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Visual Effects: Animatic Design & Production

admin — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:00:31 +0000

An animatic designer creates animates a storyboard to create the next step in a production so concepts can be tested. Anamatics are used for a variety of purposes, such as testing advertisements, previewing scenes of live-action films before they are shot, in the pre-production stages of animation and in the video game industry.

The position requires excellent computer skills in creative and two and three dimensional software applications, such as Photoshop, Illustrator and AfterEffects. An anamatic designer must be capable of carrying a conceptual thought through from the story boards to production using Photoshop or After Effects.

An animatic designer is a specialization of 2D and 3D animation. It requires a lot of detail work to ensure that conceptual storyboard artwork is accurately translated into moving animation to provide the necessary feedback producers require before embarking on more costly real-life production.

Average Salary:

Top Salary:

Entry Level Salary:

Average Hours: 40+, over time is often required during deadlines.

Union: Possible, especially in movie industry.

Certifications/Education: Bachelors Degree or equivalent.

Years of Experience: 3-4 years as an animator, additional similar work experience may be required.

Strong Markets: This position is predominately found in motion pictures and video industries; advertising, public relations and related services; computer systems design and related services; software publishers; and specialized design services. Strongest markets for the majority of these posts remain in California, Washington, New York, Minnesota and Oregon. This position may also be available in other software development hubs throughout the U.S.

Job Growth Forecast: Employment is projected to grow at about 14 percent between now and 2018. It is considered a highly competitive job, as interest in this career is expended to exceed the number of available openings.

Illustrators who work on computers will see more demand for services as media companies use more detailed images and backgrounds in their designs. Realistic video, movie and television special effects, and 3D moves will continue to drive demand for multimedia artists. Additional job openings will arise from an increasing need for computer graphics in the growing number of mobile technologies. The demand for animators is also increasing in alternative areas such as scientific research and design services.

What’s the difference between fine art and commmercial art?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:05:52 +0000

The Oxford Dictionary describes art as,”The expression of creative skill through a visual medium such as painting or sculpture. The product of such a process; paintings, drawings, and sculpture collectively.” Some argue that the line between Fine Art and Commercial Art is very definite, but really, it is only the intentions that seem to separate the two.

In one example, that a lot of you will know of is by the now legendary artist, Michelangelo. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo was commissioned by at that time one of, if not the most powerful, global organizations in the world, the Roman Catholic Church. Taking over four years to complete, this artwork was a commissioned job and therefore is actually Commercial Art, although it is considered one of the artists finest pieces of artwork and one of the world’s greatest and most famous fine art achievements!

Basically, any artist pursues their own conceptual goals and ambitions through expressing their creative skill in their own artwork. However a Commercial Artist is under commission to produce a creative fine art piece for a commercial art project. The Commercial Artist can still use their creative skills but to the clients needs and ambitions for the project. Some tend to see this as a hindrance to the artists creativity. This is not always the case as it only shifts the meaning of the artwork. The Artist still needs to employ their creativity, conceptual and compositional skills to create the artwork.

Sometimes a Commercial Artist’s creativity can be stifled by the client, in the instance of a client taking on certain aspects of the project. The client may be involved in or in complete control of the conceptualisation and direction of the project by supplying to the artist their own creativity and conceptual problem solving abilities. This can a lot of the time hinder the artist as the client may not actually be able to communicate their ideas easily or feel their own view is the correct view rather than that of the audience the project is aimed at. This can produce artwork, that when presented to the audience in the form of advertising, product packaging, etc, misses it’s target and seems to fail for the client.

However, on some occasions, the client has done the research and has a correct feel for their audience. The conceptual ideas they then discuss and present to the artist to follow work perfectly and gives the artist a firm foundation to apply their creative ability to the project at hand and hence producing a very successful piece of artwork.

What is an Intern?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:50:24 +0000

One often hears about internships as good ways to receive valuable on the job training. Most college degree programs have internship programs available to students. So just what is an intern?

An intern can be defined as a person working in a temporary position that emphasizes on-the-job training. Internships are generally unpaid positions, however there are rare paid internships available.

Internships, as supplements to a 4-year college degree can be very advantageous. Internships allow students the chance to step out of the classroom and to work in the real world environment of their chosen field. Internships can be particularly beneficial to those studying to work in the sphere of media.

Broadcast internships for radio and television; give students the chance to gain a level of comfort while working in the atmosphere of an actual TV or radio station. Production internships, for music or film, similarly offer students the chance to learn their way around a film production house or recording studio.

However even with all their purported benefits, internships have certain limitations. Apprenticeship, or mentoring programs, such as those available from Entertainment Connection, offer many of the same benefits of an internship and even hold a few advantages over them.

So what is an intern as opposed to an apprentice? In mentoring programs or apprenticeships, one works in a similar manner to the way one does in an internship. However many internships basically amount to an exchange of free labor for college credit.

In mentoring programs, participants get valuable, first hand experience in specific areas of their chosen profession.

Internships are also limited in number and available only to college students. Mentoring programs however, are available to anyone of any age. And in mentoring programs, unlike in many internships, one is able to set one’s own hours. This makes mentoring programs an ideal complement for those who are enrolled in a college, or for those who must work a full time job while pursuing their ultimate career goals.

Mentoring programs are particularly beneficial to those pursuing a career in the media. Unlike other fields, degrees in media programs often hold very little water when it comes to actually getting a job. In many media professions it is as much about whom you know as it is what you know.

Mentoring programs, like internships, allow participants to establish the contacts and connections one needs to embark upon a career in the media. And unlike most internships, mentoring programs are geared specifically toward being able to make these contacts.

So just what is an intern? In internship is a good option for many, however not everyone wants to or can be an intern. Mentoring programs on the other hand are open to all.

What is a Mentor?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:48:51 +0000

Mentorships have become increasingly popular as alternatives to 4-year colleges in recent years. Mentoring programs offer one chance to learn a profession in the real, working environment of that profession.

So just what is a mentor? Mentors are essentially teachers or guides who impart their knowledge and wisdom onto those who study under them. In mentoring programs, mentors are fully graduated, qualified professionals who work with apprentices teaching them the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the profession.

Mentorships are particularly popular in the media sphere. A degree from a traditional 4-year college can lead one to a job in most fields. However in media professions, such as broadcast television and radio or film or music production, college degrees often offer little in the way of guaranteeing one a job. The cold hard truth behind most media professions is that when one is starting out, whom you know is often just as important as what you know.

Participating in a mentoring program offers one the opportunity, not only to learn one’s chosen profession in a functional real world environment, but also to establish the connections that one will need to actually get a job.

So what is a mentor in a mentorship program? A mentor in such a program is usually a professional broadcaster, filmmaker or music producer. Apprentices, working with such mentors, learn the specifics of their field while working under the tutelage of their mentor.

Mentorships offer many advantages over attending a traditional college. For one thing mentorships are flexible. Unlike in college, participating in a mentorship allows one to set one’s own schedule. This makes mentorships ideal for those who must work fulltime while pursuing their career. This also makes mentorships a good possible supplement to a degree from a brick and mortar college.

Mentoring programs are similar to internships in many ways. But internships are few and often very difficult to land. Also internships are available only to college students, while mentoring programs are open to anyone of any age.

Mentorships, such as those available from Entertainment Connection, provide one with the opportunity to learn one’s profession in the actual working environment of that profession. They are flexible, allowing one to set one’s own hours and most importantly they are geared towards allowing participants to make valuable industry contacts and connections.

So what is a mentor? If you are an ambitious, creative person, looking to take your career into your own hands, then a mentor may be the person who can help set you on your way.

Intern vs. Apprentice: What’s the Difference?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:47:58 +0000

An apprentice is working to learn a trade or craft with the guidance of a qualified journeyman. These programs usually involve technical classroom and hands-on learning. Apprenticeship is a system of training a new generation of practitioners of a skill.

Apprentices (or in early modern usage “prentices”) or protégés build their careers from apprenticeships. Most of their training is done on the job while working for an employer who helps the apprentices learn their trade, in exchange for their continuing labor for an agreed period after they become skilled. Theoretical education may also be involved, informally via the workplace and/or by attending vocational school. An internship is an excellent way to determine if the industry and the profession is the best career option to pursue. Interns not only gain practical work experience in a field that they intend to pursue but also build experience in international platforms.

Internships help individuals to combine theory with practical work experience tional schools while still being paid by the employer. From a student perspective, apprenticeship is for students who have: A defined career pathway, explored a career by participating in work-based learning programs such as job shadowing and internships, enrolled in related courses (if available at the school), decided to enter the workforce full-time or part-time, have the aptitudes, interests, and work styles matching their careers and/or experience in related fields (volunteerism or employment).

Internship is for students who: have a restricted timeframe for work experience, are exploring career options or may not have enrolled in related courses. Either are key to building up a network of contacts and experience when you look for full-time work. Intern vs. Apprentice: what’s the difference? The main difference is that an Apprenticeship is usually for a vocation/craft, like carpentry, mechanics, etc. An internship is basically anything else.

Usually it implies work for a company, but sometimes they are personal assistant roles, and so on. Apprenticeships also seem to be more intensive and focused on passing applicable skills to you (as resumes don’t tend to be as important in those fields). They also imply that you’ve made a decision about your career. Internships can be used to try something out to see if you like it, or to gain experience for a career that you’ve decided on. Intern vs. Apprentice: what’s the difference? Find out for yourself and have a wonderful career…

Are Acting Schools Really Worth It?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:46:18 +0000

Acting is a passion and dream for many people. However, acting is a very tough industry to break into. There are also a lot of different paths to becoming a professional actor. So the question most people have is, “Are acting schools worth it?”

Acting schools can be worth it if students choose the right one. It is important to do a lot of preliminary research on the school itself, the professors, the types of classes each school offers and how successful they are at launching an actor’s career.

Many acting schools have all different types of programs. Some involve taking only acting classes, some have specialized acting classes (improv, soap opera acting, etc.), some have classes in musical theatre and dance. It is important to decide what type of acting you will be going into and consider what each program offers before enrolling.

The best acting schools are the ones that provide hands on training, put on productions featuring students and are successful at procuring auditions and job opportunities for students. Schools should also be effective at training and preparing students for these auditions.

Acting schools can also be important because students make connections during school. Professors and teachers are often professionals and seasoned actors who are more than happy to share their first-hand knowledge of the industry with students.

So if anyone ever asks, “Are acting schools worth it?” the consensus answer would be yes. Not only are acting schools effective at placing students into jobs, but going to school and taking classes helps you perfect your art, which is the best way to get ahead. By going to school, you are educating yourself on all of the proper acting techniques, perfecting different methods of acting, and learning about all of the different types of theater. There are so many methods of acting that it is important to explore all of them in order to become the best actor you can be.

Acting school is also very worth it because it gives you an edge over the competition. Acting takes talent, but you cannot make it on talent alone. There are many different factors that go into acting that people do not ever realize. Anyone can audition for a part in a play or a commercial, but acting students often do the best.

The reason acting school works so well is because it is hands on. Students practice acting every single day, in every single class, which is the best way to become good at anything. So if anyone is really wondering are acting schools worth it, they should check it out and decide for themselves.

What is Hands-On Learning?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:44:33 +0000

Simply said, hands-on learning is learning by doing. It involves understanding a concept or position in a specific field of work while physically experiencing the exact work involved at the same time. Based on scientific principles, hands-on learning, although not a new or novel idea, has proven to be one of the best ways to truly understand a concept, subject or work related to a specific vocation.

For many years, teaching a vocation through hands-on learning has proven to be the optimal avenue to successful understanding. If you want to be a recording engineer, then the best place to learn is in a recording studio doing just that; recording. If you want to be a chef, put the person in a kitchen. Classrooms of course have their place, but nothing can replace “doing” rather than just “hearing” about the topic at hand.

In some educational institutions, hands-on learning is nothing more than using materials related to the subject matter taught within the same classroom. In this case, the term “hands-on” has been watered down and is not fulfilling what its true purpose dictates. The classroom setting misses the engaging of the student within the environment that he/she will be working and with the equipment and real-life situations that occur in that environment.

