e-portfolio

Portfolios and CVs that get responses

by Claire Sambrook
Session Outline
- The importance of having a portfolio of work in the
creative industries
- The importance of a pitched cv
- Why research is vital
- Further resources / examples
- Plan ahead
about me
went to art college - assistant photographer in
advertising industry - bbc stills dept - freelance - web
design - online celebrity bodyguard - research -
teaching - freelance - volunteering - collaborative
projects (love your bike, deck your chairs, creative
portsmouth book, strong island, creating balance
project with anglepoise, exhibitions)
I Love DOing. Obsessive documenter - photography,
blogs, projects, future trends, mix it up
http://www.ickr.com/photos/create_up
http://clairesambrook.tumblr.com/
The importance of having a portfolio of
work in the creative industries
Do what you love & love what you do
Putting a portfolio of work together should not
be a chore. It shows your commitment to your
intended industry and informs the viewer that
you love what you do.
It fuels you. It makes you who you are.
Care & attention to detail are vital.
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http://www.ted.com/talks/gary_vaynerchuk_do_what_you_love_no_excuses.html
Gary
Vaynerchuk
new book -
The Thank You
Economy
Ted - worth looking at
being T-shaped
The importance of having a portfolio of work in the
creative industries
- Building up a body of work should be part of
your exploration into your discipline
- Ideally work done outside of modules - the
extra %
- Collaborate with other disciplines (work
with Music/Sound student, games, animation,
web, lm etc)
- Seek work experience / enter awards etc
The importance of having a portfolio of work in the
creative industries
What is a portfolio/showreel?
This is used for the best representation of your capabilities to a
potential employer/client.
Can take many forms - DVD/VHS/Website/Printed/Packaging/
GOOD TO COVER AS MANY AS POSSIBLE
Why have one?
Demonstrates concrete proof of skills and learning and
provides an opportunity for creative self-expression
The importance of having a portfolio of work in the
creative industries
What to put in your portfolio
Start and nish with strong pieces of work - quality over
quantity
Group work according to subject and content
Place the most relevant work rst
Ensure work is carefully presented
Consistent feel
Demonstrate your range of skills - T-Shaped
The importance of having a portfolio of work in the
creative industries
What to put in your portfolio
Preliminary sketches can be included to demonstrate the design,
lm etc processes as employers would want you to talk through
with them particular pieces. Alternative ideas can be included to
show versatility.
FILM / VIDEO / ANIMATION / GAMES / SOUND WORK -
Beginning of showreel is very important as you need to capture
attention within 30 secs before they press the eject/stop/quit
button. 5-10 mins - short trailer + full. Consistent titles etc
WEB / DIGITAL - Online and live. Consistent design
What an employer is looking for
I have included quotes from employers to back-up the
format and content of cvs and showreels/portfolios
EDITING
Applicants need a healthy dose of realism about their
capabilities. They should take the trouble to research the
company and our client requirements. They should also
acknowledge the limits that a college education can
offer them without some commercial experience to go with it.
Poorly presented CVs with little information padded out to read
like lots is transparent. Offer the qualications you do have,
rather than the aspirations you might want to have! Be realistic
about how far you can go with what you know.
Rowan Bray, Facility Manager, Arena Digital, London
What an employer is looking for
INTERACTIVE MEDIA
I look for the following from applicants:
rstly, creative talent and ideas! (The rest can be taught
on the job, if necessary); good presentation skills; an awareness
of the market for interactive media; team working and good
organisation skills; and, if possible, good references. The worst
things I see in applications are: mis-types, bad spelling and bad
