full day focused on student projects in multiple media. Registration is now open.
SAVE THE DATES FOR PORTFOLIO BOOT CAMP! Shape up your body of work during this week long program especially for recent grads. You’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback on how to present your work and tighten up your portfolio presentation through production services. December 2007 & May 2008 graduates are eligible.
Full schedule with dates, times and registration information is coming soon but here are a few of the programs that will be offered:
Portfolio Web Workshop / Move your work onto the world wide web by attending a tutorial session for Portfolio Web, Columbia’s free website publishing system. You’ll have the chance to set-up an account plus we’ll show you sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work.
Photo Doc Day / Get high quality photos of your portfolio samples taken by advanced photography students. For fashion design, product design, flatwork and paintings, headshots, sculpture, packaging . . . anything 3D…if it fits in the door, we'll get it shot for you.
Covered: CD/DVD Package Design Day / Is your work covered? If not, we’ll pair you with a graphic designer to create a cover and disc label for your work. Sending out your film, reel, demo, aircheck or resume tape on CD or DVD with your name scrawled in Sharpie just won’t do...
Short Cuts: Reel & Resume Tape Editing / Bring in your footage* and meet with an editor who will cut a professional reel or resume tape for you. Open to film & video, television, and broadcast journalism recent grads ready to assemble their final reel. *Note: All footage must either be in QuickTime (.MOV), DVCAM, or MiniDV format.
DIY Print Books / Learn how to create and update your print book or press kit. We’ll discuss resources and techniques relating to layouts, image usage and font selection all geared to give you tools for do-it-yourself application.
Clean Up Your Image Day / Ready to organize your work into a PDF, print book or press kit? You’ll have the chance to work with a designer on layout assistance, font selection/type treatment, image cleanup and image manipulation.
We're opening up our doors and giving current Portfolio Web account users several chances to come in, ask questions and continue the plight to online portfolio greatness. If you need individual attention, can't quite get your formatting right, or maybe you can't decide on which design works best with your content then this is the time to resolve those issues.
Schedule:
Monday, May 12 / 12-2PM & 4-6PM
Tuesday, May 13 / 11AM-1PM & 4-6PM [4-6PM session will be held in room 419 of 623 S. Wabash]
Wednesday, May14 / 12-2PM & 3-5PM
Thursday, May 15 / 10AM-12PM & 3-5PM (last chance before Industry Night)
Friday, May 16 / No walk-in hours...you should be at Manifest anyway
Location: 623 S. Wabash room 307 unless otherwise noted above.
Open only to senior and grad students who currently have an account. If you'd like a free web account and you are a senior or grad student please give us a ring at 312-344-7280 for more information.
Back by popular demand: Portfolio Web Workshop Week. Seniors this is your chance to move your work into the world wide web. Attend one of the Portfolio Center's web site tutorial sessions during May 5-9 that will introduce you to Portfolio Web, Columbia’s free website publishing system. You’ll have the chance to set-up an account and we’ll show you sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work. This session will be hands-on so feel free to bring work samples with you.
Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged to ensure you get a seat. Sign-up by calling 312.344.7280. Open to seniors only.
Monday, May 5
4-6PM / 600 S. Michigan, Room 709
Wednesday, May 7
4-6PM / 600 S. Michigan, Room 709
Friday, May 9
Noon-2PM / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709
If you currently have an account and just need some help figuring next steps please come by the Portfolio Center with your questions during Portfolio Web Walk-In Hours.
We're opening up our doors and giving current Portfolio Web account users several chances to come in, ask questions and continue the plight to online portfolio greatness. If you need individual attention, can't quite get your formatting right, or maybe you can't decide on which design works best with your content then this is the time to resolve those issues.
