First, You Hustle

The Thing About Fine Arts

The arts world hires in a distinctly different way than many other industries. This episode examines the key differences for students interested in fine arts or arts management careers. Also, Amanda Kepner, Senior Manager for Institutional Operations at the Columbus Museum of Art, shares her winding path into the museum world.

The Rise of the Creative Professional

At what point are you able to call yourself an ‘artist’ or a ‘designer’? CCAD alum Marshall Shorts (Advertising & Graphic Design, Industrial Design, 2006) discusses his journey from student to serial entrepreneur and creative advocate. He recently started a creative agency, Artfluential, but his first art deal came about when he was in fifth grade. So, when does your creative career really begin?

The Bumps in the Road

What should you do when you feel like you aren’t good enough? When you start doubting your abilities or if you’re even cut out for creative work? This episode identifies resources to turn to when you feel like you’re stuck and you can’t see the way forward. We hear a student’s journey as she contemplates changing her major, and Athena Sanders, Assistant Dean of Students for Support Services, reviews on-campus resources to keep you moving in the right direction.

The Business of Art: Freelancing & Entrepreneurship

Turning your ideas or services into a business involves a lot of hoop jumping and careful planning. CCAD Assistant Professor and Department Head of Business & Entrepreneurship Elaine Grogan Luttrull outlines five areas to concentrate on when forming your own business or freelancing. Idea Foundry CEO Alex Bandar details how he grew his organization into a model of coworking and innovation, and one of Idea Foundry’s members, Will Nickley, describes life as a freelance designer.

The Portfolio Interview

Christopher Washington, Senior Human Resources Associate at Fahlgren Mortine, describes the art of presenting your portfolio to an employer. Finding items to include in your portfolio is only half the battle. Describing your work to employers in a meaningful way is what gets you the gig. This episode details steps you can take to prepare a presentation that will make employers want to say "When can you start?"

The Application Process

There are many parts of a job application, including knowing what you want to do, researching companies, networking, writing a cover letter, and submitting a strong resume. Kristen Harris (Retail Advertising, 1991), co-founder of Portfolio Creative, sits down to talk about her perspective on what job candidates need to do to get noticed, get interviewed, and get the job.

The Pitch

Presentation can make or break opportunities. CCAD alumnus and Executive Creative Director at 88 Brand Partners Joe Popa (Advertising & Graphic Design, 1990) routinely presents concepts, his company, and himself to clients. This episode draws a parallel between what Joe does in his job, and what job candidates need to do when they meet employers, interview for positions, or otherwise find themselves needing to convince someone of their creative ambition.