A common question from students is, “When do I need to have my resume and cover letters ready? My portfolio or demo reel?” While there is no set schedule, the following timing is a good starting point that you can customize to meet your own goals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
We educate and advise all students and alumni on how to effectively translate their education and creativity into fulfilling professional experiences. We do this with deep respect for individual differences and for each person’s unique aspirations and goals.