Schedule:
Monday, May 5 / 1-3PM
Tuesday, May 6 / Sorry...no walk-in hours
Wednesday, May 7 / 3-5PM
Thursday, May 8 / 3-5PM
Friday, May 9 / 10AM-12PM
Location: 623 S. Wabash room 307
Open only to senior and grad students who currently have an account. If you'd like a free web account and you are a senior or grad student please give us a ring at 312-344-7280 for more information.
Here is a quick tutorial on how to resize your images for the Portfolio Web system using Photoshop.
Go to File > Open… and select the image to be resized.
Go to Image > Image Size… a pop-up window will display your image size and resolution information.
Make sure that the Pixel Dimension fields are chained together in order to keep your image proportion correct. (If the Pixel Dimension fields are NOT chained together, then place a check mark in the box next to Constrain Proportions)
Then In the Image Size window you will NEED to lower the resolution to 72.
In the drop down box located at the bottom of the Image Size window you will want to choose”bicubic sharper (best for reduction)”
In the Pixel Dimension field lower the width to 600 pixels* (make sure you have selected pixels NOT Percent in the drop down box that is to the right of the width field) then press OK. *Remember NOT to exceed 600 pixels wide nor 800 pixels high.
Go to File > Save As… and select JPEG as your file type and choose a destination for your file. Remember to give your file a different name, so you avoid writing over and losing your original file.
Choose JPEG from the drop down box. **IMPORTANT** Rename your file so you do not loose the original file.
We realize that you may not know exactly where to begin when it comes time to build your portfolio. Quick word of advice: Start with your content. Does any of your work need to be documented? If so, there are several services that the Portfolio Center offers to help seniors and grad students capture their work. Lani Schuster, an MFA student in the Book & Paper Arts program, utilized the Portfolio Center's Photo Doc Day to get high quality photographs taken of her paper art.
PC: What type of work do you produce?
Lani: I am a Book Artist, Paper Artist and Sculptor.
PC: How do you showcase or promote your work?
Lani: I participate in exhibitions and with the help of the Portfolio Center I will have a website.
PC: What type of information or samples are in your portfolio?
Lani: I include an artist statement along with slides, digital images and samples of my books, handmade paper and sculptures.
PC: How did the Portfolio Center help?
Lani: They have helped in documenting my artwork and have provided tips on how to represent myself as a Fine Artist.
PC: Why do you think displaying / packaging your work is important?
Lani: The only way to get exposure is to show your work. This leads you to making connections with those whom can offer you opportunities you didn't have before.
PC: Anything else you think students should know before putting their portfolio together?
Lani: Although it is an overwhelming task the Portfolio Center will help you step by step and encourage you along the way.
-----Lani was able to get dozens of photographs of her work by participating in Photo Doc Day. Graduating students needing professional documentation of their garments, products, fine art, and really any 3-D work or even headshots should plan to get it done at the next Photo Doc Day in mid-June during Portfolio Boot Camp.
Mark your calendar for Portfolio Boot Camp: Workshops & Production for New Grads to be held this June. We can't give you specifics on which professionals will be here or give you the exact times / dates of programs yet, BUT we can tell you that if you're graduating in May and still unsure of how to pull your work together then you should plan to attend.
During this week you’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback from professionals and tighten up your portfolio presentation through production services. More details coming soon about how you can shape up your body of work during Portfolio Boot Camp. Check back...and if you haven't already, register with the Portfolio Center and let us know you're graduating. We'll put you on our mailing list.
We're spotlighting some of the talented soon to be or recent grads of Columbia and their work...as well as services they've used through the Portfolio Center (of course). Blake Wells, Audio Arts & Acoustics major, recently set-up his text-based portfolio using Portfolio Web. He shared with us his approach to showcasing his skills online.
PC: What industry do you want to work in?
Blake: Acoustical Consulting
PC: How are you showcasing or promoting your work?
Blake: Scanning documents from previous classes and a lab notebook. Displaying my resume and other attributes that will show that I am qualified for the position I'm applying for.
PC: What type of information or samples are in your portfolio?
