To start off with - don't think too much about the final concept of your identity. Focus now on this brainstorming activity. Let yourself have fun with this, the freer you are with your answers, the more creative the result will be. Don't be too concern with having your answers pertain to Digital Media.Lets begin. You're going to make several lists about you. Don't think too long or hard on the answers. Just write the first 5 things that come to your mind for each topic:
List 5 things that you love to do:
Organize (facts, objects); pull weeds; watch documentaries; garden maintenance
List 5 things that you hate to do:
Pay bills; socially interact; pack for vacations; fix computer glitches
List 5 things you are proud of in your life:
Returned to school mid-life; persevered; got a B in Flash;
List 5 things you are good at:
Organize; expedite;
List 5 things that make you unique:
irreverence;
List 5 adjectives that describe you:
Organized; determined; worrier; dependable; detail-oriented
Next, think about your work.
List 5 adjectives that describe your work:
Geometric; cold; detached; clinical;
List 5 topics your work deals with:
Depends on the assignment… hopefully, conveys information.
List the media you use in your work:
CS3 programs
List the colors that you use most often:
Black; white; warm grays; earth tones; blues; oxblood (red); tan; gold
List 5 emotions your work conjures:
Serenity; introspection; curiosity (hopefully);
Titles of the work you would like to highlight:
“Admit One”; “Nutrition Notebook”; “Eno”; “HOW Magazine”; “Egypt” (slideshow); “Resolution” (website); “Storytelling Arts” (website)
Lastly, think about the job you eventually would like to have.
List 5 adjectives to describe the kind of company you'll work for:
More to come…
List 5 adjectives to describe the kind of boss you'd like to have:
Laid-back; teacher;
List 5 things you will have to do for your job:
More to come…
List 5 words describing your industry:
Fast-paced…
List the reasons your job exists:
To inform; to show a profit;
Think about if there are any parallels here. Are any themes emerging?
More to come…
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Portfolio Pieces
More to follow...
Print
Tentcard/menu:
Tentcard/menu:
Print
Book:
Print
Magazine cover and inside spread:
Print
4-page newsletter:
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Work I’d Like to Highlight in my Portfolio…
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.
“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.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Partial Resume
The following is my resume to date. I’ve omitted ‘Education’ (though it’s there in ‘live’ versions) for the purpose/intent of this particular homework assignment.
What concerns me is that I seem to be marketing myself as a production-manager and less as a creative professional. However, I’m reluctant to remove the production-management experience because that was a significant component of my previous job.
I’m not anxious to replicate my previous job (simply in another setting) but if I keep using this resume, in its present form, I fear I can expect little else… Insanity, by definition, is doing the same thing twice and expecting different results.
I think I need to add under the 'Food Bank' and 'Lab Monitor' employment experiences I discovered I really don't enjoy working with a random sampling of the population. I'm easily pushed around by assholes intent on taking advantage of the system or who want something for nothing, and I find I have difficulty saying 'No'. A job in Retail Sales (for instance) would definitely not be a good fit for me.
Summary:
Experienced Graphic Designer accustomed to performing in deadline-driven environments and working within budget requirements seeks full time position. Collaborated with in-house staff and outside vendors to design and produce digital artwork for customers and sales team. Successfully translated subject matter into design themes and graphics for marketing and sales presentations. Participated in team effort to streamline production and quality awareness.
Hardware & Software:
Macintosh/PC: Adobe Acrobat 4.0, Adobe Illustrator CS3, Adobe PhotoShop CS3, Dreamweaver 8, Flash 8, Final Cut Pro 4.5, FlightCheck 3.3, InDesign CS3, Macro Media Freehand 7.0, Microsoft Word 2003, Omni Page Pro 7.0, PageMaker 6.5, QuarkXPress 8.
What concerns me is that I seem to be marketing myself as a production-manager and less as a creative professional. However, I’m reluctant to remove the production-management experience because that was a significant component of my previous job.
I’m not anxious to replicate my previous job (simply in another setting) but if I keep using this resume, in its present form, I fear I can expect little else… Insanity, by definition, is doing the same thing twice and expecting different results.
