MODEcollective: Illinois Institute of Art Student Portfolio Show

This past Friday, September 24th, I had the privilege of attending the Illinois Institute of Art Student Portfolio Show and I had the opportunity to meet several talented, young individuals ready and eager to begin their professional careers.

Aside from the impressive bodies of work from the students I also found that each student was amazingly prepared, eager and positive. In conversations with many of the students I found that their time at the Illinois Institute of Art had thoroughly prepared them for the business of the industry, an aspect of the education process that I have found is many times neglected. It was such a pleasure to meet with each young person and review the hard work that they had completed and were presenting in their portfolios.

The exhibits showcased the talents of the students completing the Advertising, Digital Film & Video Production, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Web Design & Interactive Media, Visual Communication & Visual Effects and Motion Graphics programs. Had I had more time I would have loved to have meet each student given the impressive collection of portfolios on display. I must admit it took me 3 hours to meet and speak with each Fashion Marketing & Management student and a handful of Fashion Design students.

In many of previous postings I have emphasized the need for a realistic perspective for young students and professionals when entering the work force and it was quite obvious that it is the same philosophy held by the Illinois Institute of Art. The students I met were prepared, well spoken, talented and in addition had realistic expectations and a strong work ethic willing and eager to start working.

It has been a few years since I have been in school and the evidence of how significant the role of digital media in business today was everywhere throughout the show in the websites, digital portfolios and blogs many of the students were using to promote, exhibit and sell themselves and their brand. This is a trend in line with the business of today as the world has turned to online and social media in order to market their business, sell their product, build a client base and network. It was excellent to see that these students embraced this new way of doing business as they begin their journey and I cannot say enough about the amazing staff and professionals that have prepared them so well for their next steps.

Below are just a handful of examples of the online sites, digital portfolios and blogs that I was introduced to during my visit.

Maria Somoza-Fashion Marketing & Management-Marketing Interest
www.MariaRSomoza.com
Morgan Massat-Fashion Marketing & Management
http://www.morganmassat.com/
Jessiva Van Meter- Fashion Marketing & Management
http://www.jessicavanmeter.com/
Brittany Brown Lee- Fashion Marketing & Management
http://www.brittanybrownlee.com/bdb.html
http://www.girlintheyellowcab.com/
Anthony B. Shelby II-Fashion Marketing & Management- Merchandising Interest
http://www.anthonyshelbyii.com/
Susie Brock-Fashion Marketing & Management- Buying Interest
http://www.susiebrock.com/
Cassandra Vack-Fashion Marketing & Management- Wedding Planner Interest
http://www.cassandravack.com/
Marisa Arredondo-Fashion Marketing & Management- Marketing Interest
http://www.marisaarredondo.com/
Natasha Nicole Rumpke-Fashion Marketing & Management-Product Development Interest
http://www.natasharumpke.com/

In addition to an aptitude in digital media many of the students had also been well prepared with other trends in the industry in particular the importance to consumers of being green in business as well as the importance philanthropy plays in business today. In many portfolios I saw projects focused on charities, charity events and green products. In conversations many students explained to me their interest in incorporating these two concepts in future careers and work which is not only smart but also shows that the latest generation is more globally minded and socially conscious two admirable traits in the new work force.

Overall it was evident that these students had completed a great education and had been supported by professors and advisors who valued the importance of understanding the industry and business world from a realistic and professional perspective. The students were confident, eager, talented and smart which excited and energized me.

Thank you to all of the students who spoke with me and the Illinois Institute of Art for inviting me to such an incredible show.