Expert: Sean Trapani - 11/15/2006

Question
 Thank you very much for your response.  I'm sorry for bothering you again, but now that you have suggested I start my "book" now, I have no idea where to start.  Do the designs have to be created using the software programs you suggested, or can they be drawn?  And are the designs supposed to be mock ads for real products/services, or do you make up your own?  I'm sorry if these seem to be dumb questions, but I have tried looking up this information and I guess it's so basic that it's hard to find because it's expected that anyone in this field already knows it.  Anyway, any other advice you can offer would be great...thank you for your help.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
 Hi, I am currently a sophomore at Boston College and I am a Communications major.  I have done some research regarding opportunities in the Advertising field, and I would really love to get involved in the Creative Dept.  However, I have a few questions...
  1. Will a major in Communications (with Advertising course electives) be sufficient? And is graduate school     necessary?
  2. When should an Ad portfolio be started, and with what programs should the mock ads be created?

 Any information/advice would be greatly appreciated...Thank you for your time!
-----Answer-----
Hi, Michelle

In advertising, the portfolio, or "book," is king. You should start your portfolio immediately - because you will probably want to evolve it as you learn more about the craft.

But the big question you'll have to ask yourself is, "Do I love to write or do I love to design?"

Majoring in Communications is fine if you want to become a copywriter. But if you want to become an art director, you'll need a lot of computer skills with the big 3 programs: InDesign (or Quark), Illustrator and PhotoShop. You could try and teach yourself these programs, but you're almost better off getting your undergrad degree in Communications, then getting an MA or MFA with a concentration in Advertising Design. Two good programs include the School of Visual Arts in NY and the Savannah College of Art and Design in Ga.

So...yes, the degree is fine for getting into the creative department. But if you want to be more on the design side, you'll need a lot of prep work.


Prof. Sean Trapani

Answer
Hi, Michelle

I didn't see that you answered my question, so it's hard for me to answer yours. Specifically, do you want to be a copywriter or an art director? Based on your response, I would answer the question differently.

But, either way, I encourage you to go to Amazon (or your library) and get a book on creating a portfolio.

As for what's in it...my personal suggestion is to choose real brands instead of making ones up.