ARTS3965: Topics: Portfolio and Professional Practices

Abstract

Professional practices in the context of art and design involves skills intended to build and sustain a creative career. This course will focus on planning for a successful transition from undergraduate life to the professional realm or grad school. Determining what path to take in visual art, or what paths are even available, can seem overwhelming when there are so many options; in addition to discussions of what types of careers are available, students need to be prepared with the materials necessary when an opportunity presents itself. Through readings, tutorials and discussion, visiting artist and alumni presentations, written assignments, and research projects/exercises, students will build a heightened understanding of their creative practice and professional goals, as well as the tools and skills necessary to build a successful career in art and design. Students will build and refine their portfolios to a professional level, culminating in the development and documentation of a digital portfolio that can be presented in a multitude of formats. Students will research and learn to apply basic professional practices of the artist, including: online presence and self-promotion, as well as identifying, applying for and utilizing resources available to artists. By the end of the semester, each student will produce a "Professional Practices Packet," create a portfolio website, and present their work to the class in the form of an "artist lecture."