There are many advantages for a person to be involved in a hands-on learning situation. It has been shown that students remember the material much better because of “doing” what is being taught. There is a sense of accomplishment and truly engaging themselves in the vocation or topic being explained. During this method of learning there is a greater degree of information being stored in the memory because there are many aspects to this type of learning. It also is one of the best types of teaching for students with a language barrier, hearing deficiency and even behavioral problems because these students are actively involved in the learning process.

Purdue University performed an effective study to prove that hands-on learning is the optimal way to understand a topic or vocation. The study was between two sets of five, eighth grade classes in a rural Indiana school. The classes all were taught about human beings impact on water quality.

The first group was taught through the traditional textbook method and the second group was taught through building a water purification device to understand the concept. After discussing the concepts with both groups, researchers discovered that the students who worked hands-on had a much deeper understanding than those that were taught conventionally. Obviously, hands-on learning; understanding a concept, subject or vocation through “doing” has been proven to be a superior method of learning and should be utilized whenever possible.

What is an Intern?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:43:02 +0000

Generally speaking, an intern is a person who works in an on-the-job training situation but only temporarily. Similar to an apprenticeship which is all about training rather than employment, interns can be students or adults who are looking for skills in a new industry to begin a new career.

Internships provide a great many opportunities for men and women to discover if they are truly interested in a specific career choice. If they find they enjoy their choice, they will gain vast experience, network with many contacts as well as possibly earn credit in their college or university. Providing employers with free or very inexpensive laborers, it is a win-win situation for everyone. Many people return to their former intern companies and get hired after they graduate.

Some internships are paid or given a stipend, but others do not. If you are in the medical, science, engineering, law, accounting, finance, technology or advertising fields, there is a good possibility that there is some financial reward. Non-profit organizations as well as many internships in the entertainment industry are not paid.

Typically an intern’s day will consist of a full 8 hours and will last for 6-12 weeks, although there are always exceptions to the rule. They are normally full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year.

Just about every for-profit and not-for-profit businesses as well as government departments seek good interns. There are primarily two types of internships in the United States. The first is the work experience interns who are in their 2^nd or 3^rd year of college. This type of internship can last the entire schools year. These students take this type of internship to “practice” what they learned in their schooling; similar to a work study program. This experience is extremely advantageous in finishing up their last year of schooling. Secondly, there are research or dissertation internships. Usually this happens in a student’s final year of studies. The student seeks out a particular company that will have the kind of research that he is interested in and can help him. The outcome of this type of internship is that the student can create a report from the research he completed and many times earn college credit for his work.

Most internships within the United States are specific to a certain career. Obviously, students will choose the company according to their course of study and interest. Upon graduation, the same student can apply to the company he interned at and many times, because the graduate is already familiar with the company, will be hired.

What is an Apprentice?

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:42:04 +0000

One often hears about apprenticeships as being good ways to acquire on the job training in various professions. However while most people are familiar with the concept many remain vague on the specifics. So just what is an apprentice?

An apprentice can essentially be defined as someone who works for an expert in order to learn a trade, while an apprenticeship is basically a system for training new generations of practitioners in a skill or set of skills.

On a more practical level, being an apprentice means working in the field one wishes to pursue under the tutelage of graduated, fully qualified professionals in the same field.

Apprenticeships, also known as mentoring programs, are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional 4-year colleges. This is particularly true in the areas of film, TV, radio and other media. For while media degrees can be a plus, they often hold very little water when it comes to actually getting a job.

Studying a media profession such as broadcast or film production in a traditional bricks and mortar college is certainly a good way to learn the basic skills of the profession. However college can be insular and academic. Apprenticeships, or mentoring programs, offer many advantages over completing a 4-year college degree.

So what is an apprentice in the field of media? That answer varies and can depend greatly on the media in question. Broadcast apprentices work in small or mid-market TV or radio stations, learning the specifics of the broadcast business working with professional broadcasters as their teachers.

Music production apprentices work in recording studios under similar circumstances, working closely with and learning from qualified, professional producers and engineers.

In the film business apprentices work in production houses under the tutelage of working film industry professionals.

Apprenticeships offer many benefits that are hard to come by while attending a 4-year degree program. For this reason apprenticeships are becoming ever more popular as an alternative or supplement to a college program.

Flexibility is among the advantages of becoming an apprentice. Unlike college, in apprenticeships it is possible to make one’s own schedule. This makes apprenticeships easier for those who need to work a full time job while pursuing their real career.

What is Hands-on Learning?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:38:34 +0000

What is an Apprentice?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:30:46 +0000

What is an apprentice? Apprenticeship is a system of training a new generation of practitioners of a skill. Apprentices (or in early modern usage “prentices”) or protégés build their careers from apprenticeships. Most of their training is done on the job while working for an employer who helps the apprentices learn their trade, in exchange for their continuing labor for an agreed period after they become skilled. Theoretical education may also be involved, informally via the workplace and/or by attending vocational schools while still being paid by the employer.

The system of apprenticeship first developed in the later Middle Ages and came to be supervised by craft guilds and town governments. A master craftsman was entitled to employ young people as an inexpensive form of labor in exchange for providing food, lodging and formal training in the craft. Most apprentices were males, but female apprentices were found in crafts such as seamstress, tailor, baker and stationer.

Apprentices usually began at ten to fifteen years of age, and would live in the master craftsman’s household. Most apprentices aspired to becoming master craftsmen themselves on completion of their contract (usually a term of seven years), but some would spend time as a journeyman and a significant proportion would never acquire their own workshop.

Subsequently governmental regulation and the licensing of polytechnics and vocational education formalized and bureaucratized the details of apprenticeship. The precise skills and theory taught apprenticeships are strictly regulated. Apprentices obtain a special apprenticeship contract until the end of the education program. During the program it is not allowed to assign the apprentice to a regularly employment and he is protected from dismissal until the program ends. The defined content and skillset of the apprentice profession must be fully provided and taught by the employer. The time taken is also regulated.

Each profession takes a different time, usually between 24 and 36 months. In the United States, education officials and nonprofit organizations who seek to emulate the apprenticeship system in other nations have created school to work education reforms. They seek to link academic education to careers. Some programs include job shadowing, watching a real worker for a short period of time, or actually spending significant time at a job at no or reduced pay that would otherwise be spent in academic classes or working at a local business. Some legislators raised the issue of child labor laws for unpaid labor or jobs with hazards. Persons interested in learning to become musician, studio or audio electricians can join one of several apprenticeship programs offered by online music recording schools.

Why You Should Attend 3D Animation Schools

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:24:01 +0000

Many people are interesting in becoming 3D animators. Cartoons and animated movies and television shows have done so well that they have inspired a generation to come up with ways to enhance 3D animation and turn it into a booming industry. Movies like Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, Wall-E, and others have amazing graphics. So much so that people now go to see movies for the graphics.

In order to become an animator and work on one of these movies, you must attend 3D animation schools. Animation schools will teach you all of the tools you need to be successful in this industry.

In school, students will take art classes, which is necessary to be able to create basic cartoons and animations. There will also be graphic design classes, which are key to 3D animation, film classes, because knowing what goes into a movie is vital, editing classes, and actual animation classes themselves. A lot of work goes into becoming a 3D animator.

Most studios will not hire someone who is inexperienced or lacks education. In order to get hired, you must have a portfolio. If you do not have prior experience, and no way of getting any, the best way to get a portfolio together is through 3D animation schools. Schools will give you the experience and the technology to play with to learn how to do 3D animation. You can put together clips of what you’ve done as a portfolio.

It is also important to have connections if you want to get hired for a job with a Hollywood studio. The best place to make those connections is in school. All of your peers, everyone around you is going into the same industry. Professors and teachers are also professionals in the industry.

Most schools will also have job and internship placement programs for students, in order to get them hands on work and experience in the field. This too can be used to construct a better resume and portfolio.

Animations schools benefit students in many ways. Attending 3D animation schools will also allow you to practice your craft on the latest technology, mostly free of charge.

There are many advantages to attending an animation school over a four-year college. While many animators start out at four-year colleges, this can actually prove to hinder you. Four-year schools take up a lot of time that most individuals do not possess. They are also extremely expensive and to go to a good four-year school that has a 3D animation program can cost even more. Plus, there are all of the classes that students are forced to take that have nothing to do with their chosen field of study.

Why You Should Attend 3D Animation Schools

How to Pick a 3D Animation School

3D Animation Schools

Careers in Animation

Career in Animation

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Role of the Mentor

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:13:47 +0000

A mentor is a trusted friend, counselor or teacher, usually a more experienced person. Some professions have “mentoring programs” in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people, who advise them and serve as examples as they advance. Schools sometimes offer mentoring programs to new students, or students having difficulties. Today mentors provide expertise to less experienced individuals to help them advance their careers, enhance their education, and build their networks. In many different arenas people have benefited from being part of a mentoring relationship. The knowledge, advice, and resources a mentor shares depend on the format and goals of a specific mentoring relationship.

A mentor may share with a mentee (or protege) information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources. The mentor role may change as the needs of the mentee change. Some mentoring relationships are part of structured programs that have specific expectations and guidelines: others are more informal.

The concept of mentoring is simple, but successful implementation can be challenging. A document on disability issues posted by the American Psychological Association lists characteristics of effective mentoring to include “the ability and willingness to value the mentee as a person, develop mutual trust and respect, maintain confidentiality, listen both to what is being said and how it is being said, help the mentee solve his or her own problem, rather than give direction and focus on the mentee’s development and resist the urge to produce a clone.

The student of a mentor is called a protégé. More accurately, for the recondite, the protégé would be called the telemachus (pl. telemachuses or telemachi). Sometimes, the protégé is also called a mentee. The -or ending of the original name Mentor does not have the meaning of “the one who does something”, as in other English words such as contractor or actor. An effective mentor is invariably accomplished in their organisational role. They are generally admired and respected in their position, and their achievements in that position.

Mentees will often look for a set of habits, approaches, style and skills that the mentor exhibits and that the mentee wishes to emulate and practice. Good mentors have to be good listeners. They need to foster confidence in the mentee. Mentors who provide opportunities for their charges to articulate and develop ideas without fear of pre-judgement, criticism or ridicule, contribute real value to the relationship. The role of a mentor is dynamic and widespread.

Role of the Apprentice

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:12:40 +0000

Apprenticeship is a system of training a new generation of practitioners of a skill. Apprentices (or in early modern usage “prentices”) or protégés build their careers from apprenticeships. Most of their training is done on the job while working for an employer who helps the apprentices learn their trade, in exchange for their continuing labor for an agreed period after they become skilled. Theoretical education may also be involved, informally via the workplace and/or by attending vocational schools while still being paid by the employer.

The system of apprenticeship first developed in the later Middle Ages and came to be supervised by craft guilds and town governments. A master craftsman was entitled to employ young people as an inexpensive form of labor in exchange for providing food, lodging and formal training in the craft. The academic education is geared toward applied subjects which have a direct bearing on the career being pursued by the apprenticeship. The curriculum is a result of cooperation among business, labor unions, government, and chambers.

Furthermore, the apprenticeship is under the tutelage of a master who will determine when the apprenticeship may take the test which will signal his opportunity to become a craftsman. Today the roles of an apprentice vary….If you like the challenge of learning a new skill, if you have good aptitude, and if you like to earn while you learn, a registered apprentice training program could be for you. Apprenticeship is the process of learning a skilled occupation through both on-the-job training (practical, paid experience) and learning the related technical knowledge in a classroom. The length of training varies depending on the occupation. Training is given under the guidance of experienced master workers.

Apprentices play a huge role in their success as an apprentice. During an apprenticeship, not only will you have to prove yourself on the job, but you will also have to prove yourself in the classroom and in the real world. Enter an apprenticeship with the determination to succeed and you will! Ask questions. Know how and where to get help, and request assistance when needed. Especially understand the responsibilities as an apprentice in order to get the most out of your apprenticeship training.

