So you have graduated and are now qualified
with copywriting, media, art direction, graphic design or multimedia design.
But where to from there?
A C.V is not enough to get you through the
door. That’s if you want to take that direction. (Some agencies nowadays only
want your book. A C.V is for protocol. Your book will dictate, if you are in
or still outside their door). What gets you through the door is your thinking
and your book.
When I say your thinking I mean that you
have to have initiative. Gone are the days when one used to get on the job
training. You have to be ready to get the work done. Today, the learning curve
is faster. If you are a graphic designer
out of college or varsity. And you don’t know a size of a business card. Then
you are not serious about your passion. That’s another topic for another day.
Your book
or portfolio is a collection of brand relevant work executed in either
speculative or real life campaigns, one shots and content that shows how you
think.
Your book or portfolio can come in many forms
either as a website, blog, or a collection of pdf’s. It should also live as a
hard copy for interviews.
Your book is ever evolving and as you grow
and accumulate more skills and experience, it will take new forms. Your book or portfolio shouldn’t just
showcase that you can be able to use photoshop, illustrator or other computer
software programs. Any curious monkey with a computer can use those programs. Those
are just tools that you use to build your work from and part of the creative
process. Your work should be about big ideas and concepts. That’s where you
start.
Your book should be able to show that you
can think creatively and talk to different people, not just your own
demographic. Your ability to understand a range of people, cultures, ages and
perspective is important.
Enough said – your book is your entry ticket
or should I say key.
By Morrel
Shilenge