grammar; hype - it's easy to be found out; too much talk about
software skills and not enough creative passion.
Stef Brammar
Managing Director
Mousepower Productions Ltd, Wiltshire
What an employer is looking for
GAMES
We look for relevant skills to match our vacancies, e.g.
programming languages C/C++/Java or art packages, e.g.
3D Studio Max. We're also looking for good academic
qualications in relevant subjects, i.e. computing, science,
physics, maths. Worst thing in applications?
Prior to interview: poorly presented or dishonest CVs; lack of
details; poor showreels.
At interview: candidates who are not fully prepared, i.e. haven't
taken the trouble to look at our website and nd out background
information on the company; poor results in tests we set (e.g. Java);
poor communication skills; lack of interest in the interview;
arrogance; 'stolen material'
On examples of work; raw inability and unrealistic expectations.
We are looking for candidates with relevant experience,
skills and an interest in the games industry.
Siobhan Calfe, HR Manager, Kuju Entertainment, Surrey
What an employer is looking for
ANIMATION
Send a showreel and/or portfolio. Something unique has to stand
out and there are ways to express your creativity, even if you don't
have much money.
You're taking the viewer on a journey, so send documentation with
the showreel, indicating its length, running order and
your contribution. Showreels should show your best work to date
and be no longer than 5 to 6 minutes. And say how long it took
you to do the work - we need to know that people can deliver
quality work on time.
We're looking for basic skills - a walk cycle, a run cycle, as well as
acting/miming ability. Take pride in your work and be professional:
check that your work is actually on the tape - some people send in
blank tapes, one even sent a recording of the previous night's
Eastenders!
Do it for the passion, love and enthusiasm. Helen Brunsdon,
Development Executive, Aardman Animation Ltd, Bristol
What an employer is looking for
CAMERA (documentary)
I need to see a reel showing a mixture of situations and
demonstrating that the operator has a developed eye, can cope in
a controlled situation, can light and has an intuitive understanding
of framing. I can tell when watching reels how much is down to
the camera operator and how much is the work of the director.
Mention a list of credits, broken down into sub-divisions (e.g.
drama, docs, etc.), I am looking for a sense of personality and
what makes them tick.
Malcolm Brinkworth, Managing Director, Touch Productions,
Dorset
What an employer is looking for
MUSIC / SOUND
When compiling a showreel we think it is very important that you
create one which has sound to picture, and not just audio only.
Also try to and be clear if something is a demo or a real job. We
also think its a good idea to use Vimeo as it is more professional,
and used by most people in the media industry.. You can also back
this up with compositions on Soundcloud (or similar). Do some
market research before you start sending examples of your work
around. Try and nd out who you need to send you work to and
what kind of thing they are looking for and what format they want
to see it on, eg DVD, an internet link or whatever. We have also
found that making a specic showreel for a specic client is a
really good idea - it will help you get the most relevant work to the
right people. Try and get as many face to face meetings with
people as you can - its difcult to strike up any kind of
relationship on email. Written by Tim Rabjohns & Fridel for Music For TV
Masterclass
The importance of having a portfolio of
work in the creative industries
examples -
http://showcase.awn.com/
http://www.studentshowcase.net/
http://www.pratt-talent.com/
http://www.vfs.com/
http://www.artsthread.com/
The importance of research
Vital to know your industry inside out
What skills are required?
What companies do you look up to?
Investigate and exhaust all avenues to get a
placement/work experience in your industry
Be savvy with the content you put in your
showreels and in your cvs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WePDgBpXtnY
student work
Online work