I think I need to add under the 'Food Bank' and 'Lab Monitor' employment experiences I discovered I really don't enjoy working with a random sampling of the population. I'm easily pushed around by assholes intent on taking advantage of the system or who want something for nothing, and I find I have difficulty saying 'No'. A job in Retail Sales (for instance) would definitely not be a good fit for me.
Summary:
Experienced Graphic Designer accustomed to performing in deadline-driven environments and working within budget requirements seeks full time position. Collaborated with in-house staff and outside vendors to design and produce digital artwork for customers and sales team. Successfully translated subject matter into design themes and graphics for marketing and sales presentations. Participated in team effort to streamline production and quality awareness.
Hardware & Software:
Macintosh/PC: Adobe Acrobat 4.0, Adobe Illustrator CS3, Adobe PhotoShop CS3, Dreamweaver 8, Flash 8, Final Cut Pro 4.5, FlightCheck 3.3, InDesign CS3, Macro Media Freehand 7.0, Microsoft Word 2003, Omni Page Pro 7.0, PageMaker 6.5, QuarkXPress 8.
Previous Employment:
Lab Monitor, Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, NJ / 2006 – present
Intern, Creative Marketing Alliance, Princeton Junction, NJ / June – July 2008
- Print, Web maintenance
Food Bank Volunteer, Fisherman’s Mark, Lambertville, NJ / 2005 – 06
Senior Graphic Artist, [employer omitted, ed. note], Trenton, NJ/1988 – 2003
Creative:
- Designs 1 to 4-color artwork for newsletters, brochures, annual reports, catalogs and corporate identity packages using digital and traditional graphic production techniques.
- Clients include National Football League, Major League Baseball, Club Med, the Bank of New Jersey and numerous local organizations.
- Knowledge of postal mailing requirements/Proofreading/Trouble shooting as needed.
Administrative:
- Serves as acting Art Director in the Art Directors’ absence.
- Prioritizes jobs and delegates work to either in-house staff or outside vendors.
- Determines improved cost-effective methods of creating artwork by conferring with clients and vendors.
- Maintains extensive contact with the pre-press department, bindery, linotronic service bureaus, typesetters, photo/negative developers, art and drafting suppliers, account executives and clients during job production.
Quality Assessment Team:
- Meets monthly with other departments.
- Promotes quality awareness and improvements within the department.
Entry Level Qualities the Industry Values
Valuable qualities: Ability to manage multiple projects; self-motivated quick learner with strong problem solving skills; team player; excellent written/verbal communication skills; sense of humor.
Software/Skills: Generally, the core software is the CS3 Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash.) Knowledge of these programs is almost a given… don’t think you’re special ‘cause you know ‘em, Joe (or Jane.)
Following the core programs in hierarchy of importance is knowledge of Premiere, After Effects, OutLook 2007 (email application I have at home but am not fluent in.)
Scripts such as: ActionScript, HTML, (the first two, entry level familiarity), XML, PHP, JavaScript,…
And alot-of-other-stuff-I-have-no-idea, such as: Server 2005, ASP.NET, C#, ADO.Net,.Net Framework 3.5, Microsoft SQL, Apache, OOP, IIS 6.0, Unix, MYSQL databases.
Hardware: When PC is not specified, I’m assuming Mac. I’m comfortable in either platform.
Location: Since I specified between 40/50 miles of my home, jobs in my field can be found from north Jersey to the western Philadelphia suburbs.
Software/Skills: Generally, the core software is the CS3 Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash.) Knowledge of these programs is almost a given… don’t think you’re special ‘cause you know ‘em, Joe (or Jane.)
Following the core programs in hierarchy of importance is knowledge of Premiere, After Effects, OutLook 2007 (email application I have at home but am not fluent in.)
Scripts such as: ActionScript, HTML, (the first two, entry level familiarity), XML, PHP, JavaScript,…
And alot-of-other-stuff-I-have-no-idea, such as: Server 2005, ASP.NET, C#, ADO.Net,.Net Framework 3.5, Microsoft SQL, Apache, OOP, IIS 6.0, Unix, MYSQL databases.
Hardware: When PC is not specified, I’m assuming Mac. I’m comfortable in either platform.
