2017 Portfolio Review Weekend

AIGA Jacksonville invites you to attend the 28th Annual Student Portfolio Review. This year's two-day event begins Friday evening, April 21, with a keynote presentation by Amy Schwartz, Design Director for Cards Against Humanity. Saturday, students are paired with local design professionals for feedback on their final portfolios or works-in-progress. Students not reviewing are still welcome to attend Friday for the lecture and Saturday to observe the review. Register for both events and receive a discount on admission.

An Evening with Amy Schwartz from Cards Against Humanity
Amy Schwartz is a designer specializing in branding, digital experiences, and games. She is currently Design Director at Cards Against Humanity and Blackbox. She was the winner of Command X at the 2015 AIGA National Design Conference; other recognitions include the Emerging Designer Award by AIGA Chicago, Finalist for Young Designer of the Year by the Net Awards, and the recipient of the AIGA Chicago What’s Next Grant in 2014. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Frame Publisher’s Masterclass, Print Mag online, HOW Design and Brand New. Amy founded Liminal Space, a design initiative that promotes experimentation, community, and dialogue within Chicago’s thriving design, art, and technology scenes. Her past clients and collaborators include the Cranbrook Art Museum, Google, and Bright Bright Great. Amy holds an MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BA from DePaul University.

This event is free for reviewers and volunteers. 

When:

Friday, April 21, 2017
6–7 p.m. Social Hour
7–9 p.m. Keynote Speaker

Where:

Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville 
A Cultural Institute of the University of North Florida 
333 North Laura Street 
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

 

Student Portfolio Review

Portfolio Review
Professionals and educators from the Jacksonville area volunteer this Saturday to review your portfolio with you in a one-on-one setting. You'll have the opportunity to practice your interview skills, get constructive feedback on your work and gain insight into the industry. You can categorize your portfolio as print, digital or hybrid, and will be matched up with reviewers who specialize in each area.

Portfolio Competition
For an additional fee, you may elect to enter your portfolio into a judged competition, which takes place after the review. A panel of judges, including AIGA members representing all facets of the design community and the keynote speaker, will judge all the entries and narrow each category down to a winner and a runner-up (placings may be added or subtracted based on the number of entries). Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the end of the day.

When:

Saturday, April 22, 2017
9:30–5 p.m.

Where:

University of North Florida 
Student Union, 3rd Floor (Building 58 on Map)
UNF Campus Map

Coffee, snacks and lunch are provided for all participants.

 

Who Should Attend?
Recent and soon-to-be graduates are invited to participate in the Student Portfolio Review. Undergraduate as well as graduate students are encouraged to attend.

If your portfolio isn’t ready to be unveiled to the public just yet or you're still early in your education, you are still welcome to attend the portfolio review as an observer. Observers are allowed to walk the review area and listen in on the conversations and view the portfolios.

Be Prepared
Your goal for the review is to present your work and get constructive feedback. In order to make that happen, you need to be prepared. Finished portfolio presentations are best, whether it's a custom book, black matte boards in a leather portfolio or an interactive presentation—the choice is yours. If you do intend to show digital pieces, we recommend bringing a laptop or tablet and, to be safe, make sure your work is on your local hard drive, not just online. Those of you still in the throes of creating a one-of-a-kind portfolio are also welcome, as it’s never too early to get constructive feedback.

First Impressions
While this isn’t an interview, this is a chance to make connections and make a lasting impression. Be sure that lasting impression is based on a "Wow!"-worthy book and not a "Wow?!"-worthy wardrobe. In other words, dress business casual. Other suggestions include getting a good night's sleep, taking a shower, combing your hair and, of course, brushing your teeth. You want your book to leave an impression—not your breath.

Relax, Have Fun
The review doesn’t have to be stressful. You’re here to get constructive feedback on your work—it’s not personal. It’s all about improving your book and making you more marketable.

When & Where
Fri, Apr 21, 2017 - Sat, Apr 22, 2017 6:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
University of North Florida - Student Union
1 UNF Drive
Building 58
Jacksonville, FL 32224