Highlight? Like I have so much super work I have the luxury of throwing stuff out? I know I should not pad my portfolio with ‘stuff’ just to take up space – Art Directors catch onto that in the first few minutes of an interview, and then you’re left trying to defend pieces you’re not particularly proud of but, “they’re-my-children-and-I-love-each-and-every-one-of-them” sets in. Better have some compelling stories up your sleeve if you go that route.
“Digital Media Artist” (keywords I’m using in my job searches) is a pretty broad and encompassing job description. That being the case, I’m planning on taking the ‘shot-gun’ approach and include work from my web, print and motion (Flash) classes. Ill advised as it may be, I have no intention of editing my portfolio for specific job requirements. One online portfolio fits all. My viewer can thumb through the entire body of work and consider pieces relevant to the position advertised.
True, this might take up some of their ‘valuable time’ but the design of a website (for instance) might strike a chord even though I’m applying for a print position.
From what I’ve seen of online student portfolios, everyone’s competent (though I might not agree with their taste, but that’s just me); some are gifted (but that might just be me agreeing with their taste); and a select few are extraordinary (no disclaimer required.) I don’t think any specific project in my online portfolio will distinguish me from the vast majority of job seekers. And at this point in time (graduation/digital portfolio creation) it’s too late to go back and create that “one-more-thing” that will tip the scales in my favor.
However, that “one-more-thing” could end up being the last project I create in school before entering the fray: a dynamic, fun-to-navigate digital portfolio.
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Your the best! Now I can do that too.
ReplyDeleteI can do a many mediums successfully. I think something about a piece having nothing to do with the intended job may just land me the job in some cases. Plus, if a piece leads me to an available job I hadn't been seeking comes up, I want to jump on that, and see how far I can go.
Charlotte
You are absolutely right! The MOST IMPORTANT piece you will create is your portfolio. It puts all your work into context. If it sucks - it makes even the most brilliant work look terrible; but if its amazing - it can elevate mediocre work and highlight its potential.
ReplyDeleteI know you will make a great portfolio!