Blake: Written reports, a lab notebook, and a preview of a final project that is still in the works.
PC: How did the Portfolio Center help or what services did you receive through us?
Blake: I was able to create a website that potential employers could navigate to in order to learn more about the Acoustics program at Columbia and the work that I am able to produce. It also created a place for people to see my resume if they lost it.
PC: Why do you think displaying / packaging your work is important?
Blake: It's important for people to see what kind of work I am able to do after my education at Columbia. The Acoustics program is unique and many people do not know much about it. Showing my work reflects the caliber of the school and what I can offer to potential employers.
PC: Anything else you think students should know before putting their portfolio together?
Blake: Know what to show, and what not to show. Keep it simple and to the point. Don't overwhelm your audience with too much info, but put your best foot forward. Try to be as creative as possible, but still maintain a professional atmosphere. Have reasons for why you did what you did because interviewers will reference things you display in the portfolio and have questions for you about it.
-----Blake used Portfolio Web, Columbia's free web publishing system for seniors & grad students, to get his work online. If you're a senior or grad student interested in moving your work to the world wide web check out an upcoming Portfolio Web Workshop during April 28-May2.
Seniors: Get your work online, in time for graduation. Attend one of the Portfolio Center's web site tutorial sessions during April 28-May 2 that will introduce you to Portfolio Web, Columbia’s free website publishing system. You’ll have the chance to set-up an account and we’ll show you sample sites that use text, images, video and audio to showcase portfolio work. This session will be hands-on so feel free to bring work samples with you.
Walk-ins welcome, but pre-registration is encouraged to ensure you get a seat. Sign-up by calling 312.344.7280. Open to seniors only.
Monday, April 28
10AM-12PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 921 - Art & Design Lab
4PM-6PM / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709 – TV Lab
Tuesday, April 29
10AM-12PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 921 - Art & Design Lab
12PM-2PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 307 - Portfolio Center / Portfolio Web walk-ins. Only for students who currently have accounts and need assistance.
4PM-6PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 419 – IAM Lab
Wednesday, April 30
10-Noon / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709 – TV Lab
4PM-6PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 419 – IAM Lab
Thursday, May 1
10AM-12PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 921 - Art & Design Lab
3PM-5PM / 623 S. Wabash, Room 307 - Portfolio Center / Portfolio Web walk-ins. Only for students who currently have accounts and need assistance.
Friday, May 2
12PM - 2PM / 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Room 709 – TV Lab
Last chance of the semester for juniors, seniors, grad students & December '07 grads to get hooked up with a graphic designer through the Portfolio Center will create a kick-butt CD or DVD cover especially for you. This means a snazzy cover design for your demo, air-check, reel, resume tape or film. You can’t beat the price (it's free, printing not included) and professional quality is guaranteed. Your work is worth it!
To participate Monday, May 5 or Friday, May 9 you MUST RSVP by April 28. Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
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
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...
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.
97.1 and 96.9 FM, The Drive will be on campus reviewing airchecks of Columbia's radio student body on Tuesday, March 11 from 10AM to Noon. Many of The Drive's personalities have had long histories at other Chicago radio stations. Come show off your work and see if you could maybe add your name to their ever growing list of radio talent. 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.
First impressions count! Be sure you are in the know about best practices for creating your resume and portfolio package. On Tuesday, March 4 at noon Multicultural Affairs is teaming up with the Portfolio Center and Writing Center to cover some basic things to consider about putting together job search must have materials. You'll also be introduced to on-campus resources that can assist you.
Open to all Columbia College students. Sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs with presentations from the College Advising Center and the Portfolio Center.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, room 307
What’s Design Daze you ask? It’s a chance for juniors, seniors, recent grads & grad students to spend 45 minutes with a graphic designer who will create a stellar press kit, CD cover, or DVD cover especially for you. This means a snazzy cover design for your demo, air-check, reel, resume tape or film. Or a press kit to promote your film or music talent. You can’t beat the price (it's free) and professional quality is guaranteed. Your work is worth it!