Apprenticeships vary in terms of: length of training, content, future career progression possibilities and education provided. It is suggested that the industry joined and training provided, alongside the opportunities available may be more valuable to a school ever than an “apprenticeship.” Enjoy your role as an apprentice.

What is Hands-on Learning?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:11:20 +0000

One hears a lot about hands-on learning as an alternative to classroom lecturing nowadays. Despite this, many people wonder, just what is hands-on learning?

In it’s most basic form, hands-on learning can be defined as learning by doing. This of course can mean vastly different things, depending on one’s field of study. Hands-on learning, while having become increasingly popular in the last decade, has been around for years.

Vocational education in fields like automobile maintenance and the culinary arts has depended on hands-on learning for decades. Certainly the idea of teaching someone to repair a car without an actual car to repair would seem patently absurd.

This viewpoint is becoming more widespread and expanding to other fields. Hands-on learning is particularly well suited for media related professions such as television, radio, film and music production.

While attaining a media related degree from a traditional 4-year college is almost always beneficial, colleges have a way of being insular and academic. Sitting in a desk and hearing lectures all day is ideal for academic subjects such as English, history or philosophy. However for hands-on professions such as film or music production, such an approach can be extremely limited.

So really, the ultimate question is not just, what is hands-on learning, but perhaps, how does one go about getting hands-on training? Internships are one possibility. However good internships are limited in number and can be hard to come by. What’s more, they are only available to those who are enrolled in college.

Mentoring programs on the other hand are available to everyone. Mentorships, such as those provided by Entertainment Connection, are an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in a variety of media related fields. And unlike college or most internships, mentoring programs allow one to make ones own hours and set one’s own schedule.

This makes such programs good for being used to compliment a college degree program. This also makes mentorships ideal for those who must work a fulltime job while pursuing their dreams.

If you’re interested in pursuing a media related career, college is certainly not a bad idea. However college is hard for some people to afford and may not really prepare you for what is actually involved in a media career.

Mentorships are not only flexible and more hands-on, but they afford one a chance to make the connections that can be so vital to gaining a foothold in a competitive media related field such as TV, film, radio or music.

So just what is hands-on learning? If you’re interested in a media career, it may be the quickest avenue to success.

Are acting schools worth it?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:10:12 +0000

Before this question can be answered, the question has to be qualified. There are many acting schools that are in business just to make money and they don’t have any idea about truly teaching acting. Many will make money on taking headshots, poise classes and anything other type of class that they can think of to get you to use your credit card. But do not be disheartened. There are legitimate acting schools that offer various classes in drama, comedy, improvisation, commercial training and various other areas of acting. It’s just very important that when you investigate acting schools that you get a referral or choose one that has a good reputation and is well known.

There are some who believe that getting a degree in theatre arts is very needed to be a successful actor. Various colleges and universities offer bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees to the budding thespian that wants a degree to hang on his wall. Unfortunately, there are many very talented as well as famous actors who did not even graduate from high school. Talent cannot be bottled. And having a degree does not make a good actor either. And although that is true, many actors have “fall backs” if they don’t do well in this arena. If you have a degree, you could always go into teaching which many people have done.

Some acting schools, especially those for kids and teens, end up becoming nothing more than a glorified club. They do a lot of games, spend time discussing agents and managers and you end up spending a lot of money for nothing. On the other hand, acting schools such as Stella Adler Theatre Course, Lee Strasberg School of Acting, ACT, New York Film Academy and many others are wonderful and will not only train you as an actor, but some will also connect you with people who can help you get started. Those connections are priceless.

There are many techniques and methods in the world of acting. This is why it is imperative that you research the acting school that you are considering. Find out which technique they use as well as what types of classes they have and who teaches them. Some of the classes that are available include: acting for film, method acting, voiceovers, improvisation, cold reading, audition technique, dialects and many more. These are not all necessary at the beginning. Interview the school, ask about the teachers and discuss each of these classes before you sign up.

Most people need some sort of formal acting training before they begin auditioning. Only after you’ve attended a few good classes will you be aware of how free you are on stage or in front of the camera and how natural you are. Then you will be able to make a thoughtful decision as to whether or not acting school is worth it for you.

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Intern vs. Apprentice: What’s the Difference?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:09:31 +0000

It’s a question many have asked: intern vs. apprentice: What’s the difference? Many people would tell you they’re basically the same thing. And there are in fact many correlations between internships and apprenticeships. However there are also several key differences.

Interns and apprentices both work under the supervision of qualified professionals to learn skills and other aspects of a trade or profession. Interns and apprentices are usually both participants in a program of some sort that places them in their position.

Apprenticeships are for the most part unpaid positions. Internships usually are as well, although there are paid internships. However these are rare.

Interns and apprentices both have the opportunity to learn certain aspects of their trade or profession, first hand while working under the tutelage of graduated full professionals.

However many internships essentially amount to doing menial tasks in exchange for college credit. Apprenticeships are generally more focused and are often geared towards learning a specific aspect of a profession.

Furthermore internships are available only to students who are enrolled in a 4-year college program. And even then good internships are few and number resulting in stiff competition. Apprenticeships, on the other hand, are open to everyone.

So while at first pass they may appear to be much the same thing, answering the question, intern vs. apprentice: what’s the difference, reveals there are many differences.

Apprenticeships, in addition to being open to everyone and more specified in nature, have several other key advantages over internships. For one thing, apprenticeships are flexible. Unlike with most internships, participating in an apprenticeship allows one to make one’s own hours.

This makes them ideal as supplements to attending a college degree program. This also is greatly beneficial to those who have to work a full time job while pursuing their career.

Serving an internship does occasionally allow one to make connections that can prove helpful to finding a job upon graduation. However apprenticeships are specifically geared toward allowing one to make contacts and connections.

This is particularly advantageous in media related professions such as film, television, radio and music. Having a degree and an internship under one’s belt is always advantageous. However in the competitive media sphere, neither one may be enough.

In an apprenticeship one can forge the contacts and connections that are so invaluable to gaining a foothold in a media related career.

So in answer to the question: intern vs. apprentice: what’s the difference, there really may be no simple answer. Each holds certain advantages over the other. However apprenticeships offer the great advantage of being widely accessible to all.

How do I become a professional photographer?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:08:12 +0000

A professional photographer is a person who derives his income from within the field of photography. If a person works a full time position in another profession and works at being a photographer on the side then that doesn’t constitute a true professional photographer but they are a semi-professional. Someone who has a passion for photography but only for personal interest or as a hobby is an amateur. Although these labels are accurate, there are some amateur photographers whose work is as good as or better than some professionals. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

Many professional photographers are self-taught. They invest in a camera that seems perfect for what they want to shoot. After learning about the camera, many people take courses in photographer to understand how to compose a shot and how to create different effects and moods with lighting.

As with many other professions, becoming a professional photographer is helped by who you know. Begin to speak with other professionals in your field. Perhaps work as an intern or apprentice for someone that you admire who works near where you live. Normally, most will give advice freely and even warn you of the ups and downs in the business. If they don’t need anyone to help them then perhaps they’ll allow you to “shadow” or follow them around for a day or two as they work within this industry.

If you are serious about becoming a professional photographer, you can also take courses in an art school to earn a certificate of completion or a degree. If you have not purchased a camera and lens at this point, the instructors will direct you as to what to get that is the best for your area of interest. Although you will be taught in a classroom and hands-on situation, reading how-to books on photography as well as going to galleries and viewing photos is one way of gleaning from others what to look for in a photo.

Another invaluable way to move toward becoming a professional photographer is practice, practice, practice. Then after you have shot many photos, get others who will be honest with you to critique your work. Divide your photos into two piles: those that are good and those that need improvement. Evaluate the reasons for each and learn from it. After you take time and realize what you did right in the ones everyone liked, take another round of shots. Compare them to the first ones and continue doing this. Practice truly does make perfect.

Finally, begin to enter photo contests. Many famous photographers began exactly that way and soon they were winning. This built their name so when they applied for a position with a magazine or wherever, they had accolades for their work. Combine that with offering your services to others for a small fee at first and you’re now on your way to becoming a professional photographer and getting paid to do what you love.

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What’s The Difference Between Fine Art and Commercial Art?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:07:24 +0000

America is the land of the free; where people can choose whatever passion they want and pursue it as a career. Because of the freedom we have here to chose our profession, many choose to go into art and study art in school. There are many different types of art to choose from, such as painting, drawing, contemporary art, fine arts, photography, cartoons… All of these forms of art can be separated into two categories, fine art and commercial art. What’s the difference between fine art and commercial art? Most students must learn this answer if they plan on pursuing art as a career.

Fine art is art that is created for the aesthetic principles of art, rather than for selling. Most art students choose to study fine art. Fine art can also be considered classical art. Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, are all examples of fine artists. Fine art is art for art’s sake, usually to be displayed in galleries or museums. Fine art is there for expression, portraying a feeling or emotion, displaying a scene. Fine art also has no clear meaning. Schools will teach you to dissect fine art, but everyone makes their own meaning from it. This is fine art.

Commercial art is art for selling purposes. This encompasses commercial photography, or photographs that are meant to be sold for a purpose, such as an advertisement or postcard. Graphic art is also considered to be in this category as most graphic artists usually create for websites, stores, and companies rather than expressing themselves through the art.

Most people do not know what’s the difference between fine art and commercial art and consider it to be the same. This is very wrong. Art is always created with a specific purpose and goal in mind, it is wrong to classify them in the same category.

All art students must know the difference because it will affect their future as artists. Many art students choose to stay within the confines of fine art and consider themselves “artists.” People who go into commercial art will make the most money because they are using their artistic skills for the specific purpose of making a profit. This does not make any person any less of an artist, but it is just an important distinction to make while in school to make better, more informed choices for the future.

What’s the difference between fine art and commercial art to most people? They cannot tell the difference, but it is important for someone in the field to know.

How to Pick a 3D Animation School

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:06:55 +0000

First, let’s understand what 3D animation is…3D computer graphics (in contrast to 2D computer graphics) are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data (often Cartesian) that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images. Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing. Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire-frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display.

In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques. 3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models. Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file. However, there are differences. A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living). A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed. Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space. A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations.

3D animation schools…In terms of training, few actually get the “right” training. They go to a crash course program and put together a rather weak demo reel in the same timeframe, and then hit the streets looking for a job. These people have no training at all because they know nothing of the art of animation, nothing about lighting, nothing about story telling. They just “think” they know the software. The majority of the failures occur amongst these individuals.

Sound a little disheartening? It should. You are attempting to break into the film industry. You are just like an actor auditioning for a part. Everyone wants the part, you have to want it more than anyone else, so much so that they couldn’t cast anyone else but you for the role. If you go to a top quality and reputable online 3D animation school your chances of getting your foot in the door for an interview increase ten-fold. Students of crash course programs tend to mimic what they’ve seen before, whether good or bad, which indicates a lack of creativity on their part.

There are a lot of choices to be made…what canvas to use, what medium, what hues, what pose…a lot of questions. Granted you won’t be responsible for every question hat needs to be answered, but you will have to be consciously aware of them. That’s the difference between a good 3D animation school education and an adequate one.

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How Do I Become a Graphic Designer?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:05:40 +0000

What is a graphic designer?

When asked, “how do I become a graphic designer,” most people would ask you what a graphic designer is. Though the career has been around for a number or years now and many have heard of it, a lot of people still do not know what a graphic designer is an what a graphic designer does.

A graphic designer or graphic artist presents information through a visual, digital source to enhance a service, product, philosophy or entity.

Why do you hear so much about graphic artists? Well, graphic artists are now needed for everything. Graphic artists create logos for companies, design websites, design movies (Wall-E and Avatar are entirely the work of graphic artists), music videos, even video games. Graphic designers design newspaper, newsletters, pamphlets, and producing advertisements.

Because a graphic designer has so many options and so many companies need them, many decide to go into this career path. Many people who studied art decide to go into graphic design because it puts their skills to a more practical use.

How do I become a graphic designer?

The best way to become a graphic designer is to go to school and educate yourself. Most companies will not hire graphic designers who have not attended school.

