Being in the creative field is often times a challenge; for
designers, developers, copywriters, photographers and anything in-between. If
you are just starting out in the creative field, maybe you’re mid-career and
you are not sure where your career will go OR maybe, you have a huge decision
to make on what type of job you should take next in your field? This article is
here for you.
Develop your portfolio like there’s no tomorrow
Yes, this goes without saying but, it’s a skill that’s
totally under-rated especially if you have not had someone pound it in to your
head. Instead of showing a body of work, break it down into what parts of the
project you did, who the client is and how you achieved it. Everyone has “work”
but, not many people in the creative field show the thought process and their
marketing chops in their portfolio.
Network your ass off
It’s not what you know but, who you know. Prospective
employers love having people that have a track record, especially with someone
directly inside their company. Get involved in local design meet & greats,
events, internships, volunteer work and pro-bono’s. Word-of-mouth is the best
form of marketing and has an unlimited potential to gain you clients, work or
opportunities. Just think of it this way, if you know one person who knows two
people in the industry… And that person knows three people in the industry who
know a few people… you can see how this will snowball into being able to draw
on your connections when the time comes.
Vest yourself into your work
Regardless of the position you are in, vest yourself in the
company and the projects as much as possible. 1.) It makes the creative
process better. 2.) It makes your relationships with your co-workers and peers
more meaningful. 3.) You feel like you’re part of the team, completing your
sense to belong.
Separate your creativity from your personality
Don’t get this confused with “having personality in your
creativity”. This is solely geared towards your creation is what your client
wants. Remember, you are the expert and you are trying to educate and steer
them down the correct path to the best creation possible. However, it doesn’t
ultimately work this way. The sooner you learn that creativity is your medium
and it’s not a personal attack, the better. Especially if you work under
several other people in your company or firm and they call the creative shots.
Just remember at the end of the day that it’s just a project not a personal
attack.
Don’t judge an opportunity by it’s “portfolio work”
Many opportunities are often judged by “Am I going to be
able to do creative work?”. Sometimes, you’ll miss the best learning experience
because you won’t gain any portfolio work. In the grand scheme of things,
portfolio work can only take you so far… There’s a massive amount to be learned
from experiences that don’t appear to have “portfolio quality” work. Some you of
these experiences will be with you for the rest of your life.
Change. Don’t be afraid of it
Times change, mediums change, jobs change, the world
changes. Embrace it. Learn it. Love it. Are you stuck on a project? Change your
thinking. Are you stuck with the same type of clients? Change your service
offerings. Looking for a new career and can’t seem to find the right fit?
Re-design your portfolio. Change your thought process, change your outlook,
change your life.
