Career Resources

1st Year Checklist -  Explore

Your Foundation Year is a time to build essential skills, explore new mediums, and start discovering the paths you may want to pursue. Use this roadmap as a guide to make the most of your first year and begin laying the groundwork for a fulfilling creative career. 

Checklist (PDF version)

Checklist (Editable version)

2nd Year Checklist -  Create

Now that you’ve chosen your major, it’s time to focus on honing your skills, developing your portfolio, and exploring potential career paths. Use this roadmap to stay on track and make the most of your 2nd year at RISD.

Checklist (PDF version)

Checklist (Editable version)

3rd Year Checklist -  Build

By now, you’re well on your way in your major, with a solid portfolio in development and growing confidence in your skills and critical thinking. This year is about taking your work to the next level, networking, and gaining experience through internships or projects.

Checklist (PDF version)

Checklist (Editable version)

4th Year Checklist -  Launch

This is a pivotal time as you focus on finishing strong academically, refining your portfolio, and making the transition from student to professional. Whether your next step is a full-time job, studio practice, freelance work, a design role, an artist residency, or graduate school, this guide will help you move intentionally toward your goals.

Checklist (PDF version)

Checklist (Editable version)

Portfolio / Motion Reel

The most popular type of portfolio is an online website. Demo reels are 1-2 minute movies featuring several short clips hosted on platforms like youtube or vimeo. For both, curating your work is very important to focus on your best quality content that is most relevant to the opportunities you are interested in.

 
Learn more: Portfolio/Reel

Resume / CV 

Resumes are a necessary deliverable for any internship / job application in the United States. A CV (curriculum vitae) is used for teaching positions, or fine art opportunities. Similar to the portfolio, focus on your best credentials that are most relevant to the opportunity at hand.

Learn more: Resume/CV

Cover Letter

The cover letter works in tandem with your resume and serves as an introduction to a prospective employer. It is a chance to share your interest in joining them and your most compelling stories and experiences in an effort to achieve the next step in the process, a job interview.

Learn more: Cover Letter

Networking

Connecting with like-minded professionals, whether students or experienced graduates, is the best way to earn allies within your favorite companies, art organizations, and your professional field. And it’s easier than ever for artists and designers to find connections online through LinkedIn and Instagram.

Learn more: Networking
 

Artist Statement 

An artist statement is a document often included with your CV for galleries, museums, grants, residencies and teaching positions. A well-written artist statement will provide background information to enhance a viewer’s appreciation of your artwork. Information can include but is not limited to origin, process, artistic influences, or purpose.

Learn more: Artist Statement

Interview Prep

Interviews for creative opportunities in both the fine art and design fields have many traits in common. From making introductions, to answering questions, and negotiating contractual terms to name a few. Keep in mind that with the increasingly competitive talent population, earning an interview is a resounding achievement!

Learn more: Interview Prep

Applying to Grad School 

Some students seek to pursue advanced education in their field, or even explore a different path via graduate school. Choosing to attend graduate school and preparing your applications effectively requires significant thought and attention. 

 
Learn more: Grad School