| Back to Home > Bulletin Board > Beginner Issues > Topic: Copywriter Portfolio :: Relocating to New York |
Topic: Copywriter Portfolio :: Relocating to New York
| Author | Message |
| fizzywater | Posted – 8/19/2008 11:53:26 AM | show profile | email poster Hi! Currently I'm a Jr. Copywriter who has been working for the same design agency for a little over a year. Next May (my 2 year anniversary) I'd like to relocate to New York. I've already started gathering materials I've written that I think would be a good representation of my work -- but not quite sure what to do with them. They are all in digital format as my agency does a lousy job at obtaining print samples for anyone other than the designers. I've seen sites like QFolio that put online portfolios together for a price, but not sure what is recommended. I assume a web site, perhaps a CD ROM of my work, resume and hardcopy pieces would be the components I need... but does anyone has any recommendations? I'm at a loss for style and resources to use, but would like to have my work presented in the most professional way as possible... Also, if I'm looking to relocate around May, when do you advice I start sending my materials out? Should I use a placement agency, etc because of my Jr. level? Thanks! |
| fizzywater | Posted – 8/19/2008 11:54:55 AM | show profile | email poster Typos I know, I know. Please ignore them. |
| ManhattanMatt | Posted – 8/19/2008 2:29:52 PM | show profile I would suggest ... ... getting more experience before moving to New York. The job market is so tight here that there are copywriters with TWENTY years of experience competing for "junior" level jobs. Sit tight. |
| fizzywater | Posted – 8/19/2008 5:13:41 PM | show profile I've noticed a trend on the board and it's your negativity. Although I respect your opinion, I simply won't "sit tight" on my life just because of my lack of experience. Plus, you didn't address the major part of my post: portfolios. If you have any constructive feedback regarding how to promote my work in the best light possible, I would appreciate it! |
| rulebook | Posted – 8/19/2008 7:45:48 PM | show profile Don't listen to Matt; his expertise, which he can and will go on and on (and on) about, is in Television. So his insight into this particular question is limited, but as usual, he sure as hell doesn't present his opinions in a manner that refelcts that limited knowledge. I work at a design agency. I would say that the best thing you can do is to get your book out there. There are two ways to do that: create a tangible, printed book, or create a website that houses your work. The latter is more efficient and transportable. If possible, take your existing work and format it into digital "screens" that demonstrate both the writing and the design context. For instance, if it's a 4-page brochure, break your writing into pages or spreads that people can read. No one really wants to see just plain text, even if the writing is brilliant, because the context is important, too. |
| milkmilklemonade | Posted – 8/19/2008 11:36:17 PM | show profile WOO HOO! Fizzywater I have a lot of respect for people who stand up for themselves. You'll do just fine in New York. |
| Lula | Posted – 8/20/2008 10:34:08 AM | show profile I'm constantly amazed at how few writers take the time to create visually compelling portfolio materials, so I think it's a great way to stand out. I'm not in NY, but I'd recommend the following: - Put together a nice (easy to navigate, simple, clean) website containing written samples. You can use WordPress or Blogger for free, and modify their templates - WordPress also offers a lot of nice, modern, 3rd-party themes. See: http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/01/08/100-excellent-free-high-quality-wordpress-themes/ - Create a resume/portfolio package that's visually compelling. It doesn't have to be fancy, but if each component relates visually it will stand out more in the mail. - Direct people to your online portfolio. You could include a CD in your package, but I think it would be easier for both you and the recipients to just be able to head to the website. I wouldn't worry about not having actual printed samples (originals - copies are certainly necessary); that's more important if you were looking for a design job. But you might consider going the higher end route and looking at something like lulu.com or blurb.com to print an actual book portfolio. Only problem with this option is that it's not customizable once you've created it. |
| fizzywater | Posted – 8/20/2008 3:43:42 PM | show profile Thanks for the feedback! Great recommendations. This is why I love this board... |