To participate Monday, March 3 or Friday, March 7 you MUST RSVP by February 25 Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
Next Design Daze Dates:
Monday, March 31 and Friday April 4 – Register by March 24
Monday, May 5 and Friday, May 9 – Register by April 28
Brought to you by The Portfolio Center
Business Card Day is a chance for juniors, seniors, recent grads & grad students to get hooked up with a graphic designer who will create a knock-out business card design especially for you. You can’t beat the price (it’s free) and professional quality is guaranteed. Network in style.
To participate Wednesday, March 5 you MUST RSVP by February 25 Call 312-344-7280 to RSVP. All RSVPs will be asked to submit additional information about their project in order to participate.
Next business card design dates:
Wednesday, April 2 – Register by March 24
Wednesday, May 7 – Register by April 28
Brought to you by The Portfolio Center
Althea Legaspi has been covering all things music for more than a decade. The former editor in chief of Illinois Entertainer magazine, Althea currently writes for Chicago Tribune, Paste magazine, Global Rhythm magazine, and Stop Smiling magazine, among others.
She is the on-air music critic for NPR affiliate Chicago Public Radio's "Eight Forty-Eight" program and her features also air on "All Things Considered." She co-produces and co-edits her segments. Althea has served as an on-camera correspondent for Rollingstone.com, HOB.com, and the PBS affiliate WTTW television show "Sound Opinions," as well as co-hosted Q101¹s "Local 101."
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
Sundance Institute has selected Columbia College to participate in a special research initiative that allows students to help influence and generate ideas for new, meaningful programming. Sundance will be on campus on Wednesday January 20 to conduct a focus group with undergraduate non-film majors at 3PM. The session will be approximately 90 minutes and all students participating will be asked to fill out a quick multiple choice survey prior to the session (sent via email after confirmed registration). Space is limited to 12 people. Students participating in the focus group will receive a $15 iTunes Gift Card, Chicago-style pizza, and refreshments. Interested in participating? Call 312-344-7280 by February 13 to reserve a spot.
The Sundance Institute, a national non-profit, most popular for the annual Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah also provides a series of professional training labs for artists (screenwriting, directing, playwriting, documentary film editing and music composition for film), programs for public audiences in New York and Utah, over $1M in direct artist grants as well as extensive free online content.
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
Jason Saldanha handles producer duties for the deeply popular radio and TV show, Sound Opinions. The show, which can be found weekly on Chicago Public Radio, takes two nationally respected rock critics, the latest music news, personal commentary, and exclusive interviews and performances, add a huge pile of records old and new, and the result is Sound Opinions, the world's only rock and roll talk show. This is cutting-edge criticism and journalism presented in the great tradition of Siskel and Ebert with a sly wink to the MTV generation and indispensable for their parents, who want to stay on top of the current trends and be the coolest Baby Boomer at the water cooler.
Saldanha also dabbles in science, web design, and obsessive compulsive behavior. Little else is known about the man.
Availability: Varies
All sessions are by appointment only. If you're interested to meet with an Industry Expert call 312.369.7280 for details.
Q: Whoa there. What are Industry Expert sessions again?
A: It's a service provided by the Portfolio Center that pairs students with working professionals in their field. An Industry Expert helps you understand what materials to put in a portfolio (and what to leave out), how to package and present your work, and how you'll know when it's ready for prime time.
What's the line between creative presentation and gimmick? During this session we'll explore answers to that question and discuss how to create a marketing identity for your body of work that attracts attention in a good way. Part of the Spring Weeks of Welcome. Open to all Columbia College students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
Back-up your talent with a digital copy of your work. On Tuesday, January 29 at 3PM we'll discuss best practices for documenting, archiving and formatting work for inclusion in a portfolio. Part of the Spring Weeks of Welcome. Open to all Columbia College students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
It's never too early to think about how to present your body of work. On Monday, January 28 at 3PM we'll introduce you to portfolio formats, resources and ways students in various majors can showcase their talent in a portfolio. Part of the Spring Weeks of Welcome. Open to all Columbia College students.