http://www.superrb.com/work/arbor-yachts - local based

in Hayling Island
Important to talk about process, software etc
Sites need to be live (online)
Accounts with Vimeo, You Tube, SoundCloud and other
online platforms
Showcase your coding | design | navigation etc
Could add tutorials? - show your skills off
LOOK AT OTHER GRADUATE WORK - COMPARE
I Love Dust

http://ilovedust.com/ - local (Portsmouth)

They have a blog
Multi-Discipline
Film | Video

Important to have a 30 sec - 1 min teaser + full lms

State your role in that lm

Running time

Titles (consistent)

Showcase your skills | technique | editing |

camerawork etc
Could add tutorials? - show your skills off
LOOK AT OTHER GRADUATE WORK - COMPARE
Get FEEDBACK from the industry
Film | Video | Animation

http://www.mediacollege.com/employment/demo-
reel.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/editorial/
how_to_put_together_an_animation_showreel/221830

hunt through forums and also post your own work for
comments - http://www.videoforums.co.uk/user-
videos/36474-director-showreel.html
Film Production - Love this
http://www.artcenter.edu/insite/rodolfo5.htm
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Other examples
My You Tube -
http://www.youtube.com/clairesambrook
My Vimeo -
http://vimeo.com/sambrook/likes
http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2008/06/50-
unconventional-beautiful-portfolios/
http://www.appmakr.com/ http://ibuildapp.com/
The importance of a pitched cv
A CV is a marketing document.
Unlike other industries which employ
personnel staff to lter job applications, your
CV may arrive directly on the desk of the
person with the authority to give you a job.
This person will be very busy.
Your CV has only seconds to make an
impression.
So
Write your CV with the potential employer in
mind.
Use only the most relevant information about
your career, education and skills.
Provide an accurate portrait of yourself.
One standard CV for all employers is not
enough.
The importance of a pitched cv
Be Positive.
Be concise.
2 pages should usually be the maximum length of your CV. A
lot of companies are now saying even 1 page.
Use the space wisely.
This takes a great deal of thought and planning.
Is it on good quality paper?
Is the spelling correct? (Don't rely on a spell-check!)
Is it easy to read?
Does the font you choose reect the image of the job?
Capitals, bold, italics, underlining, etc. can be used to
emphasise headlines and key points
The importance of a pitched cv
What an employer is looking for
When reviewing CVs employers want to know what you can do
for them. They will be looking for the following information,
which should be on the front page:
- A 'career objective' - who you are and what you can bring to
the job - A summary and selling point of you!
- Relevant key skills and achievements
- Your current address and how to contact you.
The importance of a pitched cv
Suggested Layout for Your CV [Don't include a heading such as
"Curriculum Vitae" - this wastes space and it's obvious what the
document is.]
* Your name - this should be visible right at the top and BOLD
* Contact details (your address, telephone number, plus
mobile and email) Could also put Date of Birth and Driving
status
* A Personal Prole - a short, punchy, positive statement about
yourself to make a prospective employer sit up and take notice.
* Relevant Experience - work experience, freelance work etc
* Key Skills / Skill Set - most relevant rst
* Education
* Employment
* Interests & Achievements
* References x 2 (one academic and one relevant if possible)
The importance of a pitched cv
lastly
When your CV is ready turn it into a
PDF (acrobat) le as this transfers well
across platforms and the formatting
does not get screwed up!
Then send it to industry for feedback
The importance of a pitched cv - examples
Needs to be consistent and have all avenues covered -
online/ofine
Examples of work
Examples of work
Examples of work
http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2008/09/the-20-most-
creative-resumes-ive-seen-in-a-long-time-pure-inspiration/
It even has a watermark
Business Cards
Need to be consistent
in style
to your CV and
Showreel/Portfolio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoIvd3zzu4Y&eurl=http://www.itevenhasawatermark.com/about/
http://www.computerarts.co.uk/tutorials/
2d__and__photoshop/create_a_3d_business_card
Design your own stamps
Legos corporate business card
The Best of
Business Card
Design
and an excellent website:
http://creativebits.org/cool_business_card_designs
http://www.moo.com
Resources - careers
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk/
Resources - careers
http://ccskills.org.uk/
Resources - careers
http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/creative_industries/
default.aspx
http://www.skillset.org/uploads/pdf/asset_4807.pdf?3