Location: Since I specified between 40/50 miles of my home, jobs in my field can be found from north Jersey to the western Philadelphia suburbs.
Entry Level Jobs Utilizing the Same Technology
Searching for jobs, software specific (i.e. keywords: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
Interactive Design Assistant – Entry Level
This job keeps cropping up alot in my searches. Even though I’m specifying in my career category ‘printing-publishing’, there’s no mention in the job description of knowledge of print required. So what gives? Is monster steering me wrong; are my keywords misleading me? Or, is finding a job posted merely the beginning? Apply for it and see what happens. All they can do is turn you down and if/when that happens, you move onto the next post! I’m beginning to suspect finding a job is equal parts rational deduction (using the job search engines) and intuition (trusting your gut.)
Interactive Design Assistant – Entry Level
This job keeps cropping up alot in my searches. Even though I’m specifying in my career category ‘printing-publishing’, there’s no mention in the job description of knowledge of print required. So what gives? Is monster steering me wrong; are my keywords misleading me? Or, is finding a job posted merely the beginning? Apply for it and see what happens. All they can do is turn you down and if/when that happens, you move onto the next post! I’m beginning to suspect finding a job is equal parts rational deduction (using the job search engines) and intuition (trusting your gut.)
Entry Level Jobs in my Intended Field
I was discouraged to find the number of so-called ‘entry level’ jobs that require a great deal of experience. I suspect these job profiles were complied by committee; that is, everyone in the company was asked to contribute their ‘wish list’ to the search (for the new entry-level employee) which resulted in a staggering number of requisite skills/experience ‘needed’. Or maybe I’m just underestimating how hard it’s going to be to find a job.
I’m also beginning to suspect that the ‘real’ entry level position will be as an un-paid intern or volunteering ones services/skills at a ‘worthy’ organization. Let’s face it: in these economic times, few potential employers are clamoring to be the first in line to hire (and pay!) an unknown commodity.
US Navy/monster.com
I just had to include this one – I’d be the envy of all my friends! Probably not a viable avenue to pursue until “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” changes. Anyway, I don’t meet the age requirements (<34.)Technology:
- Gather facts and write articles for publications
- Write, edit and proofread news for radio and TV
- Write and produce radio and television programs
- Prepare layouts and content for papers, magazines and websites
- Maintain and repair interior communications systems
- Serve as a Navy professional staff photographer
- Operate various types of still and video equipment
- Operate laboratory and darkroom equipment for film processing
- Take and review aerial photographs, scan and edit digital video images
- Produce training films and video news reports
Software: Not specified.
Hardware: Not specified.CoreTechs LLC/http://www.coretechsinc.com/
Website Designer Entry Level/indeed.com>dice.com (another job search engine)
Technology: WebMaster/Website Designer; min. 1 – 2 years experience; understanding of basic design fundamentals; 3D modeling, music composition a major plus; responsible for design, functionality and maintenance of all websites; request an online portfolio or 3 – 5 domains currently online for review to be considered for interview; candidate must be US citizen or an otherwise lawful US resident
Software: Proficient in HTML, PHP, JAVASCRIPT, XML, Adobe CS Suite, Actionscript, MYSQL databases, Premiere, After Effects; experience managing a website including backend, server side scripting, Microsoft Office, Apache, UnixHardware: PC based environment
Hardware: Not specified
Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)
Jr. Web Developer/careerbuilder.com
Technology: produce catalogs, directories, newsletters, magazines, web sites, databases and cutting-edge interactive business tools; develop solutions to support ASI’s internal websites by completing development assignments while providing regular communication to the Sr Web Developer on status of projects; participate in team discussions/assist team members with suggestions and ideas on how project issues can be addressed; content management systems experience is a plus; excellent written and communication skills; ability to manage multiple projects; self-motivated quick learner with strong problem solving skills.
Software: 1 – 3 years experience with .Net Framework 3.5, Microsoft SQL Server 2005, ASP.NET, C#, ADO.Net, HTML, JavaScript, XML, Web services, OOP, IIS 6.0.; Experience working with 3rd party controls (ie Telerik); Adobe Photoshop skills/CSS is a plus; some work in classic ASP may be necessary.
Hardware: Not specified
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