Hi, does anyone have any tips for portfolios / approaching people for jobs? Especially in the current situation :)
I’m a third year visual communication student about to finish my degree, looking for any help to get me started !!
Replies8
- Hi Abbie,For your portfolio:With every project:1. write one line on: What impact it had - Did it win an award? How many people did it reach? Or how many people reacted to it? Did it have any press coverage?2. write one line on: What your role was for that project, what you did to make it successfulIn terms of getting work/jobs:Add lots of people of LinkedIn - message Creative Directors and ask if they need help. Don't be afraid to message someone multiple times (over a period of time, don't hassle/stalk them every day through!) Search for hashtags on linkedin of people posting jobs/freelance work.Put up a post on LinkedIn when your portfolio is ready (once you've added lots of relevant people as your connections) and announce that you're looking for work or to collaborate.Keep going, be persistent and consistent!Hope that helps!
- Hi AbbieWe specialise in custom made portfolio for photographers, stylists, hair dresser, make up artists & others in the industry.We certainly can help on that side of preparing a portfolio.www.cathyrobert.comHopefully we can help one day, keep safeAll the bestCathy
- Hey Abbie, I don't think I can add anything too revelatory to the great advice below. If you wanted some specific feedback on your portfolio, I'd be happy to talk and maybe point you in the direction of someone who will likely be hiring when we go back to normal.connor.pearce@kreamlondon.com
- Now is a fantastic time to show your portfolio. You have a captive audience and everyone is used to working remotely and people really want to have interaction. It’s all about how you approach it. Now a very smart person once taught me that the best way to show a portfolio is not to ask someone to look at it, but to pick people you really admire and ask them for their professional advice on how to get better. In my experience if you play to the person’s experience and talent, you will get a much better result. The second thing is to make it easy. Make the folio either browsable online or small enough to download. Possibly send one picture out, with a funny caption. Imagine something like . . . ‘I’m a massive fan of what you do at xxxx and it would literally make my year if you could give me your opinion on this image’ If they get back to you - pounce by saying 'that is brilliant, can I be cheeky and get your incredible feedback on my folio.' Offer a Zoom or Google Hangout and promise it will only take maximum 10 mins. Once you’ve got them, listen to them, only ask a maximum of two questions and make sure you offer to finish the conversation after the 10 mins is up. Be polite, don't be pushy and always respect not only their opinion, but their time. Once you’ve had the feedback - send a thank you note asking them if you can keep sending work when you have it for feedback. Good luck getting those Zooms!
- This is always a toughie.As Luke says there are a lot of these landing in peoples inboxes.Yes, do make sure your work is relevant.Do your research on the brand / potential client.Get their name right!There ARE opportunities at the strange time.We're potentially using more illustration and still life photography as portrait photography is near on impossible right now (as an example).Only include work you're really proud of. Filling a folio with okayish work isn't as strong as having a smaller selection of BANGERS.Include work that represents both your strenghts and passion.That will come though to the potential client.Good luck.
- Hi Luke & Vicki,Thankyou so much for your help!Abbie
- Hey Abbie,I receive portfolios and pitches on a regular basis, so hopefully I can help.During this time of remote working and self-isolation, I'm assumming we are largely going to be talking about cold calling here.Unfortunately I'd say the old adage: "it's not what you know, it's who you know" does have some truth - that's why platforms like The Dots are so useful! If a portfolio comes recommended by a contact, or an agent, then it goes straight to the top of the pile. I think that's just the reality. As a result, cold calling can feel pretty unrewarding when you first start.There are, however, some things that really set people apart.The personal touch. Try to find out exactly who you are contacting and what they do; even better: what are they trying to do - "Dear sir/madam, here is my work" doesn't get you very far.Selecting work that directly relates to the brand / agency you are trying to attract. Don't just send everything and expect them to look through it all, it probably won't happen.Always make links really clear - and explain why you've provided them. I'm not searching through an email to find a tiny portfolio link. Also, if the link takes me to an error page then that's normally the end of your chance (trust me, this happens all the time!)Finally, and this is really important, if you're not succesful or don't hear back, really don't worry about it! People's inboxes are bursting at the seems right now, and their whole approach to work is changing. It can feel really personal and exposing to share your work, particularly with big companies; but they may not see it that way. It is after all, just an email.I'd say that the people that really shine are being found more organically, through sharing their work on social media or The Dots - right now, more than ever, people are rising to the top by helping others and producing great work off their own backs.Good luck - and hope this helps a bit!Luke
- Hi Abbie,Some tips in here for you: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lets-talk-you-vikki-ross/Best wishes,Vikki
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