The Standard Resume vs. Creative Resume
When you seek employment, one of the first things your potential employers will want from you is your resume.

People who are looking for a job in business or retail sales will use a standard resume form. It includes contact information, experience, education information, and other facts about the person.

But what if you are seeking a job as a graphic designer, illustrator, or other position in the arts or media? Does a “standard” looking resume work or should you express some of your creativity in your resume?

If you take a look at the numerous books regarding resume writing, most of them will give you a limited selection of resume styles.

But that’s for “regular” jobs, not necessarily for graphic designers or artists.

Should your resume be different and creative? This question isn’t an easy one to answer because each firm, interviewer, or human resource person is wired differently. If your resume is different or stands out, depending on who is on the other end of that resume, you may get noticed or a frown.

The Examples
We’re not sure if the following resumes landed a job for the applicants or not, but they are certainly eye-catching, and different. Look over these examples and decide if you want to try a few of the ideas.

Perhaps the best bet is to have two resumes available for passing out — one that is “standard” and the other one more “creative.” If possible, you can ask the person who is handling resumes which one is more appropriate.

Without further ado, here are the examples.

Will a resume like this be taken seriously or will it be an attention grabber? Click on the image to see the full-sized resume.
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In our next example, the graphic artist has taken the approach of formatting his resume to look like formula guide cards. Click on the image to see the full- sized resume.
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The next example is based upon an old newspaper ad section. In this case however, the graphic designer is selling himself. The idea is interesting and makes reading his resume fun. Click on the image to see the full- sized resume.

As you can see, the variations of what you can do for a creative resume can be almost limitless. But the question remains, when is it appropriate to try a resume such as the ones displayed?

Next Time
We’ll explore a few more creative resumes and talk about what a successful graphic design resume should include. We’ll also try to answer the question of when it is appropriate to use creative resumes.
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The Job Interview
Upon your graduation from graphic design college, the next step is to look for a job.

The job interview process can be mystifying, but in this job interview series, we list pointers and tips that can help you to interview successfully.

What to Do During an Interview
In part one of Interview Tips for Graphic Artists and Designers, advice was given on what to do in preparation for a job interview in graphic arts.

But what can you do during the interview to make it go smoothly?

Here are some tips:

• Be Yourself. This bit of wisdom is rarely given but is very useful in defusing any jitters you may have during the interview. It’s OK to say, “I’m a little nervous,” to the interviewer. The human resources person or potential boss understands this. Putting on a veneer of self-confidence rarely works and is usually quite transparent, so be yourself. Your honesty will be appreciated.

• Talk. Try to be straightforward with your answers and avoid long pauses or periods of silence in your responses. Part of the interview process is to evaluate your communication skills. If you are naturally quiet, that is fine. Just be prepared to speak more than you usually do during the interview.

• Ask Questions. Although job interviews are sometimes thought of as a one-way street — the interviewer asks questions while the interviewee answers, this isn’t necessarily the best approach for job candidates to take. If a question doesn’t make sense, ask for clarification.

• Demonstrate. If your portfolio is reviewed by your interviewer during your interview, you can offer information on what role you played in designing the pieces. Was it a team project or did you produce the work on your own? The interviewer may ask you what creative processes you used to arrive at your designs.

• Technical Terms. In any job there is a specific amount of jargon you need to know and understand. Your interviewer may present questions that are technical in nature such as, “What do you think the CMYK mix for the color of a red fire engine truck would be?” Brush up on your graphic arts terminology.

The Importance of Education
Getting a chance to interview for a design job can be a very exciting and nerve racking experience.

Your artistic talents are laid out for all to see and your work stands on its own to make or break the job deal and this certainly can be a little stressful.

But along with talent is the necessity to get a well-rounded education in your specific field of design.

If you are contemplating a career as a graphic artist, illustrator or media professional, graphic design schools can be of immense help in providing the career training you need to prepare for jobs in design.

The Next Time
What sort of questions will you be asked during the interview process? Should you take the job if the company makes you an offer? What else can you do to increase your chances of landing a job? We’ll cover these topics and more in the next few sessions.

Together with the fashion competition that is the core of ITS (International Talent Support), ITS#ACCESSORIES completes the spectrum highlighting the most creative young talents in fashion with a dedicated contest for all accessories design graduates and young accessories designers.

Eligible entrants include college students in their last year of a fashion/accessory Design course (BA or MA), who will graduate in 2009 as fashion/accessory Designers; fashion/accessory design graduates; and, young talents not in possession of a diploma in fashion or fashion accessories design, yet who work as fashion accessories designers.

This competition is organized in partnership with YKK, a leading multinational company in fastenings that strongly believes in supporting creativity. The accessories competition allows YKK to explore all of the out-of-the-ordinary creations that can be produced with their fastenings.

Finalists will compete for three awards. The winner of Accessories Collection of the Year will receive 10,000 Euro (currently $12,984.48 USD) and will be asked to create a new accessories collection to be presented at ITS#NINE. The winner of the YKK Award will receive 10,000 Euro and a professional photographer will shoot an image of the winning YKK accessory to be used for promotional purposes. The winner of the “CRYSTALLIZED Accessories Award” will receive 5,000 Euro.

With the launch of the new edition of ITS comes the opening of enrollment in the accessories competition. The deadline to enroll is 25 March 2009. Visit the site to learn the details and to download entry forms.

Fire Mountain Gems and Beads is looking for entries that showcase your designer talents. There is no limit to the number of pieces you may enter. The same piece can be submitted in two different categories and, when appropriate, Fire Mountain Gems and Beads can assign a third category. However, each piece can take a winning placement in only one category.

Design entries must be comprised of at least 50 percent of products purchased from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Each entry must include at least 50 percent of the product in the piece of the category in which it is being submitted.

First Place Gold medal winning designs in each category will go on to compete for the Grand Prizes and may be showcased in and on the following:

• 2010-2011 Jewelry Maker’s Comprehensive Catalog
• On the Fire Mountain Gems’ website
• Full Page ads in top industry magazines
• Supplemental catalogs

Your designs will be seen by hundreds of thousands of beading enthusiasts, along with your name if you desire. All entries are mailed and must be received by 15 April 2009, so give yourself plenty of time to send your photographs (do not send actual jewelry until you are notified). This competition is open to all Fire Mountain Gems and Beads’ customers. Those entrants under age 17 must complete the Minor Entrance Packet. Visit the site to learn more.

For more than 30 years Plaid Enterprises, Inc., a leading arts and crafts company, has worked with designers, artists and inventors to bring some of the most innovative craft products to market. These products are found at craft and hobby stores world-wide, featured on popular TV shows and in well-known publications, and have garnered national and international recognition.

Plaid is currently accepting submissions for new product ideas and innovative crafting techniques. They also want to expand their network of freelance designers. If you have a product idea, invention or are an artist interested in working with Plaid, now it’s easier than ever to submit your work to them. Simply fill out the required information:

• Tell them about yourself – background, skills, specialty, etc.
• Review and agree to Non-Disclosure Agreement terms.
• Attach a few images and/or photos of your work (clearly label all photos & images with your contact information)
• Include any additional infomation about you or your idea.

This is an ongoing venture, so apply any time.

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