Location: 623 S. Wabash, room 307
by Emily Easton
So, we’ll admit that the connection between portfolios and graduate school applications for programs outside of the arts is tenuous at best, but hear us out: both require you to present your work professionally and succinctly- and most students have the exact same questions about both their applications and their portfolios: what should I put in and what are people looking for?
A graduate application for a non-arts program usually includes GRE scores, a writing sample, a transcript, recommendation letters and a statement of purpose. Daunting, yes, but grad school applications are daunting for a reason; graduate study is a major league commitment. If you can’t handle the ap, you’re not ready for grad school.
Before your stomach hits the floor, consider the following advice from Chad Cyrenne of the University of Chicago’s Master of Arts in the Social Sciences Program. He reviews both M.A. and PhD applications so he knows what that side of the table is looking for.
-GRE scores are not the final word on your application, but they are an important component. Be as ready as you can to take the test well the first time around as all scores are reported to the program you’re applying to. (While you do have the option to retake the GREs, your early scores don’t just disappear.) Don’t completely disregard the quantitative section either- just because you’re applying to a writing-based program doesn’t mean they won’t look at how good you are at math.
-A writing sample should be a maximum of 35 double-spaced pages. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Proofread.
-Make sure to have your transcripts sent in a timely fashion by your college or university. A late transcript is a late application and late applications are not considered. If you have some grade dips, that’s not the end of the world. If you can show you improved throughout your undergraduate career, most programs will take that into consideration.
-Make sure your recommendations come from people familiar with your work- preferably your academic work. If you have been working in a field related to your anticipated course of study, professional recommendations can be a strong asset as well, but be sure to have at least one from your undergraduate institution. Some students ask for these letters soon after they graduate and store them online at interfolio.com. If you have been out of school for a while, be sure to allow time to discuss or even meet with your former professors to make sure they can write a strong letter.
-A statement of purpose should address: the intellectual puzzle you hope to tackle, what relevant experience (academic and professional) you bring to the subject matter and why the particular department would be the ideal place to undertake your research. Identify key faculty members who have written in your field and mention them by name. Include articles or books they have written that relate to your research. This is not the time to offer a chapter of your autobiography; this is the space to show what you’re going to do with the opportunity you’re asking for and why you deserve to do it with their specific program.
If this seems like a lot of work, we’ve gotten our message across: it is. But, thousands of students find success every year and there’s no reason you can’t; especially if you’re properly prepared.
Emily Easton is Senior Program Development Officer at University of Chicago
There are tons of portfolio resources available to students but where should you start? Well, that depends on the level of your work. We've added a Quick Start guide to our website to help students navigate their way to Portfolio Center programs and resources that they're eligible for. Next, register with our center (if you haven't already) and you'll receive occasional e-mails from us announcing events that you can participate in. Also be sure to check out your industry page to view more information about portfolio issues relevant to you.
The Portfolio Center created a Portfolio Wiki as a means for students to research common terms used in arts & media industries. With currently over 90 articles, this wiki aims to educate those assembling and revising their own creative portfolios, as well as serve a exchange point for information about creative portfolios from educators, professionals and artists.
The information is divided into three main sections, with categories within. Information is offered on portfolios depending on the type of media they serve, a general listing of terms and organizations that offer help building and revising a portfolio and an admissions portfolio section, which details arts and media programs around the world and what they expect in an application portfolio.
If you're unsure what a portfolio for your industry is, the Portfolio Wiki is a great place to get the correct information. Check it out.
Are you graduating this year? Congrats! Next step job hunting, right? Wrong. Shape up your body of work first. Take this quick survey (it really is quick) and let the Portfolio Center know ways in which we can help you build your portfolio.
