A site without content is simply an empty shell.
That's a metaphor for your life. Let's fill up that emptiness with all kinds of great content. I'm tipping my hand a little for this week as we'll start thinking a bit more about content, as we'll be locking down our structure.
Heads-up! I'm not looking for you to create any content just yet...
I just wanted you to be thinking about your content. Ponder. Daydream. Imagine the "you" you want to present to the world. Does it seem like I'm talking about something besides your portfolio pieces? If so, that's because I am. Your site will likely also contain some words. Words that describe your work, words that describe your process, words that paint the best picture of you possible.
I'm not talking about you as a person...
I'm talking about you as an entity. A marketable commodity. A professional persona. Who do you want to be? How do you want to show up? There are some fine lines between Confident/Arrogant, Personal/Unprofessional. Put yourself in their shoes. Literally. You are about to pay large coin to hire a photographer (for example. Not picking on Photo here) for one of the most important events of your life or career. Who do you hire? Do you hire someone who appears dependable, professional? Or do you take a gamble on the artsy dreamer? There is no right answer to that question, however, the way we position ourselves will absolutely determine who we attract as customers, and ultimately the trajectory of our careers. Take this seriously. It's your life.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts below.
Cheers!
- B
How we conduct ourselves as individuals in both professional and casual environments, determines how we are perceived by others. How we convey our art and ourselves as artists invites perception as well. Depending on how much effort you put into displaying your talent, is probably what you will see in return through opportunity or lack there of. In today's society, there is an ever growing demand for designers. If you decide to be a freelance designer or rather, work for a design firm, it is still business. The business of design. How you choose to fit in, is up to you.
ReplyDeleteWhat I want to display myself as is to be the dependable professional. I want to show my clients I am willing to go the extra 100 miles for them. I want them to not know how I achieved whatever they are looking for, but all I want them to know is that I will get it. Personally willing to get dirty and become a cutthroat persona, but open and display empathy towards my clients. I believe in what you have under your belt, because that just shows the trust and that you're not going to go into a haunted house without a flash light. This is what all our portfolios are about, showing we have the examples to show how we work. I happen to be the dependable professional to look like my work looks effortless, when in actuality I've spent over 300 hours on an entire collection. That I've spent over 12 hours designing and constructing a window display. I want to display myself as an effortless professional.
ReplyDeleteFor some time now, I've seriously been considering finding work in the world of Humanitarian efforts and non profit organizations. It's just what I wanna do. I've been researching design agencies such as Hyperakt, a social impact design agency that has done work for . So for the past year or so, whenever I get the chance to choose my own project client in class, I've been choosing non profit/fair trade organizations (sometimes real, sometimes hypothetical.) While I looooove minimal colors and layouts with handcrafted elements and I do believe that portrays my style well, I think it fairs well to show that I can create something "modest and simple" while still functioning as a powerful design. Does that make sense..?
ReplyDeleteI think its really important that we stay objective and look at the bigger picture in the way we define and describe ourselves in the professional world. I do think it important to maintain authenticity to who we are as artists, it is also important that we are marketable and professional. The goal here, i mean at least mine, it to not only do what I love and persue my passion but to make money. And more than enough to just scrape by.
ReplyDeleteSome great discussion happening here, people! Any other thoughts?
ReplyDeleteSome great discussion happening here, people! Any other thoughts?
ReplyDeleteSo since the start of this class I also started working for a clothing company on top of everything else I do. I quickly learned that the reason why they took me in as their photographer was mainly because of the manner in which I presented myself to them. Immediately off the bat we engaged in deep thought provoking discussions about who they were as a brand and how I fit into their brand. The fact that I didn't have a website played very little role to them simply because of how they perceived me, my approachability, and desire to learn and grow with them is why they took a "gamble" on me. So far they are ahead of schedule and have informed me that the best decision they have made so far was bringing me on the team. Although this sounds great (and has been a great experience) I have also learned a great deal about who I am as a Product Photographer that is just now getting into the business. I am a constant communicator with my Art Director, Stylist, Designers, and assistants which is where I have earned my money. The company has saved time and the need to reshoot not because of my skill as an artist but because of how I conduct business.
ReplyDeleteA struggle I feel that I constantly run into right now is that most of the work I have done for classes doesn't actually represent the brand I want to develop for myself. What suggestions do you have to make sure your designs for clients don't look like they are clashing with the brand identity you want to make for yourself?
ReplyDeleteI want to show that I have a strong aesthetic ideal that can be translated into other archetypes. I also want clients to know that I am a strong individual who can put in the time and effort as well as new interesting thoughts and innovations into typical planning and marketing schema. I also want to make money so I can have brunch more often (T_T);;;
ReplyDeleteThis article does strike a lot of inspiration. Because this is exactly what I've been working on. Showcasing not only my physical work but also my vision as an entrepreneur and what I want to accomplish with my work.
ReplyDeleteOf course I want to be presented as professional but I think that comes naturally when building a portfolio. I also want to present the side of myself that wants my work to give back when I reach the goal of becoming a business owner. I want my product to be high quality at an affordable price. My goal is to donate in some way with every purchase of product and having the price at an affordable level everyone can be involved with giving back to the community and be a part of making a change.
So the goal is to show where and what I want to help change in this world and why, which involves the local community. I do know that I want to give back to children such as orphanages, women and children missionaries, after school programs, boy's and girls club etc. Anything involving children who are less fortunate and if successful to all that are less fortunate in our community.
Hence why I want my website to feel raw and organic to represent that our flaws and raw edges become our strengths.