Assuming my target audience is Creative Marketing Alliance (CMA – or a similar venue) the print work in my portfolio represents an adequate (if not over-the-top) overview that I am an applicant worthy of consideration. It demonstrates that I know my way around InDesign and supporting programs (such as Photoshop) – able to conceive a design theme and produce a publication from beginning to end.
I know from my internship experience with CMA (further clarified by this weeks homework assignment) that they have an interest in someone who can “do it all” (Print, Websites, Motion graphics) but if there were an entry-level position available, my portfolio (and the print skills/talent demonstrated therein) could result in a “call back.”
As an aside, during my interview with CMA last spring, one of my potential supervisors inquired wether I had experience in Flash – sadly, at the time the answer was, “No” – because that was an area she was deficient in. I’m certain I could have increased my desirability had the answer been, “Yes” to the Flash question. Nevertheless, I suspect a portfolio ‘heavy’ in print can lead to other positions (at the company in question) where they need expertise.
Yet another aside, years ago a graphic artist friend of mine lost her job. She was kind of distraught, because (you know) getting laid off sucks. In any event, she was only part-time so it wasn’t like she was going to lose her house etc. Several months later, she found a job at a major local corporation as a proofreader. Through determination and finesse, she eventually found a job in this corporation’s art department designing publications and from there, websites. My point is: it only takes a foot in the door.
If not on-target, what edits need to be done to favorable impress my target audience?
I think the print area of my portfolio is fine… it could use some tweeks here and there but nothing major.
If I am going to include motion graphics in my portfolio as well (which I have every intention of doing so) I need to fix some typography issues in the “Walk Cycle” project and address some functionality issues in the “Branching Story: Casino” project.
My websites are the weakest because I can only offer screen captures (?) in my online portfolio and they’re not particularly compelling because they’re merely school projects – at the time, I was just learning this website stuff and I was trying to be “compelling” without the benefit of knowing what constituted “compelling.” But they’re websites nonetheless, and to claim by omission that I know nothing of web design, is to pay myself a disservice… I think?
As far as documentation/context goes, the manner in which I present the print work is crucial. Much to my shock, I learned (during the class crit of my work) the print projects – as they exist right now – are not self-explanatory. The “Menu” project has several folds and inserts which do not ‘read’, right now, as flat jpg’s just popping up on the screen. The same can be said of the “HOW Magazine: Front Cover and Table of Contents” project which was misunderstood to ‘read’ as one enormous layout – not two separate pages which are to be experienced one-at-a-time.
These projects (as well as “Admit One: B’way Musicals” book) will have to be rendered in Flash to demonstrate just how the project is intended to function in a 3-D context; whether that context is “flipping through” pages or “folding and inserting.” One of the drawbacks of a poorly rendered online portfolio is that the designer is not there to clear up misunderstandings. The online portfolio could have the unintended effect of a shot to the foot.
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