Then, mark your calendar for Portfolio Boot Camp: Reviews, Workshops & Production for New Grads to be held January 21-25. During this week you’ll have the opportunity to receive feedback from professionals and tighten up your portfolio presentation through production services. But, be sure to complete the survey so that we can tailor the events specifically to you.
Program Director Mitch Rosen of WSCR “The Score” sports talk radio will review airchecks on Thursday, November 29 from 2PM to 5PM. You may know WSCR as home to the ever-lovable “Boers and Bernstein Show” but while Mitch is here, he’ll be available to give feedback on non-sports radio demos from radio and radio journalism students. Seniors and spring ’07 graduates are eligible to participate.
If you haven't already, register with the Portfolio Center and make sure you select the 'Show Off' option. Then, call 312.344.7280 to sign up to show off your work.
Show Off is a program that brings artists, professionals and students together for 20-minute one-on-one portfolio reviews and advising. One part mentorship, one part talent search, Show Off is the primary vehicle the Portfolio Center uses to get seniors, grad students and recent graduates in front of people in their field - and the way many students have found full-time, freelance and intern positions.
Sheila Dougherty, an agent with Stewart Talent, will review voiceover demos on Wednesday, November 28 from 2PM to 5PM. Stewart Talent represents a wide range of talent including voiceover artists for animation, commercial, narration, promo and political work. 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.
Even if you aren't a music business major, you may have projects in the works which will require the use of music. How much do you know about music licensing? This Wednesday, October 17 The Forum will engage three professionals from the entertainment industries in a discussion about what you need to know before using copyrighted tracks. This session takes place at 6:30-8:00 PM in Ferguson Hall, 1st floor, 600 S. Michigan Ave.
Guests include:
Gregg Latterman, Founder and CEO of Aware Records/A-Squared Management. Aware has been in a joint venture with Columbia Records for the last ten years, bringing together grassroots artist development to an international market. Some of the artists include: John Mayer, Mat Kearney, Five For Fighting, Kyle Riabko, The Fray, Motion City Soundtrack, Mae, Brandi Carlile, and many more.
Paula Erickson, Sr. Vice President, Music Licensing, SONY BMG Music Entertainment. The Music Licensing Department works with all SONY BMG labels and artists to create opportunities and maximize the use of master recordings in films, television, commercials, trailers, video games, and other related areas of entertainment.
Michael Sirota, Vice President and General Counsel at Leo Burnett, an award-winning Chicago advertising agency with offices in 84 countries. Leo Burnett was established in 1935 and is now known as the Most Effective Agency in America. Clients include McDonalds, Visa, Wrigley's, Kellogg's, and Samsung.
The Forum is free and open to the public. This event is a collaboration between Click and AEMM at Columbia College.
Sure, sharpies are cool and who doesn’t like writing with them? But when it comes to your reel, demo, aircheck or resume tape a CD or DVD with your name scrawled in permanent marker isn’t really professional. The question you need to ask yourself is: Are you covered? If not, sign-up for our CD & DVD package design day where we’ll pair you with a graphic designer to create stellar packaging for your work. You must call to reserve a spot ahead of time by calling the Portfolio Center at 312.344.7280. This service is open to juniors, seniors, graduate students and May ’07 graduates.
Need your body of work edited first? Check out Short Cuts.
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.
There is no doubt that good work speaks for itself. However, being able to communicate the contents of your portfolio will command even more attention for your work. On Thursday, October 4 @ 1PM we’ll discuss some basic do’s and don’ts on how to clearly and effectively present your work and, ultimately, yourself to potential employers.
All Columbia College students are welcome to attend. This session is produced in conjunction with the Graduation Block Party.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Are you unsure about how to assemble your body of work for inclusion in a portfolio? On Thursday, October 4 at noon we’ll talk about ways that you can turn your “box” of completed projects into a professional package. You’ll be introduced to various delivery formats and examples of creative portfolios. By the end of this session you’ll have a thorough understanding of what pieces are needed to build your portfolio as well as how to use them.
