April 29TH, 2024 12-5PM ET
REMOTE EVENT
STUDENT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
What is the Fine Arts Portfolio Review?
Fine Arts Portfolio Review Remote is a new way for students to meet with gallery directors, curators, residency program directors, grant officers and other fine arts professionals for individual 20 minute portfolio reviews. Reviewers are prepared to comment on portfolios in process or near completion and offer tips and advice on ways to make a strong presentation and connect with the professional fine art world.
Who can attend?
Open to enrolled Juniors, Seniors and Graduate RISD Students. Students choose the reviewers to meet with.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you have class at the time of scheduled portfolio reviews, interviews or related event(s), you MUST get permission from your faculty for an excused absence prior to attending.
How do I participate?
Each company has an OCI listing (On Campus Interview / Portfolio Review) in ArtWorks. Students are encouraged to apply to all of the OCIs for the organizations they are interested in. More applications = more chances for portfolio review meetings.
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To apply students MUST upload a resume/cv.
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Tuesday, 4/23/2024 at 9:00am: OCI Applications OPEN
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Wednesday, 4/24/2024 at 11:45pm: OCI Applications CLOSE
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There is no advantage to applying early.
Portfolio review meetings are assigned by the OCI Application Lottery. The lottery will balance the distribution of all student applications with the meeting time slots for all companies.
Learn more: HOW TO APPLY.
What if I need to cancel a review?
Every effort should be made to keep your review appointments out of respect for the reviewer’s time and your fellow students. In the event of an unavoidable hardship, such as illness or emergency, advance notice of your cancelation is appreciated, if possible. Portfolio review cancellations should be sent to risdcareers@risd.edu.
To follow up a missed appointment, it is customary to send a brief message to the reviewer with the hopes of future correspondence. To learn more about this process, visit the Career Center during drop-in hours or by booking an appointment.
What do I share with reviewers?
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Your complete digital portfolio or hard copy via video conference camera
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PDF resume (submit with OCI application)
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PDF portfolio sample (optional - submit with OCI application)
How should I dress?
It is better to err on the side of formality than informality for this event. Professionalism in personal appearance is a strong complement to the quality of your work.
What do I say?
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Know Your Audience: Students are expected to research the organizations they will be meeting with. Review their websites prior to your portfolio reviews; make notes as you go and develop questions you would like to ask them.
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Introduce Yourself: Begin by thanking the professional for meeting with you, tell them your name, year in school and major. Explain why you are interested in their organization and that you appreciate their feedback and insights on what's expected in a portfolio from applicants.
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Present Your Portfolio or Demo Reel*: Share your screen with the reviewer and ask how they would like to look at your work - do they prefer to get a quick overview and then ask about your projects, or would they prefer you tell them about each piece as you share your work? If the reviewer already has your portfolio loaded on their screen, they may begin by asking you questions about your projects and take the lead on navigating your portfolio.
(* - Share your computer audio when screen sharing if your reel has a soundtrack.)
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Show Respect & Say Thank You: Respect and gratitude goes a long way and makes an excellent professional impression. Also, follow up with a thank you note to the reviewers who made an impact on you – written is ideal, email works, too!
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Suggested questions to enhance your conversations:
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Which pieces do you enjoy in my portfolio; which are the strongest?
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What should I work on; how can I improve this portfolio?
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What do you look for in the artists who you work with or represent?
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What information should I include in my artist statement?
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What makes for a strong grant application?
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What are the types of jobs artists do to support themselves?
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What are the most important things I should be doing to support my career path as a fine artist?
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What advice do you have for an emerging artist like me?
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Are there other organizations or people you would recommend that I connect with?
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What shows, projects, or programs are you currently involved in or planning?
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My favorite organization's schedule is full. Now what?
If you wanted to meet with an organization whose schedule filled before you could sign-up, you can apply to the OCI (On Campus Interview) Job in ArtWorks.
This will ensure the company receives your resume and knows that you were interested in meeting with them. You can find the reviewer in ArtWorks and/or on LinkedIn after the Portfolio Review and send them a message to express your interest in them and to keep in touch.
Learn more: HOW TO APPLY.
Is there remote meeting etiquette?
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Test your camera/video, Wi-Fi, and screen sharing ahead of time to be sure everything is working properly. Limited meeting space will be available in the lobby of 20 Washington Place.
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Keep background distractions to a minimum.
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Good lighting will improve the video quality.
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Dress appropriately and treat your meeting like any other professional meeting.
What if I need immediate HELP during Fine Arts Portfolio Review Remote?
The Career Center will be on call to assist with any last minute questions or problems throughout the duration of the event. We're happy to help, whether you have a technical question regarding ArtWorks, have second thoughts about an important upcoming meeting, or are unsure about something an employer told you. Simply meet with an advisor in a Zoom meeting, call us at: 401-454-6614, or send us an email.