Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Even if you aren't naturally introspective, don't skip this step. In fact, it's
probably most important if you tend to be impatient with self-examination. You're in
a profession where personality matters because it is so frequently reflected in how
you approach concepts and ideas. The self-assessment checklist that follows will help
you to think clearly about your abilities, needs, and goals. Not only will this help you
develop an appropriate portfolio, but it will prepare you to talk effectively about
yourself and your work in an interview.
Self-assessments are subjective, not scientific. You'll find this one most useful
if you collate the results of each topic and use them at major decision points in your
portfolio development: determining your target market (Chapter 3, “Your Audience”),
preparing your résumé, briefs, and other text (Chapter 8, “Creating Written Content”),
and making the all-important concept decisions (Chapter 9, “Structure and Concept”).
It is less important to rack up points than it is to have the right points.
In general, solid experience is more valuable than training and can balance
some gaps in formal education. Without experience, you should be more flexible in
your goals and prioritize your values. In a down economy, there's always pressure to
be employed first and fulfilled second. But compromises are out there. Consider posi-
tions that offer the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, even if those
positions pay less than those that reward your technical skills. Or use the pay from a
production job to finally get the formal education
that will open the door to new options later.
Values should overlay your goals. The more
selective your values, the less likely it is that you will
find happiness in a large corporation, and the harder
it may be for you to make a major creative change. If
you have a reasonable head for detail, you might be
happier as a freelancer than as an employee.
Personality is a critical component and can,
in the highly subjective world of the arts, move you
closer to your goals even if some of your preparation is spotty. If you've chosen one
set of words to describe your work and a completely different set to describe your
“true” style, you need to reexamine your answers to the other sections and prepare
for many hard choices as you mold your portfolio.
Ideally, any portfolio reflects the
taste and aesthetic of its owner. It
supports the theory that dogs tend
to look like their owners and vice
versa. It should be a true represen-
tation of who that person is and
what they're capable of doing.
—Michael Borosky