All Columbia College students are welcome to attend. This session is produced in conjunction with the Graduation Block Party.
Location: Portfolio Center, 623 S. Wabash, Room 307
Perhaps in your darker moments you've thought about bucking the whole "get a job" trend? Perhaps you've got fantasies of someday being called "professor" or "doctor" or "lawyer"? In both cases, perhaps you've considered grad school. . .
Picking a program is a great place to start and, as a student, you're welcome to the Chicago Graduate and Professional School Fair, hosted by UIC on Tuesday, October 2nd from 3:00-7:00. Over 60 programs from around the country will be there at the UIC Pavillion, armed with information and advice.
But, perhaps you're looking to continue in the arts? Two of the best programs in the country are coming to the Portfolio Center: Tisch School for the Arts (that's, ahem, NYU's art school) will be here October 3rd and the Memphis College of Art will be here in November. They're coming with more than information and advice- they're coming to see you and your work. Stay tuned to this very blog for more information.
The Portfolio Center is pleased to welcome three newcomers to our staff: Keesha Johnson, Portfolio Production Manager; Caroline Juhlin, Creative Industry Liaison; and Weston Morris, Production Coordinator: Web. Additionally Mercedes Cooper has moved to Communications Coordinator and Emily Easton has been promoted to a second Creative Industry Liaison position.
These changes will allow us to help more students shape their final bodies of work into distinctive, professional-level portfolios, tapes and reels.
To find out more about who we are and what we do, please go to www.colum.edu/portfolio.
Congratulations to the 2007 Albert P. Weisman Memorial Scholarship recipients. Fifty-two undergraduate and graduate students were awarded funding for projects in areas that included book & paper arts, film, fine art, music, photography and writing.
An exhibition of the winning artistic works will be held September 4 – October 12 in the Hokin Annex & Gallery at 623 S. Wabash. A reception will take place on October 11 from 5-7PM in the Hokin Annex.
2007 Scholarship Recipients:
Elizabeth Austin, Renee Bair, Alverne Ball, Sarah Baranski, Zoe Bare, Andrew Bruah, Amanda Clifford, Mercedes Cooper, Hannah Dallman, Christopher Davis, Elliot Dickerhoof, Stacee Droege, Ross Efaw, Margaret Eliot, Joel Everett, Kristin Freeman, Aron Gent, Maria Gigante, Olga Gonzales, Brian Guido, Colleen Halloran, Mary Beth Hoerner, Emily Hoskins, Todd Kephart, Matthew Kopp, Curtis Mann, Chase McGuire, Amberlee Mucha, Jamieson Mulholland, Robert Noble, Ben Olsen, Sara Pooley, Melissa Racho, Rebecca Rakstad, Anuradha Rana, Paul Rizzuto, Joseph Rynkiewicz, Shawnecee Schneider, Lani Schuster, Emily Sepik, Joshua Siegal, Vincent Singleton, Bethany Souza, Christian Sprenger, Jon Steinhorst; Eric Stolze, Julia Stotz, Rachel Stratman, Rachel Swenie, Terttu Uibopuu, Lauren Wakefield and Victor Yanez-Lazcano
Michael is currently the Program Director for 94.7 FM, Chicago's Classic Hits and Oldies (WZZN). On a day-to-day basis, he is responsible for all programming initiatives and everything that goes on the air from the programming, production, and promotion departments. Previously, he was the Assistant Program Director/Music Director and Promotions Director for WNUA, worked in the production, promotions, and marketing departments for WNUA, WLIT, and WRLL, and was an on-air co-host of several talk shows for WJJG.
*Michael's availability varies. Appointments are held 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.
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.