Most teenagers decide to be graphic designers and go to a four-year college to earn a degree in graphic design. This is unnecessary, however. Four-year colleges are only good for teenagers. They take a long time to finish, cost a lot of money, force you to take classes that do not relate to your field of study and often have few job opportunities.

There are many technical schools that specialize in graphic design. Students in those schools learn by doing and sitting behind a computer rather than listening to a lecture. Schools also always have the latest technology as companies send schools free programs a lot of the time. It is important to learn using the latest technology.

Schools also have job and internship placement programs for students which you can take advantage of. The school will find you a job with a company that will help teach you the basics of graphic design as a profession or an internship to add to your resume. You can even make money while going to school.

Graphic Design as a Career

Now that we have answered the burning question of “how do I become a graphic designer,” and decided that an education is the best way to go, get started! There is a lot to learn within the profession of graphic design, and if you plan on being successful you must be able to use that knowledge and turn it into excellent designs.

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How Do I Become a Professional Photographer?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:02:06 +0000

How do I become a professional photographer?

This is a question many people ask when they are exploring the different careers within art. Many opt to become professional photographers because it can be an interesting a fulfilling job.

Professional photographers work with many different people on a daily basis, whether they be models our tourists that the photographer is trying to capture, knowing how to work with people is on the list of required skills to become a photographer.

There are many ways to become a professional photographer. Some work for large companies that send photographers out to take pictures of all sorts of different things. Some photographers work for themselves and make a name for themselves in the industry. Those who do art photography try and get gallery deals, those who decide fashion photography is their calling can ask to work with a model, and some people work for themselves and make their money by selling prints and doing portfolios for people.

What skills are required for this?

Anyone with a camera can think they are a professional photographer but only the truly skilled make it. Attending school for photography is another good way of answering the question, “how do I become a professional photographer?”

In school, students are taught photography from experts in the field, people who have working as professional photographers and art photographers and can tell you about the industry first hand.

Schools can also teach you all about the technical working of the camera, your main instrument. This is important to know as most people feel the best photographers know their cameras inside and out.

Photography school also teaches you to be the best photographer you can be by showing you all of the different lighting techniques that photographers use. That is an incredibly important skill and it is much more difficult than just turning on the light. There are many different formations you can make with the light and each will have a different outcome in the picture.

Becoming a professional photographer

To become a professional photographer, you must intern or work with a professional photographer. There are many mentoring programs out there that set students up with professionals in their field so they can learn first hand. This is the best way how I can become a professional photographer. Learning from a professional is a beneficial experience. They can teach you tips and tricks that your teachers might has missed out on.

You must also create a portfolio. Work with clients, models, or friends as much as possible to create a good portfolio, and keep it updated.

What’s the Difference Between Fine Art and Commercial Art?

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:04:15 +0000

Fine artists mostly create for enjoyment and passion and many times will work for a single commissioner rather than a business. They will sell piece by piece through a broker or through personal contacts. Unlike a fine artist, the commercial artist frequently has a background in fine art, but chooses to create art which are needed by a client. Fine art is usually passion driven whereas commercial art, although this artist can have passion as well, is business driven only creating art that is paid for by a business client.

Commercial art like fine art uses many mediums including ink and paints as well as a digital medium. It is also created by software such as Adobe Illustrator whereas fine art does not use computers to generate any images.

Fine art sometimes is created to sell if that’s the goal of the artist. There is a market for fine art and there always will be but it just doesn’t have the ability to make a living for the artist like commercial art does unless the artist becomes very popular. Commercial art can sell commodities of all kinds but fine art sells itself based purely on aesthetics. Although it is true that fine art can be produced on a mass scale, it normally is not unless they make serigraphs or lithographs which usually are limited and numbered to give them more lasting value.

The main difference between fine art and commercial art is that fine artists decide what they will create themselves and what medium to use. The commercial artist is hired to create what the client wants and decides what medium will be used for the product. And although purists feel that fine art is aesthetically more pleasing, there are many very creative commercial artists who have a true talent but they would rather work in this arena.

Both fine artists as well as commercial artists want to design and create art that is understood and is excellent. Although they are working toward different goals, they both want to create art that has a message that is easily conveyed. Both also have the ability to have their works widely displayed. With fine artists it is in a more subtle setting such as an art gallery. Unlike fine art, commercial artists can see their work splashed all over billboards, magazines and television.

Yes, there is a big difference between fine art and commercial art as has been stated, but they are both artists nonetheless. They are both trained in their craft and usually very much love what they do which is very important if you plan on making your life’s career.

3D Animation Schools

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:03:06 +0000

When you are deciding upon a 3D animation school, it’s very important that you thoroughly check out the school and its courses to ensure that it is perfect for you and your future. If it’s a good school and one that will prepare you for what production companies want, then you are well on your way to being successful in this exciting industry. Recruiters are very aware of what each school teaches, the hands-on experiences it offers if any mentoring relationships are offered. If it’s a school that is known for its curriculum and is reputable, then getting a certificate of completion on your resume will put you at the top of the list of a prospective employer.

Unfortunately, it’s not just “what you know” but also “who you know”. With that being true, finding schools that have apprentice/mentorship programs are very desirable. During your hands-on training, you will be meeting industry professionals that could become lifelong contacts as well as open the door for a future job opportunity. This business as in any other, gives no guarantees. The best way to ensure success is with good training, hands-on experience and great industry connections.

Schools of animation are usually very expensive. Therefore it is wise to do your homework before deciding which one to attend. Private schools such as Sheridan, Ringling and others are good schools but will cost you far more than state run institutions that offer the same courses. Of course, if you decide to attend a state school but you don’t reside in that state, then that can be costly as well. The key is to find a well-rounded program that will have you learning about the industry and give you some experience immediately.

Creating a demo reel is very important. Similar to a graphic or fine arts portfolio, this exemplifies who you are and what your skill set is as a 3D animator. Avoid any schools who do not give hands-on training with the end result of creating your own demo reel to secure employment upon graduation. Understand that a good demo reel is something that is created in more than a day or two. When you become a professional, you will probably spend years designing and refining your demo reel. After all, it is your calling card. You want it to be excellent and full of your animation work.

Acquire as much information about different schools as possible by visiting them as well as reading about them online. Make sure they offer a program in 3D animation and not just electives which are not going to train you to compete in this industry. Call or contact each school and ask them to send you a free information packet. Then you will learn firsthand if the school offers what you need to begin a career in 3D animation.

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How Do I Become a Graphic Designer?

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:02:12 +0000

Becoming a graphic designer, especially if there is great interest in this type of creativity, is a very enjoyable profession. And there is a path that most follow who are successful. Yes, there are those that make it in this graphic design through simply being talented. But most people who are truly successful and make a living through graphic design are those that acquire a certificate or degree in this field of choice. Many employers will not even give you an interview if they do not see that you have schooling in graphic design on your resume.

Since the advent of the internet, graphic design schools and colleges have become even more popular and now offer all types of degrees, certificates and programs. They include: multimedia, graphic design, advertising, animation, website developing, visualizing and many more courses and programs that will train you toward becoming a graphic artist. Many of these schools will provide you with an education toward a career in the TV industry, print, video, multimedia or for online needs.

If you are still a high school student, take graphic design or drawing courses while you are there. Work in AP (advanced placement) courses if possible to earn extra credit toward college if you are looking to work toward a degree. In fact, during summers, working within a graphic design company as either an apprentice or intern will give you information and experience that is priceless.

While you are investigating where to attend school, visit the National Association of Schools of Art and Design Website (nasad.arts-accredit.org) to compare what is available in different areas of the country in your career choice. Also, you can Google “graphic design schools” and you will discover that there are so many that will give you the type of schooling and training that you desire.

Make sure you have some samples of your artwork available when applying to graphic design schools. Although there are some fine institutions that do not require to see what you can do, there are those that will accept you and train you to become a graphic design artist without providing them with samples. Some of these schools will also give you a hands-on education and have a placement plan to help those who graduate from their school, find employment.

Finally, be aware of the newest trends in design and advertising. With that in mind, do any freelance work you are able to get to build a portfolio to use to get into school if needed as well as secure a position even if it’s part-time while you are studying. Remember, graphic designers are always in demand. But it’s important to work toward your career choice even before you enter school.

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Are Acting Schools Worth It?

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:01:21 +0000

What is Hands-On Learning?

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:00:21 +0000

What is Hands-on Learning? Hands-on learning has become a common phrase in education. Like many other highly used terms and phrases, there are various interpretations of what is meant by “hands-on learning.” Hands-on learning is learning by doing. To even imply that it is a fad is to ignore what has been taking place in education, both formal and informal, for years. Vocational education has always understood that if you want someone to learn to repair an automobile, you need an automobile to repair.

If you want to teach someone to cook, you put them in a kitchen. Whoever heard of teaching someone to swim in a traditional classroom? Hands-on learning involves the student in a total learning experience which enhances the child’s ability to think critically. The child must plan a process to test a hypothesis, put the process into motion using various hands-on materials, see the process to completion, and then be able to explain the attained result. Hands-on learning enables students to become critical thinkers, able to apply not only what they have learned, but more importantly, the process of learning, to various life situations.

Hands-on learning means many different things to different people. It has become a slogan and is often used to describe any activities in classrooms that use materials. As a slogan, it can easily become a fad. Hands-on learning, however, is not simply manipulating things. It is engaging in in-depth investigations with objects, materials, phenomena, and ideas and drawing meaning and understanding from those experiences. Other terms for this are inquiry learning, hands-on, and minds-on learning. The importance of student investigation of basic scientific principles cannot be overstated. Hands-on learning is the only way students can directly observe and understand science. As students develop effective techniques for observing and testing everything around them, they learn the what, how, when, and why, of things with which they interact.

These experiences are necessary if the youngsters of today are to remain “turned-on” to science and become scientifically literate.
There is no doubt that there is more emphasis on hands-on materials than in the recent past. That does not mean, however, that the hands-on science activity ever passed away. Furthermore, good science programs cannot exist without hands-on; I do not think it will ever pass away. I do think that we must continue to emphasize the necessity of hands-on in science curriculum, and I truly hope we can keep the hands-on component at a high level.

Are Acting Schools Worth It?

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:02:15 +0000

Life as an Architectural Photographer

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:22 +0000

Life as an architectural photographer is quite an interesting life indeed. If you love diversity in a vocation where every day holds something fresh and new and you enjoy photographing structures, unique lines and even archeological digs, this is the career choice for you. Of course what an architectural photographer does during his entire day depends upon what art they are called upon to produce: informational photographs, works of art or even magazine and promotional materials. Perhaps in the period of one week, all of those tasks are performed. This vocation varies one day to the next allowing for life as an architectural photographer to be very exciting.

Some people fail to realize that architecture is an art form. And especially with architectural photographers, they have to be especially concerned about light levels, textures and focusing because any varying in any of those aspects of photography can create an erroneous look and feel to the photograph. If a specific mood must be achieved for a specific client, then there are issues such as how to frame the image and creating the perfect lighting to accomplish the end result.

Another part of the day of an architectural photographer could be documenting photographically, an entire building project. Before and after pictures, step by step, are very important to those involved in the project. Aerial photography might be warranted in this situation as well. Many times with this type of project, the building contractor will use the photos taken in his portfolio so there is great pressure to produce exactly what the eye sees in real life.

Similar to photographically documenting a building project, this type of photographer might spend some of his day taking inside shots of residential as well as commercial renovations to be used as part of the contractor’s promotions and his portfolio. These types of images have to be very detailed so the photographer has to figure out how much to include in each frame for the exact outcome and effect needed.

Similarly, interior designers hire architectural photographers to exhibit to potential clients their before and after shots as well. A person’s business many times depends on how well the photographer can display, in one small photo, the work that is done by professionals in every field. Many times while shooting images, they end up in various books of art, locally at first, and then on a national level. These skills of the architectural photographer are honed and developed day after day as he works within his vocation.

