Summer week 5 Profolio/Statement

This class focused on building an effective portfolio and presentation strategies, covering the following key aspects:

1. Portfolio Basics

• Portfolios can be presented as either websites or PDFs, each with its advantages:
  • Websites:
    • Ideal for a broader audience, especially potential employers, as they can be easily found through search engines.
    • Content should include your resume, relevant works (e.g., 3D animations), and creative visual designs.
    • A simple yet professional design is recommended, with at least a basic website ready before graduation.
  • PDFs:
    • Preferred in certain industries where having everything in a single, easily accessible document is convenient.
    • Must have a clear hierarchy, with the most impressive or recent work featured at the beginning.

2. Portfolio Content Guidelines

• Include categorized content tailored to your target audience or industry.
• Highlight progress alongside final results; for instance:
  • Add sketches or research work to showcase your thought process.
  • Maintain a logical structure and strong alignment in layouts, reflecting attention to detail.
• Avoid overloading with images or renders; be selective about what represents your skills best.
• Use simple typography initially (e.g., Helvetica), and evolve the style once the website concept is refined.

3. Showreels

• A showreel is essential for applications and should:
  • Be 1-3 minutes long, with the best shots placed at the beginning.
  • Include a variety of video content like gameplay recordings, modeling, or process videos, emphasizing skills.
  • Be updated annually to reflect new projects.
• Consider having two types of showreels:
  • A general one for applications.
  • An exhibition-focused one featuring installations and high-quality event footage.

4. Artistic Branding

• Artist Bio:
  • Written in the third person.
  • Focuses on professional achievements, exhibitions, and technical skills.
• Artist Statement:
  • Can be written in the first or third person, depending on the audience.
  • Explores inspirations, creative processes, and future goals.
  • Should be engaging and personal, especially when presenting at exhibitions.
• Include both in your portfolio, ready for updates as needed.

5. Practical Tips

• Research other artists’ websites for inspiration (e.g., Rosa Menkman, Kaken Group).
• Consider the SEO of your website and ensure its responsiveness.
• Keep a record of achievements and exhibitions, including dates, for both the bio and portfolio.

6. Future Work

• Start developing a simple website or portfolio now, focusing on basics, and refine it post-graduation.
• Ensure any video or event footage is of high quality to aid in future visa or job applications.
• Continuously update your portfolio and showreel to stay relevant and reflective of your latest work.