Careers: Arts/a thin resume

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Expert: - 5/9/2006


Question
Seems like most so-called "emerging artists" already have extensive resumes. I've never sold a painting, was only exhibited once, and never finished art school. How can I build a resume with such a thin resume? How can I get a gallery's attention, since talent seems to be secondary?

Answer
Dear Jim,

No matter what, making a name for yourself is an uphill battle in the art world. Honestly, the best thing anyone can do is to use eagle eye vision to spot opportunities at every corner. Do pro bono work where you can find it. Donate a painting to a charity auction. Enter your work into competitions and juried exhibitions. If you search heavily enough, you can find many that don't have entry fees, and some are even hosted by online galleries, which can give you new exposure. The Art Deadlines List is a great subscription that lists all kinds of shows, exhibitions, job openings, galleries seeking artists and work. Simply go to www.artdeadlineslist.com to sign up for either their paid subscription or the free version. All of these activities not only help spread your work and name around little by little, but they certainly count as experience. Network, network, network. Attend gallery openings of other artists, or anything in your particular nitch of art that will expose you to the local artists and those who appreciate them.

Talent may seem secondary, but it still counts, along with perseverance and dedication. Keep your portfolio in tiptop shape at all times. Create business cards or postcards with a sample piece on it and your contact information. Professionalism and preparedness speaks volumes.

Above all, don't be discouraged. Many "emerging artists" have been toiling for a good long time.

I hope this has been useful and I wish you the absolute best of luck!

Sincerely,
Gianina

Careers: Arts

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Gianina L.

Expertise

I can answer questions concerning most traditional mediums such as acrylics, watercolor, colored pencils, collage/cut paper, graphite, charcoal, and pen and ink. I also have strong, advanced knowledge of Photoshop, Powerpoint and Publisher; and beginner to immediate level knowledge in Illustrator, Freehand, After Effects, and Flash. In addition, I can cover miscellaneous subjects such as portfolio preparation, applying to art schools, art school study skills, color theory, basic design and drawing principles, basic animation techniques, working on personal art styles and exploring new artistic techniques. Topics such as the detailed legal aspects of art, web programming and Flash action scripting do not fall under my area of expertise.

Experience

Experience in the Area
I graduated summa cum laude with a double BFA in Illustration and Computer Art (specializing in 2-dimensional animation) from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where as a student, I happily tutored fellow peers in all aspects of art and created numerous illustrations for the school newspaper. For the past several years, I have been illustrating seminar books, designing numerous graphics, and creating short animation sequences for use in video. In addition, I work as a private tutor and am co-director / co-owner of a company that focuses on and promotes the local music industry. I assist with all the day-to-day operations of this company as well as manage all art direction and design.

Education/Credentials
Savannah College of Art and Design
BFA Computer Art, Illustration
Summa Cum Laude
Dean's List, GPA 4.0

Awards and Honors
Induction into Alpha Pi Beta honor society for art and design, 2002
Outstanding Achievement in Computer Art, 2002
Outstanding Student for the academic year 2001-2002
Awarded "Most Dependable" for District, the student newspaper, 2002
Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities, May 2001
Better Business Bureau Honesty in Advertising Essay Competition, Merit Award, November 1998
Mary Renee Whelan Scholarship, Savannah College of Art and Design

Exhibitions and Festivals:
Embodiement; Myths in Animal Form, www.postpicasso.com, December 10 - January 10, 2005
SCAD Alumni Show, Stardust Café, Orlando, FL; December 2004
Finalist, International Juried Online Symbolist Art Show, www.dracoblu.com, May 2004 - April 2005
Finalist, International Juried Online Symbolist Art Show, www.dracoblu.com, May 2003 - April 2004
Senior Showcase, SCAD Pei Ling Chan Gallery, Savannah, GA; May 2002
2D or not 2D, SCAD Trustees Theatre, Savannah, GA; April 2002
Small Works, SCAD Exhibit A Gallery, Savannah, GA; November 7 - December 31, 2001; art was purchased
Magnanimata Animation Festival, May 1999

Publications
Quoted briefly in Animation World Magazine, "Predicting the Future of Futurama" (April 1999) and "Ed, Edd, n Eddy: A Unique Approach" (June 1999)

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