Design Seminar S16

Any Elkins Extra Credit.

I went to the Amy Elkins Lecture.

It was really good. Her photographic portraits were stunning conceptually and visually.

Also, her project with the prisoners was very compelling.

Making Yourself Known in the Marketplace.

Networking pays off.
Get to know those in your area.
Talk to people.
Move upward.
Write letters to companies to look at your portfolio.

Send hard copy letters to solicit a presentation.
Write letter to a specific person.
The letter should be perfect grammatically, and visually.

Create leave behinds and promotional materials that have your contact information on them.
Use the internet to promote yourself.
Offer novelty leave behinds after a face to face meeting rather than as an introduction.
One off promotional items must be brilliant.

PRESENTATIONS
Be punctual.
Make eye contact.
Show you've done your homework by talking about the company.
Be prepared, know where you are going,
Practice presenting your portfolio.
They are looking for a logical, creative talent with a good personality

You must have a website.
Send a reminder after an interview.

Reading 5

Research and Cold Calling.

The more you know about organizations and individuals in your area, the better you can target your portfolio to them.

Do your homework about the company you want to work for.
Research companies in the area.
Personalize letters.

Target your research.
People will hire those who make work similar to their company.

Be active in your local design community,
Get industry journals.
Follow creative blogs and websites.

Enter into competitions.

Reading 4

Choosing the Right Portfolio

Your portfolio should be logical and straight forward.
Clear, concise and engaging throughout.

DIGITAL
Lots of benefits, and ease of transferrance.
Tablet > Laptop Beware of technical difficulties.
Plan ahead, be quick, and self reliant.
Your work needs to look great on screen.

PRINT
No technical difficuties.
Looks great.
Have a decent size, not too big but not too small.
Binding that allows you to add or remove leaves.
Avoid bulky mounting board.
Two pieces of work can exist on the same spread.