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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.

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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 sign-up? 
 

Students will be able to sign-up on-line through ArtWorks for portfolio reviews on a first-come, first served basis. To sign-up for portfolio reviews you MUST be registered in ArtWorks, have a profile, and upload a resume with a link to your portfolio online.

 

Sign-ups will happen over the course of two days:

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  • Wednesday, April 19 at 6:00pm ET: You may sign up for 6 portfolio reviews

  • Thursday, April 20 at 12 noon ET: You may sign-up for additional portfolio reviews

  • Thursday, April 20 at 11:45pm ET: Sign-ups CLOSE

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Portfolio Review time slots fill very quickly for popular organizations. Be sure you review all organizations attending and prioritize those you want to meet with beforehand. You can favorite these organizations in ArtWorks which will make them easier to find at the time you're signing up. Remember that if you don't get on an organization's schedule, you can still follow up for future meetings!

Learn all of the details on the Student Sign-Up & RSVP page. 

 

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

  • PDF resume (submit with OCI application)

  • 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? 

 

  • 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.
     

  • 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.
     

  • 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.)
     

  • 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!
     

  • Suggested  questions to enhance your conversations:

    • ​Which pieces do you enjoy in my portfolio; which are the strongest?

    • What should I work on; how can I improve this portfolio?

    • What do you look for in the artists who you work with or represent?

    • What information should I include in my artist statement?

    • What makes for a strong grant application?

    • What are the types of jobs artists do to support themselves?

    • What are the most important things I should be doing to support my career path as a fine artist?

    • What advice do you have for an emerging artist like me?

    • Are there other organizations or people you would recommend that I connect with?

    • What shows, projects, or programs are you currently involved in or planning?

 

My favorite organization's schedule is full. Now what? 
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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.

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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.

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Learn all of the details on the Student Sign-Up page. 

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Is there Zoom / remote meeting etiquette​?
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Before meeting employers

  • Make sure your laptop is charged if needed.

  • Test your camera/video, Wi-Fi, and screen sharing ahead of time to be sure everything is working properly. Consider using an ethernet cable between your computer and router for an unstable Wi-Fi connection.

  • Keep background distractions to a minimum, remember that others will be able to see your space when your camera is on. Also try to eliminate unnecessary noise that may be nearby.

  • Good lighting will improve the video quality so you can be seen easily. Overhead lighting or an extra nearby lamp may be helpful. Make sure the light is in front of you, not behind you. Being backlit will make it difficult to see your face.

  • If you choose to use a Zoom background it may distort your appearance. Test the background in advance to be sure your image isn't pixelated.

  • Be sure that your Zoom profile name is professional. Use your full name for your profile.

  • Dress appropriately, refrain from wearing a sweatshirt or tee shirt. Business  casual attire makes a positive impression. You should treat your Zoom meeting like any other professional meeting.

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During Fine Arts Portfolio Review Remote

  • Join the meeting with your audio on. Using headphones with a microphone may improve sound for you and the employer.

  • Turn your video on to indicate your interest and attention.

  • Turn off all notifications and make sure your cell phone is silenced.

  • Be sure you can be seen on camera, you should be seated so others can see your torso, face and the top of your head.

  • Be present while employers and/or others are speaking. Your posture, body language and non-verbal cues will let them know you are respectful, attentive and engaged.

  • Eye contact is important and engages the other person. Practice looking into your webcam as you talk, rather than looking at the video of yourself in the corner of your screen. 

 

 

What if I need immediate HELP during Fine Arts Portfolio Review Remote?​
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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. 

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