FAQs
Sage Advice from VCU Brandcenter
Preparing your book, yourself and your career.
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BEFORE THE EVENT
WHO SHOULD GO?
Advertising students, junior copywriters and art directors, interactive art directors and advertising-geared designers with an advertising portfolio can all attend.
I’M INTERESTED IN ACCOUNT SERVICES. CAN I BUY A TICKET?
Sorry. This event is only for up-and-coming creatives with an advertising portfolio. But if you still want to be involved in Portfolio Night you can volunteer (email michelle@ihaveanidea.org for volunteer information).
WHAT IF I ARRIVE LATE?
You miss your spot and your chance to participate.
MY FLIGHT DOESN’T LAND UNTIL 7:00PM. CAN I REQUEST A LATER REVIEW SESSION?
Sorry. Please ensure your travel plans will get you to the event on time.
CAN I BUY A TICKET AT THE DOOR?
No. Due to the exclusive nature of Portfolio Night and the time restraints of our participating Creative Directors, tickets are only available in advance at www.portfolionight.com
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR BOOK IS GOOD ENOUGH TO ATTEND PORTFOLIO NIGHT?
Send your portfolio (PDF) to brendan@ihaveanidea.org and we’ll tell you.
I AM SCARED TO GO. IS THIS NORMAL?
Every single person going is nervous. No worries. It’s normal.
CAN I CHOOSE WICH CREATIVES I’LL SEE?
No. But you can stay at the event until the Portfolio Night Overtime period at the end of the evening and see all the Creative Directors then.
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
No, wear whatever attire you like. Be yourself.
I WANT TO GO WITH MY PARTNER. DO WE PAY FOR 1 TICKET?
No. You buy 2 tickets and you can opt to see creatives as a team or individually.
WHAT IF I DIDN’T GO TO A FANCY PORTFOLIO SCHOOL? SHOULD I EVENT BOTHER ATTENDING?
Absolutely. Lots of successful advertising pros went to a portfolio school, but many did not.
DO I NEED A RESUME OR A BUSINESS CARD?
Chances are you’ll be the one collecting cards, but it doesn’t hurt to have that stuff on hand.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
A pen and paper to write down comments. You’ll never remember everything they say.
SHOULD I BUY ONE OF THOSE REALLY CRAZY EXPENSIVE PORTFOLIO CASES?
Present your work however you like. There aren’t any rules. But remember - it’s the ideas that matter most.
I’D PREFFER TO SHOW MY WORK ON MY LAPTOP, IS THAT OK?
Yes. But keep in mind that you have a limited amount of time with each CD, so make sure your work is ready to go when you sit down.
I’M AN INTERACTIVE DESIGNER - WILL THERE BE LAPTOPS THERE THAT I CAN LOAD MY WORK ONTO?
Sorry. You are welcome to display your work on a laptop, but you must bring it with you.
WHY DO YOU CHARGE FOR THE EVENT?
Everything costs money. The event venues. This website. The goody-bags. The snacks. Not to mention the team of people that have been working on this event full-time for six months.
BUILDING YOUR BOOK
WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN MY BOOK?
12 - 15 pieces of your absolute best work. Print ads, out of home, interactive, guerilla whatever.
IS IT MANDATORY TO INCLUDE PRINT ADS?
There are no rules when it comes to your portfolio. Include work that best represents you and your skills.
I’VE DONE SOME ADS THAT HAVE ACTUALLY RUN IN MAGAZINES - SHOULD I PUT THEM IN MY BOOK?
Just because they’re “actual ads” doesn’t mean that they are your best ideas. Only show off the work that shows off your skills.
WHAT ABOUT STORYBOARDS AND SCRIPTS? CAN I PUT THEM IN MY BOOK?
You can put whatever you want into your book. But most Creative Directors will tell you not to include storyboards or scripts.
UPLOADING YOUR WORK
WHY DO I HAVE TO UPLOAD MY WORK?
Chances are you won’t get a chance to see every Creative Director at Portfolio Night in your city. And it’s a safe bet that you won’t be able to meet with every Creative Director at every Portfolio Night around the world either. So to offer you maximum exposure we ask that you upload your portfolio so Creative Directors around the world who want to recruit from Portfolio Night can see your fantastic work.
I HAVE WORK IN MY PORTFOLIO THAT I DON’T WANT OTHER PORTFOLIO NIGHT PARTICPANTS TO SEE. IS THERE ANY WAY THEY WILL SEE WHAT I UPLOAD?
Nope. The Portfolio Night Online Showcase will only be made available to participating Creative Directors.
MY FRIEND GUS LIVES HALF WAY ACROSS THE WORLD AND I REALLY WANT TO SHOW HIM MY UPLOADED PORTFOLIO, HOW DO I DO THAT?
Sorry. The online gallery is private and can only be viewed by participating Creative Directors.
I’M AN INTERACTIVE ART DIRECTOR, WHAT AM I GOING TO UPLOAD?
We ask that Interactive Art Directors (or anyone else with interactive work) upload screen shots of your work and include a link to your website.
I’m having problems uploading, what do I do?
Email nat@ihaveanidea.org
AT THE EVENT
WHAT WILL THE ATMOSPHERE BE LIKE?
Totally relaxed and fun!
WILL I GET A JOB IF THEY LIKE MY BOOK?
A lot of people get their first jobs at Portfolio Night, so work hard on your book before going.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO GET FROM THE NIGHT?
Constructive feedback, business cards, a darn good time and if you are lucky, an amazing new job.
I’VE NEVER MET A CREATIVE DIRECTOR, HOW DO I ACT?
Calm, professional - but most importantly like you. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not.
AFTER THE EVENT
DO CREATIVE DIRECTORS MEAN IT WHEN THEY SAY, “KEEP IN TOUCH”?
Yes. Seriously, yes. They’re not kidding! Get their contact info, rework your book and call them back in a few weeks.
SHOULD I FOLLOW UP IF I GET NEGATIVE FEEDBACK?
Yes. But only if you’ve improved your ideas. There’s no point in arranging another meeting to show them what they have already seen.
VOLUNTEERING
DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?
For sure. Volunteering is a great opportunity for students who might be attending the event next year to come and see what it’s like. It’s also great for someone who’s interested in Account Services to get involved in an industry event.
IF I VOLUNTEER CAN I BRING MY BOOK?
Sorry. We’ll keep you so busy that you won’t have time to meet with Creative Directors.
HOW DO I VOLUNTEER?
First make sure you are free on Thursday, May 8, 2008 and then email michelle@ihaveanidea.org
More questions?
Contact ihaveanidea’s very own Director of Educational Resources, and he’ll personally answer any questions you might have about your portfolio or attending Portfolio Night 6.
Brendan Watson
Director of Educational Resources
Email: brendan@ihaveanidea.org
