COURSE DESCRIPTION
A practical guide to pursuing a career in the visual arts, this course explores professional and academic transfer opportunities for Visual Arts majors. Students gain hands-on experience with portfolio development, resume writing, and application preparation for career, internship, and exhibition opportunities. Class format includes discussions, group critiques, workshops, guest lectures, presentations, and field trips. All Visual Arts majors should take this course in their third semester. Class Hours: 1 Offered fall semester only.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- PORTFOLIO
- Your portfolio should include 12-15 examples of your best work. One goal of this class is to review your existing artworks and identify pieces that form the basis for your portfolio. We will also suggest ways to further develop your work to create a more impressive portfolio.
- Your final portfolio should be submitted as a set of .jpg files, prepared, named, and with an accompanying list as detailed on your project sheet.
- In-class portfolio reviews consist of fifteen-minute review sessions. You will sign up for an in-class review during the first class session.
- In-class reviews are based on actual artworks. Bring 15-20 original works to class for your review session. Arrive early to hang/display works. Hanging or otherwise preparing your work during class will result in a zero grade for your review as well as forfeiture of your review time.
- Your final portfolio should be submitted as a set of .jpg images and a corresponding checklist. Note that the project sheet includes very specific details on how you should prepare these. Pay attention to these parameters; in "real life," failure to do so will result in your portfolio/application being quickly tossed into the reject bin. A sample set of images and checklist is available in the class folder on the S drive. Here's a sample checklist.
- ARTIST STATEMENT
- At this early stage of your career in the arts, an artist statement should indicate some of your personal interests in visual arts. There are no particular rules for an artist’s statement, but it should help viewers learn a little bit more about your art. Beyond its content, your statement should demonstrate solid written communication skills, including proper spelling and grammar. The professionals at the campus writing center, located in Library Room G-13, can help you write your artist statement. Make use of this valuable resource.
- five sample artist statements
- RESUME
- A resume should be neat, succinct, organized, and accurately describe your achievements in the visual arts and in other occupations.
- four sample artist resumes
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP YOUR PORTFOLIO & RESUME
- The Viking News, the student newspaper of Westchester Community College, is looking for students to help with design and illustration. Contact Professor Craig Padawer at 914-606-6768
- join the Westchester Community College Art Club
meets Wed 11 am -1 pm in AAB 403/402 - join the New Media Group
contact Professor Deborah Krikun at 914-606-7359 - contribute art or writing to International Voices
contact Professor Kent Trickel at 914-606-8509 or me - work as an exhibition assistant at the Westchester Community College Fine Arts Gallery. Assistants earn $9/hour to start. Contact me for details.