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Life as an Account Executive (Advertising)

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:58:56 +0000

A day in the life as an account executive (advertising)…Advertising account executives work within advertising or multi-service agencies, acting as a link between the clients and the agency. They are responsible for liaising between the client and other agency staff to coordinate the advertising campaigns. Advertising account executives liaise closely with their clients throughout campaigns, often on an every-day basis. They manage administrative and campaign work, ensuring that this is all completed on time and on budget.There are several characteristics or traits that indicate a competent account executive.

One of the most important factors in providing proper customer care is proper training and credentials. Advertising professionals combine creativity with sound business sense to market a product based on financial, sociological, and psychological research. To ensure this complicated process works smoothly (and many we surveyed mentioned that you have to be prepared when it doesn’t happen smoothly), you’ll spend a lot of time in the office (a six-day week is not unusual). Most of your time is spent brainstorming, creative blockbusting, and sifting through demographic research; less time is spent meeting with clients or pitching advertising campaigns.

Fluidity of daily activity marks the life of the advertising executive who jumps from project to project, but it can’t happen at the expense of attention to detail, and it doesn’t. It takes a very disciplined person to handle both the creative end and the detail-oriented side and live a life as an account executive (advertising). Advertising executives work in teams on projects, so working with others is crucial; those who are successful have the ability to add to other people’s ideas and help them grow. “You can’t have an ego in this business,” mentioned one executive, “but be aware that everybody…has one.” The need to be flexible can not be emphasized enough.

As a number of large players in the industry move toward “computer-based brainstorming,”-a way in which creative ideas are kept in a fluid database without regard to account specificity-computer skills will become more valuable. Like most project-oriented careers, you can expect periods of intense activity during which you have little, if any, free time. At other times, the work load is light and mundane. A number of people say that their favorite part of the profession is that “you get recognized when you have a good idea.”

The ability to work on a team is one of the most important skills a successful advertising executive has; however, camaraderie and a sense of community beyond any given project is not why people enter advertising.

Life as an Account Executive

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Graphic Design School

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:51:30 +0000

Are you curious about what attending graphic design school can do for your career? As you’ll discover there are a surprisingly large number of careers available to talented design school graduates.

Attending a good design school can provide one with the training needed for such careers as art director, illustrator, layout artist, photo editor, as well as logo, web or 3D graphics designers.

If you have an appreciation of good design, artistic talent and a subtle eye for detail, then graphic design may be a good career for you.

Today graphic designers work in almost every aspect of the media, business and tech worlds. Having a website is essential to doing business these days no matter where you are. Talented design school graduates can find work as web designers almost anywhere.

Other jobs like art director, illustrator and layout artist may be easier to find in media hub cities such as Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco or Chicago.

Attending graphic design school can be a good first step towards launching your career in the design world.

Graphic design offers vast job opportunities.

However graphic design is also a very popular field. This can make it very competitive when it comes to getting a job in any aspect of graphic design work. This is why it’s a good idea to attend the best possible school.

The Internet is the best place to start when it comes to locating a good school for graphic design. You may be lucky and find that there is a good school near you. Otherwise you may find that many of the best design schools are located on the coasts or in eastern college towns. There are also many good schools overseas for graphic design.

Once you have narrowed your search to a few schools you are interested in, it’s best to apply to several. Wait to see which ones accept you and then choose the best one that you can afford to attend. Many states also offer grants, loans or even scholarships.

Graphic designers often work in-house in design firms, advertising agencies, Internet companies and elsewhere. However many more of them also work as freelancers, operating out of their own home offices and setting their own hours.

Whatever your area of interest, be it 3D digital design, or conventional illustrating, if you’ve got the talent and the drive there is likely a career for you in the field of graphic design. Attending graphic design school can be your first step on the road to a lucrative and rewarding career.

How Do I Become a Graphic Designer?

How Do I Become a Graphic Designer 2

Graphic Design School

Careers in Graphic Design

Art School

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Life as an Audio Engineer

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:49:51 +0000

For those of you who are looking to get your foot in the door towards a career in audio engineering, you will find that getting your foot in the door will become a way of life for you if you’re to have any chance of success working as an independent in the recording industry. You need to get into the mindset that YOU are the one who makes things happen. You have to become an entrepreneur. If you only expect to engineer, you’re already behind the curve. If you own some good gear, that helps. If you can play an instrument or two, that’s even better. If you’re out there in the clubs and know artists and bands and can get them in to record, that’s another big plus. If you can produce, that’s another feather in the possibility hat.

After you get your audio degree the best thing to do is get an internship. “Interning” at a commercial studio is not about sitting around and reading magazines. Be proactive everyday. Treat the studio like it’s your own business — because it is your business! Look for anything to do: straighten cords, make duplications, take notes for the engineer, check every connection in the studio individually and make sure they’re optimum, straighten the mic cabinet, dust the furniture, take out the trash, straighten up file cabinets and clean out dirty or cluttered areas.

Make constructive use of downtime in the studio, because that is really the “deal” you’re making by interning for free. You’re not really working for free. You’re working in exchange for access to what is often very expensive studio time. You get to use the studio! Start a simple project — anything! Get a friend who plays guitar and sings to come in and cut some tracks. Finish something so you can play a CD that’s an example of your work. Once you can do that, you’ll be the one who just might get hired to do some of the simpler sessions.

Little things like being able to print neatly and legibly are a big deal, as is a sense of organization. Studios are service-based businesses, and prospective clients will always determine the level and quality of service based on what they can actually see. A clean and organized studio is an indication of a professional and successful business. Be prepared to record some crap bands, because face it, you’re going to be a crap engineer for a period of time until you hone your chops and can start attracting better clients. And never underestimate the power of a crappy band to be just the people who save your ass during a slow month.

The only reason to engineer is because when you step inside a nice studio full of gear it hits you where you live so deeply that you become single-minded and want to do nothing else than life as an audio engineer.

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Role of a Mentor

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:47:27 +0000

Mentorship programs are an increasingly popular way for students to gain valuable hands on experience in their chosen fields. Mentorship programs allow students to work in the very environment of their chosen profession, under the tutelage of mentors who are actual working professionals in that field. However you may be wondering, what exactly is the role of a mentor?

Mentors share knowledge, advice and resources, gleaned from years of first hand experience working in the field in question. Unlike the often-abstract world of academia, mentors understand the reality of a career and what really goes into the day in and day out process of working in their chosen fields.

Mentors are in a position to impart this knowledge to their apprentices. However the actual role of a mentor can be highly subjective and will largely depend upon the people involved.

Some mentors are more involved than others. There are mentors who provide advice, emotional support, and career guidance, serving as full-fledged role models. Others are less involved, assigning work to their apprentices and allowing them to do the bulk of their learning through observation and participation.

The nature of mentor/apprentice relations can of course vary greatly. Some mentorships are highly structured and go according to a specific plan, agenda or timeline. Others are more informal. These types of mentorship programs often define themselves as they evolve.

Good mentors understand the importance of valuing their apprentices as people. They know it’s best to let them evolve on their own, offering guidance when appropriate. It is not the mentor’s job to produce a clone of themselves.

In media professions mentorships can be the thing that sets a student apart from their competition. Mentors who take apprentices in media professions should expect a willing subject, ready to observe, listen and help out as instructed. The apprentice fulfills a role much like that of an intern. It’s perfectly acceptable for the mentor to assign a certain amount of “grunt” work to their apprentice.

However it’s important that mentors at no time take advantage of their apprentices, on any level. Mentors should respect their apprentices on a social and ethical level. It is the mentor’s job to guide and nurture the talent of their apprentice. However it is not the role of the mentor to overstep him or herself on a social, ethical or sexual level.

Mentoring is a two way street. The apprentice gains the opportunity to learn on the job and make important connections. The mentor gets someone to handle “grunt” work such as stamping envelope, answering phones and organizing files.

However above and beyond that, the mentor gets the chance to make a difference

Role of an Apprentice

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:45:47 +0000

Apprenticeship programs offer students or people in career transition the opportunity to serve as a kind of intern to a person, or people who work in their chosen field of study. However, that said, you may be wondering, what exactly is the role of an apprentice?

Apprentices, like interns, are often expected to do a certain amount of “grunt” work. Even apprentices for glamorous sounding media jobs may find themselves facing a distinct lack of glamour as they stamp envelopes, answer telephones or reorganize filing systems.

However in exchange for the assistance they provide apprentices have the opportunity to gain valuable first hand knowledge of the career they are interested in. Through working in the actual environment of said career, apprentices get a sense of the true reality of the profession. This is sometimes in stark contrast to the often-abstract world of academia.

The role of the apprentice is to enter the situation with an open mind, open eyes and open ears. Apprentices can learn a lot about their prospective careers. However the contacts and connections they make during their apprenticeship may prove equally important. The cold, hard truth behind many media degrees is that they do not always hold water when it comes to actually finding a job. Getting an entry-level media job can often be, as much about whom you know as it is about what you know.

However apprentices should enter into their apprenticeships expecting to be treated with dignity and respect at all times. If at any time during an apprenticeship a mentor figure oversteps themselves, socially, ethically or otherwise, the apprentice should leave immediately and take the matter up with administration.

Some apprentices will find themselves with a lot to do. Some may even be allowed to become highly involved in matters. Others may have to find their own way around. Whatever the situation it’s vital to respect the professionalism of one’s mentor and to impress your own professionalism upon them. The people one meets in an apprenticeship program may some day have a say on whether or not one is hired for a job.

It behooves an apprentice to be calm, collected, eager, and ready to help out when asked. It does not behoove an apprentice to be pushy, needy, insecure or uncooperative. No matter how brilliant you may be, the role of an apprentice is to listen and learn. There should be no task, within reason, that you are “to good” for.

Apprenticeships are above all an excellent opportunity. If you are serving an apprenticeship, you owe it to yourself to make the most of it.

Role of a Mentor

Life as a Portrait Photographer

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:44:07 +0000

Just about anyone who can aim a camera can make a portrait. It goes without saying that some do it better than others. Top portrait photographers do it all the time, reliably producing outstanding portraits with just about every subject they photograph. What do they know and what do they do that makes their portraits special? The answer to both these questions is “quite a bit,” because there is lots to know about a lot of things in order to produce a great portrait. The best way to start is by learning the basics and taking it one step at a time. You may not have the studio, the equipment and the technical resources that the best portrait photographers have, but you can still produce excellent portraits by following their basic techniques and by understanding what makes a good portrait.

A portrait is defined as a likeness of a person, especially of the person’s face. Simply that. But, the word in general use has deeper connotations in life as a portrait photographer. A photographic portrait is understood to be a good quality image that not only captures a person’s physical likeness on film or on a digital camera’s sensor, but also something of the person’s character, generally in a manner that is attractive and pleasing to the subject. A good portrait will contain at least one element that reveals the subject’s personality, attitude, unique mannerisms or any of the other features or traits that form the individual nature of the person. It will tell us something about the subject. You may have heard someone remark that a particular photographer “really captured” their father or child, for example, in a picture. They are referring in part to the image being a true physical likeness, but what they are really saying is that the image also reveals a significant, identifiable part of the subject’s character. The portrait photographer who has never previously met the subject therefore has quite a challenge.

We all reveal our feelings and attitudes differently. Some of us may show our individual character with immediate transparency, while others may be more difficult to “read” at first. The portrait photographer must become proficient at studying people whom he or she doesn’t know in order to capture their essence. This means watching for signals in a subject’s mannerism, reactions, expressions, body language and so on, and then judging how best to have the subject’s character revealed for the camera during life as a portrait photographer.

Life as a Chef

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:42:04 +0000

Most people would sum up a chef’s job by saying that they cook food. End of story. But it’s nowhere near that straightforward. And there are so many types of chefs and so many types of food service establishments — restaurants, cafeterias, banquet halls, hotels, cruise ships, resorts — that describing a day in the life of a typical chef is practically impossible. Instead, we can cover some of the fundamental aspects of a chef’s job and then you can figure out which culinary careers and settings spur you towards further investigation.

In a big nutshell, chefs measure, mix, and cook ingredients to prepare food according to recipes. In the process, they use a variety of pots, pans, cutlery, and other equipment, including ovens, broilers, grills, slicers, grinders, and blenders. During life as a chef, some chefs are responsible for managing other kitchen workers (including teaching them new techniques), planning menus, estimating food requirements, handling food budgets, and ordering food supplies. That’s a lot more than just cooking!