Helpline Numbers: (*Also available to callers from Northern Ireland)
England 08080 300 900* | Scotland 0808 100 8094 | Wales 0800 0121815
www.creativeskillset.org/careers
A CV is a marketing document. You can choose what to include and
what to |eave out, but |t shou|d refect your persona||ty and show your
passion for the industry. Unlike other industries where personnel staff
are emp|oyed to f|ter app||cat|ons, your Ov cou|d arr|ve d|rect|y on
the desk of the person with the power to give you a job. They will be
very busy and your CV will have only seconds to impress.
Wr|te your Ov w|th the emp|oyer |n m|nd. se on|y the most
relevant information about your career, education and skills.
Prov|de an accurate portra|t of yourse|f. Remember, overse|||ng |s
as bad as underselling.
One standard Ov |s not enough. Ta||or |t to the |nd|v|dua| emp|oyer
or at least to the type of employer you approach (eg. broadcaster,
picture library, photographer, corporate sector, education sector).
Make sure that you`ve thorough|y researched the emp|oyer you`re
targeting, so its clear to them that youre familiar with the types of
programmes or projects that they work on.
Be pos|t|ve.
Your Ov shou|d be conc|se, re|evant and we|| |a|d out. Keep |t short
- two pages max|mum - and use the space w|se|y, wh|ch takes
thought and p|ann|ng. Make sure |t |ooks profess|ona|.
ls |t typed? ls |t on good qua||ty paper? ls the spe|||ng and
grammar correct? |Don`t just re|y on spe||-check!
ls |t easy to read? Avo|d |ong sentences. se act|ve words,
eg. developed, managed, researched, organised etc.
Ohoose a modern font to refect the |mage of the job - Ar|a| |s a
safe bet and dont use more than one font. Capitals, italics etc.
can be used for emphasis but be consistent and dont overdo
it. Leave plenty of space on the page.
Employers will be looking for the following information, which should
be on the front page:
What you can do for them
What work you have done of the k|nd that they produce |eg. a Tv
or radio programme, a photo shoot, a game etc.)
lf you haven`t worked |n th|s area, what new |deas and sk|||s you
can bring from other areas you have worked in
Who you have worked for that the emp|oyer knows and trusts
Whether you want to work for th|s emp|oyer or are just anx|ous to
get work generally
Where you ||ve
Whether you can be contacted eas||y
Your CV should always be sent with a covering letter.
This is an opportunity to speak directly to the employer, so it is worth
spend|ng t|me gett|ng |t r|ght. Remember, |t shou|d:
be addressed to the r|ght person. Research th|s thorough|y
beforehand.
be br|ef and not repeat |nformat|on |n the Ov.
have three parts:
1. The reason for writing, eg. I was very interested in the article
|n Ju|y`s [MAGAZlNE TlT|E| on [REFER TO ARTlO|E|"
2. Your se|||ng po|nts or how your Ov meets th|s need - fag up
the relevant points in your CV
3. A prompt for further action, eg. Id welcome the chance to meet
you. And remember to follow up, striking a balance between
genuine interest and causing irritation.
Overleaf are some suggested headings for your CV.
These notes are |ntended as a gu|de, not fxed ru|es.
Wr|t|ng a Ov for the Creative Industries
creative
Careers in the
Creative Industries:
hints & tips
A guide to creative CV creation
http://www.slideshare.net/equatoragency/the-
creative-cv-guide
Resources - cvs
Games
http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/DariusKazemi/20090428/1274/Writing_a_Resume_for_a_Game_Company.php
http://www.gamecareerguide.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3154
Animation
http://blueskyresumes.com/free-resume-samples/animation-director-resume-sample/view/
Music and Sound -
http://www.aquinn.co.uk/Resume.html
http://steve-bond.com/leadmin/user_upload/cv/CV_Steve_Bond_280812.pdf
Design -
http://creativepool.co.uk/articles/winningcv/cvtipsforgraphicdesigners
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-designer-resume-curriculum-vitae/
TV / Film -
http://www.londoneditors.net/
http://www.productionbase.co.uk/members/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&m=58326
http://www.creativeskillset.org/lm/knowledge/freelancers/article_3687_1.asp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofproduction/articles/tv/writing_the_perfect_cv
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/mediacv.htm
Games / Animation
Students . . make
your characters
into vinyl toys?
http://visual.ly/
Website Design
http://siteinspire.com/showcase
Resources
http://creativeplatforms.posterous.com/
Module I run - showreel, cv,
business card
good for research
for e-portfolio and
how to keep a blog etc
Next Week
- Being savvy and using Social Media
- The importance of getting your work online -
brand you
- Using online Portfolio sites
- Networking - press esh
Look forward to seeing you all next week
any questions? email claire.sambrook@port.ac.uk