From time to time we bring professionals, such as Mindy Verson, Owner/Executive Producer at Audio Producers Group and Laurie Lambert, agent at Voices Unlimited, into the Portfolio Center to listen to and critique student voice-over demos. They have tons of advice for emerging voice over talent and deliver their comments with candor.
But even after receiving feedback from the pros some of you still may ask yourself, “Self, what makes a good voice over demo and how could mine be better?” Those are very good questions. We suggest you do your homework. One stellar resource is Voicebank.net, a comprehensive listing of agencies who rep voice-over talent. The website contains links to demo reels for all talent represented by each agent. Nice! If you want to know which voice actors are working (nationally) and why; take a listen to their reels.
Alexx is a Columbia College alum (indeed from the Radio Department of course) whose dues have been paid in full at places like 107.5 WGCI - Chicago, 105.9 JAMZ - Detroit, 102 JAMZ - Orlando, 107.5 WGCI Chicago again, and 103.5 KISS FM - Chicago.Alexx is ready to help the future on-air talents at Columbia chart their own course.
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.
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.
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!
Two bigwigs from the Chicago Tribune's Interactive division will visit the Portfolio Center to meet J students, review their clips (and radio demos if they have that) and advise them on best practices for presenting their work to potential employers.
Online Producer Melisa Goh will visit on April 18th at 9am and columnist, editor and senior producer Charlie Meyerson of the Chicago Tribune (also a longtime radio reporter and interviewer) will visit on April 25th at 11am.
If you want a little prep before you sign up for this, listen to our interview with Melisa last year about digital J portfolios (mp3) and read up on alum Mark Anderson's advice on best practices for presenting your printed writing samples.
These visits are open to juniors, seniors, graduate students and December '06 grads. Instructions for sending your samples to the guests ahead of time will be supplied when you sign up.
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.
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.
'Show Off' is a term we use for our portfolio review program, but we've been reminded more than once that you can't show off a radio demo, nor is it really called a portfolio. Semantics.
Regardless, Matt DuBiel, the director of programming and an afternoon talent with Nine FM (and an active voiceover artist), will visit the Portfolio Center to listen to demos from radio students pursuing work on air or in studio. Matt will give feedback and advice on building and editing an effective demo, and might have some ideas about which regional stations are open to getting demos from fresh voices in the business.
If you've never 'done' a Show Off before, it goes something like this. You bring your working demo or mp3s you think you'll use on a demo. You sit down. Say hi. Introduce yourself...and then Matt asks you to play what you've got. Helpful advice and hints on perfecting the art of the demo ensue. All in twenty minutes. It's as easy as that. Almost...
Before you sign up, make sure you're registered with the Portfolio Center. After you've registered (or if you already have), call 312.344.7280.
PS: If, like a normal human being, you're a little nervous about playing your samples for someone beyond Columbia, make an appointment with one of your portfolio advisors (Alexx, Laurie or Michael). Portfolio advising gives you more than twenty minutes to discuss your demo and ask in-depth questions.
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.
Laurie is currently an agent at Voices Unlimited Inc. Voices Unlimited represents America's finest selection of exclusive voice actors in Chicago. On a daily basis, Laurie works directly with her actors in the studio recording and directing auditions for hundreds of clients throughout the country. She is also responsible for screening any new demos that come into the agency. VU Actors voice more than 6,000 national and regional spots and hundreds of industrial, new media and animation projects yearly. As film & Video magazine quoted, "anything you can use the human voice for, VU clients record."
In 2000, Laurie was a morning show producer in St. Louis on KSD FM and had a show on Columbia's college station called No Boys Allowed, an all women artists show from 2001-2003.
Laurie graduated from Columbia in January of 2003 and has been with Voices Unlimited since June of 2001. She is a current advisor for demos every semester for Columbia's Radio voice-over classes and for The Audition Studio's Advanced voice-over class. Voices Unlimited Inc. is a member of SAG/Aftra.
Laurie is generally available to meet students weekdays after 5:00PM (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.
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