While smaller restaurants may consist of one chef and only a couple of assistants, larger restaurants tend to have much bigger menus and staffs that include several chefs and cooks, as well as assistant or apprentice chefs and cooks, in addition to other kitchen workers (busboys, dishwashers, etc.).

Executive chefs and sous-chefs coordinate the work of the rest of the kitchen staff, who are often assigned specific jobs and tasks — for instance, sauces or pastries or garde manger. The title “chef” and “cook” are often used interchangeably, but chefs tend to be more highly skilled and professionally trained than cooks.

Keep in mind, though, that many positions are often used as stepping stones in a culinary career; you might make your way from pantry cook to line cook to sous-chef over the course of time, depending on your goals, aspirations, and work environment.

All told, being a chef is a tough job. It’s more than just cooking — it’s also planning and managing, accommodating the needs of co-workers and patrons, and making the best of things when your pantry contains only a stick of butter, two sausages, three carrots, and a tub of lard. But it’s also an immensely rewarding career, filled with challenges and opportunities that you won’t find elsewhere. Now get out there and start cooking and enjoy your life as a chef.

Life as an Architectural Photographer

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:53:32 +0000

Living a life as an architectural photographer one first needs to understand what it is…Architectural photography is specialized photography of structures. It involves special lenses and techniques to portray the subjects in proper perspective and without photographic distortion. It is primarily concerned with accurate portrayal of the structure, rather than artistic merit.

Architectural Photography is a form of photography that focuses on capturing buildings, houses, bridges, sculptures, ruins, and other structures to highlight the beauty of the structure’s architectural form or elements. It may be done for commercial reasons. A structure may be photographed at different angles to create the desired impression. At its best, architectural photography communicates the ambiance of a manmade structure.

Life as an architectural photographer is a commitment of time, of resources and of funds. Creating high- quality images on location presents a complex series of challenges. Thorough planning and communication among the client, photographer, location owner and representatives at the site can help ensure maximum efficiency and productivity. The material in this checklist has been gathered from design firms and architectural photographers around the country.

While each assignment is unique, the information will be helpful in anticipating issues that may come up during the planning and actual production of a location photography project. It is a useful reference guide for the designer, the client, for others involved in the assignment and for the photographer as well. The photographer’s fee is predicated on the use of the images and the costs of production. Broader usage increases the value of the images and fees are adjusted proportionately. Client and photographer must understand if there is leeway in the budget for unexpected conditions, extra views, variables in time, materials and job costs.

If the budget is fixed, are the limitations clearly understood by all parties? If the client needs to negotiate a lower fee, what can be given up in return? This might involve restricted usage, few images, less elaborate lighting or styling, smaller format film for less formal photographs, more flexible schedule with longer lead time, more prominent credit line for the photographer, among other options.

Once all terms are understood and agreed upon, the client should be willing to sign a proposal or contract and to provide a purchase order along with advance payment to confirm the assignment during your life as an architectural photographer.

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Life as a Fashion Designer

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:46:48 +0000

Ever wonder what Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren do all the time? Work! Few other professions depend so much on keeping on top of fickle popular opinion and watching what competitors produce. The life of a fashion designer is intimately linked to tastes and sensibilities that change at a moment’s notice, and he or she must be able to capitalize on or—even better—influence those opinions.

Designers reflect society’s sensibilities through clothing design. Fashion designers are involved in every phase of designing, showing, and producing all types of clothing, from bathing suits to evening gowns. Those with talent, vision, determination, and ambition can succeed in this difficult, demanding, and highly competitive industry.

Life as a fashion designer can be more glamorous than a 1940s Hollywood musical or drearier than a bank statement, but it’s always taxing. A designer’s day includes reading current fashion magazines, newspapers, and other media that reflect current trends and tastes. He or she looks at materials, attends fashion shows, and works with other designers on projects. A designer should be able to communicate his or her philosophy, vision, and capabilities clearly and comprehensively through sketches, discussions, and, occasionally, samples.

No matter what his or her personal style is, a designer must produce a creative, exciting, and profitable product line. As in most professions that produce superstars, it is easy for a competent but otherwise unremarkable designer to wallow in obscurity, designing small pieces of collections, generic lines (the plain white boxer short, for example), or specialties (cuffs, ruffles, etc.). The personality that raises itself above this level must be as large as the vision of the designer; perhaps that’s why the word “crazy” showed up in more than 75 percent of our surveys as a plus in fashion design. People entering the field should have a good eye for color, style, and shape, an ability to sketch, and some formal preparation in design.

An excellent portfolio is a must for the job search. A two- or four-year degree in fashion design is helpful, as is knowledge of textiles and a familiarity with the quirks of a variety of fabrics, but no formal certification is required. Candidates should have a working knowledge of business and marketing.

The hours are long for a fashion designer, and the initial pay is very limited. This is one of those hit-or-miss occupations where beginners work as someone’s assistant until, when they can muster up enough confidence in their abilities and sell that confidence to their superiors, they design a few pieces themselves. The superstar rise is an unlikely event, but it happens.

Based on the number of “international star designers” in the last 10 years and the number of people who have entered the profession, the estimated odds of becoming an internationally famous designer are roughly 160,000:1. But, work hard, get the right education and you too can live life as a fashion designer.

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My Life in an Advertising Agency

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:44:01 +0000

Advertising agencies are great places to work. The jobs are creative in nature, the people are interesting, and the challenge of meeting the needs of the ever-evolving world of advertising keeps you on your toes. People who work in advertising are often asked how to get into the business. The answer is fairly simple: develop an understanding of the job, make connections within the industry, and demonstrate to those connections that you’re the person to hire. An advertising agency is made up of seven distinct departments: Account, Strategy, Media, Creative, Interactive, Production and Administrative.

Here’s a basic picture of what each does: Account Department – Account Managers are the client’s day-to-day liaison. They work with the agency’s clients to write briefs that detail the advertising that’s needed, work with the creative department to develop campaigns, and work with the other departments to get the campaign produced, shipped and paid for. Account Managers are people-oriented and enjoy splitting their time between the client and the agency. They enjoy solving business challenges and building relationships. The best Account Managers have a thorough understanding of business and advertising.

Strategy Department – Strategists, or Account Planners as they are also known, research the facts needed for creating advertising, and strategize the best messages and methods to use to reach their target audience. Strategists are generally people who enjoy research and understand how to turn data into an actionable plan for advertising. Strategists spend the majority of their time working alone and with other agency personnel.

Media Department – The media department plans, coordinates and purchases media space to run advertising that the agency has created. Media Planners and Buyers have a deep knowledge of magazines, newspapers, TV shows, cable channels and Internet sites, and understand the audience for each of these mediums. Media Planners spend less time with clients and more time with agency personnel.

Creative Department – Creatives include Copywriters, Art Directors and Production Artists. They are the people responsible for writing and designing advertising campaigns. The best Creatives can continually think of fresh approaches to advertise a product or service and are equally adept at selling their ideas to clients. Creatives spend less time with clients, but the time they do spend with them is crucial to the agency’s sales process.

Administrative Department – Handles all of the internal business of an advertising agency, like finances and human resources. Administrative jobs within an advertising agency are similar in scope to the same jobs in other industries, but have the added challenge of needing to understand and service clients and the distinctly different groups of agency personnel.

Hopefully my life in an advertising agency has been helpful!

Life in an Advertising Agency

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Life in an Advertising Agency

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:41:34 +0000

These days, it seems as though advertising is the ‘it’ field. This information comes from movies and television shows. Though the life in an advertising agency is indeed fun, exciting and has a lot of opportunity, it is also stressful, difficult and requires long hours.

Advertising teams are usually small, except in large companies. For the most part they act as liaisons between the firm and the advertising or promotion agency to which many advertising or promotional functions are contracted out.

Though many view those in advertising negatively sometimes, seeing them as tricksters or somehow shady characters just because their job is to come up with ways to sell somebody a certain product. This is obviously not true, it is a very worthwhile and respected profession, oftentimes calling for more creative and intelligent minds.

To get started in advertising, one must find an internship at an advertising firm. As an intern, life in an advertising agency will prove to be very educational. Interns learn how the business works from inside the company, working with those who are experienced. Interns get to know the market and understand the standard of ideas they need to bring to the profession.

Also, another misconception people have about advertising is that they assume everyone in advertising makes a lot of money. Well, while many can and do make money, it is a long and difficult road. First, you have to intern, then get a job as an assistant, work your way up to make it onto a team, and if you are lucky, a management position.

Life in an advertising agency can be extremely difficult. Those who are creative souls looking to enter advertising because they want to put their innovative ideas to use have to remember that advertising is still a professional business. Before any given campaign you will work on, there will be dozens of meeting, talks with bosses, managers and CEOs. Your creative ideas will be put to the test, you will have to change your ideas to better suit the market and make others happy.

Advertising is not just a glamorous, fun-filled career. In fact, life in an advertising agency is unlike anything the media portrays. It is a mix of everything you see and hear. It is a rewarding career, though you must put in a lot of hours in order for it to be this way. It can allow for a lot of travel, but you must pay your dues.

My Life in an Advertising Agency

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Life as a Commercial Photographer

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:40:18 +0000

Are you interested in a career in photography? There are many different ways to earn a living as a photographer. However life as a commercial photographer offers many advantages over other areas of the photographic profession.

Commercial photography is a broad term. As a commercial photographer it’s possible to work in the fashion or commercial industries, as a photojournalist or even a portrait photographer.

To become a successful commercial photographer it’s important to have a base level of talent. However talent alone doesn’t always cut it. Commercial photographers need a high level of skill, creativity, excellent timing and the ability to adapt to a situation. Many people who become commercial photographers attend school and get a degree in photography, commercial or otherwise. It’s also usually very helpful to get an internship of some kind.

Mentorship programs can be particularly helpful to anyone interested in life as a commercial photographer. Mentoring programs offer students the opportunity to gain valuable first hand experience learning commercial photography in a professional environment under the tutelage of real, working commercial photographers.

They also provide students with the chance to make valuable contacts that can prove so important in breaking into the world of being a working commercial photographer.

Commercial photography can be an exciting, creative field. It can also be very lucrative. Commercial photographers frequently find work in the interesting fields of photojournalism and fashion. Many will work on staff for newspapers, magazines, or services that provide stock photos.

Photojournalism is a particularly exciting area of commercial photography. Photojournalists are often dispatched to the scene of local, national or international events. Their job is to be there to capture the pictures that will go out over wires to newspapers and web news pages all over the globe. Photojournalists have the unique opportunity to photograph history as it happens.

Still other commercial photographers work as portrait photographers. These sorts of photographers are often hired to shoot weddings, graduations and other special events. They also may do promotional headshots for actors, models and other people who work in entertainment. This aspect of commercial photography is attractive as it allows one to essentially be their own boss and work on their own terms.

Commercial photography is a profession that attracts many talented people. Because of this it can be extremely competitive. If you feel that life, as a commercial photographer is for you then you need to do whatever you can to give yourself an edge over the competition.

A photography degree is a good start, but it may not be enough. A mentoring program can give you an advantage that potential employers will take notice of.

Check out our Photography School listings!

Life as a Web Designer

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:39:02 +0000

Thanks to the Internet there is now a whole segment of creative jobs that simply did not exist fifteen to twenty years ago. One such job is that of a web designer. Life as a web designer involves synthesizing artistic talent, technical skill, marketing know-how and business savvy.

Many web designers work in-house in salaried positions. Their job involves daily upkeep and maintenance of a company’s website as well as creating and redesigning web pages as needed.

Many other web designers work freelance. This allows them to enjoy the freedom of working from their home office and being able to largely set their own hours. At times freelancers are required to report to the office, either for meetings or to work with an in-house web design team.

Working as a web designer can be a very lucrative and rewarding career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected income and job prospects for web designers are both above average.

Life as a web designer can be all about the freedom of self-employment. However it can also involve working in the creative, fun environment of a multi-media or marketing firm. The work one does as a web designer will be seen by people all over the world.

Unlike other media-centric jobs, web design is fairly decentralized these days. Practically all businesses, big and small need a website to stay competitive. This means there are possibilities for employment as a web designer all across the country. The freedom of the digital era even allows web designers to work abroad or for clients that may be thousands of miles away.

However web design can be a high pressure and at times competitive field. In addition to technical skills, web designers must have a solid understanding of both design and marketing principles. They must deliver their work on time and on budget.

There are now many degree programs available for people interested in web design. However due to the competitive nature of the business a 4-year degree may not be enough. Many aspiring web designers also participate in an internship of one sort or another.

Mentoring programs are an excellent way to gain firsthand experience. They allow students to study web design while working in a professional web environment, under the tutelage of real, working web professionals. Internship programs also afford students the opportunities to make the connections, which can prove integral to launching one’s career as a web designer.

If you have the artistic and design talent, as well as the drive to succeed, then life as web designer might be a perfect career for you.

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Why “Who you Know” Matters

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:32:38 +0000

The difference between ‘getting by’ at work and being successful is not solely dependent on technical skills or knowledge. We all know colleagues who have strong ‘people skills’ and not the strongest technical abilities but who nonetheless possess a distinct position of leverage or influence at work. These individuals are focusing on their strengths and use the power of interpersonal skills and networking to their advantage. You can too! One should never underestimate the power of influence gained through networking. The expansiveness and quality of one’s social and professional networks can significantly enhance career potential.

How can one go about building a supportive network? This article will explore two practical and simple ways that, when used strategically, will yield the results you want to achieve. The first things to do are collect and organize the business cards from the people you meet so that you have their contact information. Obviously, collecting cards is just the first step in realizing why “who you know” matters… Find reasons to send contacts an email, call for advice or to give some information related to their interests. Don’t do so incessantly, but regularly – once a week or biweekly is appropriate. It generally depends on the significance of your reason to contact them and their past receptiveness. Take the time to research their company website so you can make relevant connections and based on ‘inside track’ information of what’s important to them.

Keep in mind that just as it is sometimes awkward to reconnect with old friends or acquaintances after a period of not seeing one another, the same is true in regards to building a network. The longer you are out of touch with business associates, the more difficult it is to reconnect and get ‘back in the loop’. To help you make this a consistent priority, be strategic about your contacts – jot down regular reminders in a planner or electronic organizer so that you don’t leave your connections to chance.

Another way to expand and strengthen your network is to invite contacts to an informal gathering or information session that you organize about topics of general or mutual interest. You may facilitate the discussion yourself or bring in a speaker. You could arrange such meetings at a local coffee shop or restaurant – many will set aside a meeting room upon request. On the invitation – whether it be by email, fax or regular mail – outline the proposed agenda and indicate that “coffee or tea is provided – other menu items are at the cost of participants” – unless of course you are able and willing to cover the entire bill!

This can be a relatively low-cost way of meeting with contacts and sharing ideas. This intentional way of meeting your contacts on a regular basis strengthens not only the relationship you have with each of them, but also allows for your contacts to meet one another – an opportunity for which they will be grateful. Such efforts are similar to making an investment that you hope will grow at the opportune time.

Why “Who you Know” Matters

Life as an Account Executive

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:29:46 +0000

Are you excited by the world of advertising? Would you like to be in the boardroom, making pitches? Do you see yourself working with the creative department and giving the go-ahead to major ad campaigns? Then it’s possible that life as an account executive could be the career you’re looking for.

Advertising account executives work internally within ad agencies. Generally they act as a liaison between the agency and the client. By working closely with the client and members of the agency staff, they are able to oversee the advertising campaign in accordance with the client’s wishes.

Advertising account executives can have enormous responsibilities. Account exec are the ones who make sure an ad campaign or single advertisement, is delivered on time, on budget and meets with the clients approval. Account executives often work with up to four different clients at the same time. Although in larger agencies, they may only work with one or two clients at a time.

Life as an account executive involves working with practically everyone involved in the advertising process. In addition to the clients, account executives interact with creative staff, account managers, account planners and media personnel. Account executives are responsible for making sure everyone does their job and works to create advertising content that meets the client’s satisfaction.

A big part of an account executive’s job is making pitches to clients, in order to sell the services of the agency.

Being an advertising account executive can be a very lucrative career. Median salary for an account exec is around $40K a year. However being an ad exec is also a very popular career choice. Job competition can be stiff. Generally a 4-year degree is required to gain an entry-level position.

Mentoring programs can also be a good way to gain a competitive edge over the competition. Mentoring programs provide students with the opportunity to learn the ropes of being an ad account executive while working in the atmosphere of a real ad agency, under the tutelage of real, working ad execs.

Beyond that mentoring programs give students the chance to make the contacts and connections that will prove so vital to gaining a foothold in the advertising industry.

Working as an ad account exec gives one the opportunity to contribute to all levels of an ad campaign. Ad execs liaison with clients, creative staff and other members of the team and are responsible for keeping the project on course on a day-to-day basis.

If this sounds like the job you are looking for than life as an account executive could be just the career for you.

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Photography School

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:27:53 +0000

If you decide that you want to attend photography school then your next step is to find a very good school that is perfect for you. Although there are many to choose from, there are areas that need to be covered in order to be trained correctly. The photography school should focus on development, theories of photography as well as “hands on” practical instruction. Of course, each student will apply their own artistic style, but there are basics that need to be taught as a basis to build on.

There are many areas of this career choice that can be studied such as: advertising, fashion and photojournalism. A good photography school will incorporate both artistic and commercial projects to give the budding photographer the education to encompass all types of photography and be skilled in many areas.

The best photography school will always offer very practical applications on many topics to provide each student with tools to become a professional photographer. The photography school’s program should include courses on lighting, theories of color, black and white photography, Photoshop, location as well as studio photography, landscape and nightscape photography as well as dark room techniques.

The best case scenario is that every teacher is either now or has been a professional photographer so that they have extensive knowledge as well as being aware of the latest digital techniques. There are many demands, more than ever before, in visual technology. Therefore it’s imperative that the teaching staff understand the newest equipment and technological advances.

Within this career choice, there are photography schools that offer bachelor’s degree in visual arts as well as graduate degrees. Of course, there are also fast-track schools that teach and train new photographers within months and they earn a certificate upon completion. Whichever photography school is chosen, it’s very important to thoroughly investigate them to discover what degree or certificate is offered, how long to complete the curriculum and the cost of the school.

Finally, it’s imperative that you look at the portfolio of the school you are considering as well as possible job placement. After investigating, you will know the reputation of the schools as well as possible online reviews of the teachers and courses. If possible, tour the campus area of the photography school and spend time speaking with those that can give you a more in-depth understanding of what it has to offer. In that interview, you will discover the equipment you will learn on as well as being given course catalogs and other resources to aid you in your decision.

Check out our Photography School listings!

Life in the Culinary Trade

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:26:11 +0000

There are as many job opportunities in the professional kitchen as there are flavours. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll be well on your way to a great and challenging career. This is a career that can take you around the world. As a professional cook, you can find work in a variety of locations; anywhere from cruise ships to private yachts, from oil drilling platforms in the North Sea to diamond mining operations in the Yukon to logging camps.

Your options will also include the many restaurants and hotels around the world. Would you like to cook for a cattle drive or perhaps be a safari cook in the wilds of Africa? Or perhaps you’d like being a private chef for the rich and famous or a government official. If you want to stay closer to home, you’ll be trained to work in all styles of kitchens ranging from a small family-style restaurant, to large multinational hotels, and health care institutions.

Be prepared for your life in the culinary trade. As America’s fascination with food finds it’s way into the mainstream, it provides a view of the culinary world that most people had never seen before. With the rise of The Food Network, and shows like Iron Chef and Hell’s Kitchen, more and more people are entertaining the notion of taking up cooking themselves. They see a celebrity chef like Emeril Lagasse, or Bobby Flay, whipping up all sorts of fantastic creations, and think to themselves, “Hey, that looks like fun! Maybe I should be doing that too!”

What they don’t see on The Naked Chef are the years of training, hard work, and dedication that are involved to get to that point in one’s career. In a fashion similar to that of most other aspects in our society, these celebrity Chef Icons are shown as role models to the world of food, and too many people believe they’ll be on their own cooking show after a few short years in culinary school. However, this is not the case. No one stops to think that those folks you see on T.V. are only a tiny fraction of everyone who works in the foodservice industry.

Of the hundreds of thousands of people who toil endlessly, day after day, in kitchens across the country, only a handful are given a shot at the limelight, to “magic up” Ham Hocks and Shrimp Creole on national television. However you slice, dice, broil or bake it…life in the culinary trade can and will be fun and rewarding.

Check out our Hospitality listings!

Life as a Caterer

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:23:41 +0000

A caterer works closely with clients to design, prepare, and serve menus for events, including wedding dinners, charity balls, holiday brunches, office lunches, and any other occasion where people gather and consume food. A caterer must understand how certain dishes work together, have strong interpersonal, particularly listening, skills, and the ability to manage a cooking and serving staff. Over 70 percent of all catering services are owner-run, so many caterers must also have sharp business acumen. Most people are drawn to the industry because of their love of cooking or preparing elegant meals for special events. In their first few years in catering many find that talent only gets you so far. “You can have dozens of clients, great reviews, and the best products–and you can still lose money hand over fist,” said one ten-year veteran.

Management and organizational skills are critical for those who wish to keep their catering concerns solvent. Caterers spend considerable time developing menus, a unique style, and a business plan. “You have to oversee everything,” one caterer mentioned to us, “that’s why catering services never get too large.” While some catering services do employ hundreds of full- and part-time staff, the large majority have fewer than six full-time employees, and hire temporary staff for the rest.

Business is driven by season. During a day in the life as a caterer, you may have three to five meetings with prospective clients to work out details of the event. The caterer provides menus and the clients choose their favorite dishes and work with the caterer to assemble a meal where each dish compliments the others. Successful caterers are able to gently guide people to decisions that will benefit the event. There are no educational requirements for becoming a caterer, though many choose to attend a culinary academy to learn the basics of certain schools of cooking. Others attend restaurant management school, or at least take coursework in schools that reflect some of the concerns of the business, such as finance, management, and organization.

Those who do not attend any special schools should have some type of professional food preparation experience; cooking food for large numbers of people in a limited time frame is a skill to be learned. Caterers are chefs of a sort, and many become chefs when catering concerns fold (and they do at a significant rate). Others become involved in the service end of the industry, and become event coordinators, party planners, and waiting staff managers. A small number go into the mass-produced food industry, but many view that life as “selling out.” Most frequently, caterers who leave the industry take some time away, review their situations, then enter the field again with a little more knowledge and a little more experience.

Enjoy your life as a caterer.

Check out our Hospitality listings!

Life as a Game Designer

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:06:02 +0000

Video games are one of the fastest growing areas of the entertainment industry. It’s estimated that by 2011 the video game industry will be twice as big as the music industry. In the United States alone, video games currently bring in an estimated $30 billion annually. To put it simply, video games are big business.

Life as a game designer affords one the chance to work on the creative forefront of this exciting, rapidly evolving field.

Video game designers generally work as part of a team in the design and development of video and computer games. Designing video games is a complex and multi-faceted process. Game designers are often responsible for important elements such as character design, creating different levels, puzzles, art and animation.

To become a game designer it helps to have an interest in video games. People who love video games are more likely to design games that other gamers will enjoy. It’s also necessary to have a good level of programming and other computer skills.

Many people interested in life as a game designer attend a 4-year college and get a degree in game design, computer science or some related field. However game design is a popular profession. It attracts many talented, ambitious people. A degree may not be enough to get your foot in the door. Many aspiring game designers also find internships of one sort or another.

Mentoring programs are a good way to make oneself more attractive to employers. In mentoring programs students have the opportunity to learn the game design business while working in a real game design house, with working, professional game designers as their teachers.

Beyond the invaluable hands on experience students get they also have the opportunity to make the contacts and connections that can prove to valuable to establishing a foothold in the video game industry.

Having good ideas is important for anyone who fancies themselves a game designer. However it takes more than just good ideas to be successful. Game designers must be ready and willing to play a managerial role in a game project. Often they are in charge of programmers and other personnel. It is the game designer’s job to make sure that the project is brought in on time, and on budget.

In the topsy-turvy economy of the early 21^st century the video game industry enjoyed almost unchecked growth. Job prospects for talented people who want to work in this field would appear to be good. If life as a game designer is for you, you owe it to yourself to do everything you can to make yourself attractive to employers.

A 4-year degree is a good place to start, however a mentorship program can give you that extra, added edge you may need.

My Life as a Copywriter

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:03:49 +0000

Copywriting is a growing industry, and many go into the business looking to make some money, free up their hours, and do what they love for a living. So what does a copywriter do? A copywriter writes sales letters, blogs, articles, SEO content, all types of articles for websites, as well as copyediting. Pretty much, anything that people can pay you to write for them, you will. This sounds like an amazing job and a great opportunity, but many people remain skeptical.

My life as a copywriter has been the best yet. It is an impersonal job, and you can be your own boss. Few clients ever want to meet or even talk on the phone. Also, you pick and choose your own hours, so you can work any days you feel like working, and take all the breaks you want! You can work in front of the television, while watching your kids, late at night, early in the morning, any time you feel is comfortable.

However, it is not all fun and games. Life as a copywriter can also be difficult. Though copywriters get to choose their own hours and make their own rules, they still have to adhere to agreements with clients, and be punctual with their work. Another problem is finding constant work. Many companies and websites will hire you for a while, if you are lucky. Most copywriting jobs are not long-term, and much of your job will be spent looking for new clients and new copywriting work.

There is also the problem of producing quality work, on time. You can do whatever you want at home and develop your own writing process, but however you do it, you must keep in mind that the work you produce is good. Spell check, read it over, look at grammar and spelling. Make sure the article makes sense. This job can get a little tedious at times and article quality can suffer.

Many clients will require you to put up blogs at a specific time, or possibly even moderate message boards throughout the day. In my life as a copywriter, there are also a ton of emails to answer, always. Between clients, feedback from websites, emails from promotional websites (such as Digg, StumbleUpon, Redit), and questions from the audience, answering emails can be a time consuming part of the copywriting job.

My life as a copywriter is a mixed bag of nuts. There are days where you really have to sit down and get to work, and those days where it is really wonderful to be a copywriter.

Picking Out a Good Photography School

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:59:52 +0000

If you think that photography is your calling, it’s about time that you look into attending a photography school. Too many people assume that photography is just about pointing a camera at something. In reality, it’s an art form and one that can only truly be mastered after a bit of education.

Photographers spend their day working with clients in various settings. Graduates can find employment for large photography firms all the way down to simple freelance work. There are also different specializations that a student could go into, such as digital photography, scenic photography or portrait photography. Each has a unique science behind it that can be learned through education and personal experimentation.

One of the big debates you might find out there is whether or not to attend a two year or four year program. The four year program probably seems like a logical solution because it provides an extended education, but most students don’t find that necessary. Getting a higher degree isn’t going to influence the chances of getting a job, so the extra two years just result in unnecessary costs, if anything.

By attending a simple, two year photography school, students get immersed in the hands-on training they need to really understand the career. Lighting, camera angles, lens adjustments and the like are all covered through classes specific to photography. Some curriculum may also require basics like math or English, but that is only intended to make for a well rounded education.

Something great about technical schools is that they focus on giving students the biggest education for the least amount of money. The semesters are short and to the point so that every dollar spent is used for a good reason. The educators at these schools are trained professionals who have actual experience in the field. They can share said experiences with their pupils.

Once the program is complete, a photography student should be able to seek help from the school to gain employment. Since there are so many different career opportunities for photographers, most students do not find difficulty getting a job once they get out of school.

Almost every photography school one would look into will have some sort of financial aid available. This allows students to get help paying for the already affordable programs found with technical schools. In a dour economy and on a tight student budget, every cent counts. Shortened programs available through technical schools allow students to get into the work force quicker so that they may begin to establish a substantial income. Then it’s just a matter of motivation.

Check out our Photography listings!

Life as a Bartender

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:55:42 +0000

In establishments where cocktails are served, bartenders are expected to be able to properly mix hundreds to thousands of different drinks. A mixologist is a term for a bartender who specializes in the creation of cocktail recipes; the term usually implies special expertise and professionalism. Bartenders also usually serve as the public image of the bar they tend, contributing to as well as reflecting the atmosphere of the bar. In some establishments focused strictly on the food, this can mean the bartender is all but invisible. On the other extreme, some establishments make the bartender part of the entertainment, expected perhaps to engage in flair bartending or other forms of entertainment, such as those exemplified in the films Cocktail and Coyote Ugly.

Some bars might be known for bartenders who serve the drinks and otherwise leave a patron alone, while others want their bartenders to be good listeners and offer counseling (or a “shoulder to cry on”) as required. Good bartenders help provide a steady clientele by remembering the favored drinks of regulars, having recommendations on hand for local nightlife beyond the bar, or other unofficial duties during life as a bartender. They are sometimes called upon for answers to a wide variety of questions on topics such as sports trivia, directions, or the marital status of other patrons

The majority of bartenders directly serve and interact with patrons. Bartenders should be friendly and enjoy talking with customers. Bartenders at service bars, on the other hand, have less contact with customers. They work in small bars often located off the kitchen in restaurants, hotels, and clubs where only waiters and waitresses place drink orders. Some establishments, especially larger, higher volume ones, use equipment that automatically measures, pours and mixes drinks at the push of a button. Bartenders who use this equipment, however, still must work quickly to handle a large volume of drink orders and be familiar with the ingredients for special drink requests. Much of a bartender’s work still must be done by hand to fill each individual order.

Bartenders check identification of customers seated at the bar, to ensure they meet the minimum age requirement for the purchase of alcohol. They prepare mixed drinks, serve bottled or draught beer, and pour wine or other beverages. Bartenders must know a wide range of drink recipes and be able to mix drinks accurately, quickly, and without waste. Besides mixing and serving drinks, bartenders stock and prepare garnishes for drinks; maintain an adequate supply of ice, glasses, and other bar supplies; and keep the bar area clean for customers. They also may collect payment, operate the cash register, wash glassware and utensils, and serve food to customers seated at the bar. Bartenders usually are responsible for ordering and maintaining an inventory of liquor, mixes, and other bar supplies. Bartenders have the right to “card” or see if you have ID.

Drink up and enjoy your life as a bartender.

Why “Who you Know” Matters

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:17:36 +0000

In any profession, it’s a good idea to have a 4-year degree from a good institution. However the cold, hard truth behind degrees in the media world is that they often hold very little water as far as getting a job goes. This is why “who you know” matters.

Unlike in other professions, a media degree, even from the best school, offers very little assurance in the way of finding a job. Even the best and brightest students, attending the finest institutions often find themselves at a loss upon graduating.

When seeking an entry-level media position, “who you know” is often just as important as “what you know.” This is one reason why mentorship programs can be very helpful to anyone seeking to embark on a media related career.

Mentorship programs allow students to gain valuable first hand knowledge working in a real professional environment related to their chosen field of study. Working under the tutelage of actual working professionals they may observe, assist or contribute to the actual work being done.

But perhaps more importantly, mentoring programs allow students to forge the contacts and connections that can prove integral to gaining a foothold in their chosen careers.

Thousands of students graduate from top-level schools annually. A great many have excellent grades and fine academic record in general. However, if one has actual connections in their chosen field, they may be able to get an inside track that puts them one step ahead of their competition. This is why “who you know” matters.

The media is one of the most competitive sectors of the job market. Talent and a degree are of course always helpful. But in the cutthroat world of the media, they may only get one so far. Students who participate in mentoring programs have the opportunity to dip their toes in the waters of the real world, outside the sphere of academia.

More importantly, they have the chance to impress others working in their field with their own professionalism. In highly competitive fields like advertising, TV, film, radio, music and other media, students need to do what they can to set themselves apart from the competition.

By participating in a mentoring program they can establish the relationships they need to find a job once they have graduated. Without such relationships it’s very easy to be lost in the shuffle with hundreds of other graduates. This is why “who you know “ matters so much.

Why “Who You Know” Matters

Internet Versus On-Air Radio

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:16:27 +0000

The debate over Internet versus on-air radio has been going on for nearly a decade now. Traditional, on-air radio has largely been formatted and micromanaged into mediocrity. Many stations don’t even employ on-air talent like DJs and much of the radio broadcast industry seems to have lost the plot.

Internet radio on the other hand is an exciting and burgeoning new format. Internet radio stations are cropping up constantly. Formats are as diverse as imaginable with Internet radio stations dedicated to everything from dub reggae to Dutch pop music.

And streaming an Internet radio station is relatively easy in comparison to launching an actual broadcast radio station. However while it is technically possible to launch an Internet radio station from your bedroom with a laptop, it could still be very expensive to do so.

Internet radio stations, like terrestrial radio stations, must pay artists royalties for the songs they broadcast. While the debate over Internet radio royalties has raged for more than a decade, the issue remains unresolved to a certain degree. Currently their exists something of a sliding scale with smaller web stations being able to pay a percentage of their total annual revenues rather than standard calculated royalty rates.

Revenues from online streaming radio grew from $49 million in 2003 to more than $500 million in 2007. However in spite of those impressive numbers many of the most successful of today’s online streaming radio stations still face a difficult time covering their royalty payments.

In the debate over Internet radio versus on-air radio, traditional on-air radio is still the more viable business model.

However in 2007 for the first time ever, advertisers spent more money on Internet advertising than they did on radio advertising. By the year 2011 the money being spent on Internet advertising will have doubled the amount being spent on the radio advertising. Clearly this shift of revenues represents a shift in the publics focus.

However while the public may be listening to Internet radio, it does so primarily because Internet radio is devoid of the commercials and corporate ties that have made on-air radio so difficult to listen to. Unfortunately if Internet radio is to become viable, it may need to incorporate the very commercialism and corporate responsibility it seems to despise.

So while it may seem clunky, loud and cheesy, on-air radio is still the more commercially viable business. Internet radio may be like many other forms of Internet media: free, exciting, accessible and very difficult to make a profit from.

Until someone figures out the balance between innovative content and commercial viability the debate over Internet radio versus on-air radio looks set to continue.

Fashion Design School

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:14:25 +0000

Fashion design school…Whether you’re interested in fashion design, merchandising, retail, or anything else fashion-related, our directory of schools may be just what you need. Many job opportunities await professionals in the world of fashion design, and the schools listed on this site provide the training you need to advance in your fashion career. Whether you are interested in clothing design, fashion marketing, fashion merchandising, or fashion in general. A Fashion Designer creates, or helps to create, the designs for women’s, men’s, and children’s apparel, footwear, and accessories. While many Designers specialize in one of these categories, many others create designs in all three, which they learn at fashion design school.

Most Designers hand sketch their designs, and an increasing number of these Designers will then translate these sketches to a computer. Through Computer-aided design (CAD), a Designer sees what their creations look like (in various colors and shapes) while on virtual models. This capability saves time as it diminishes the number of prototype adjustments and samples that might be required further on in the process.

Participation by a Designer in the various aspects and stages of design and production is dependent upon the experience level of the Designer, as well as the size of the design firm (or house). In a large firm, a Designer will typically hold the position of Lead Designer and be responsible for design, prototype, and pattern creations; fabric and color selections; working with manufacturers and suppliers during production stages; and overseeing the technical designers who transform designs into final products.

Designers who are new to this profession, or those who are employed by a small design firm, generally create designs and also perform the majority of both technical patternmaking and sewing tasks. Designers who are employed by apparel manufacturers and wholesalers tend to focus on adapting the designs that have been created by other Designers for the mass market (typically produced in varying colors and sizes).

Designer Assistants in this industry are exposed to many facets of the business. They work with rapid production schedules and gain the knowledge of the specific design creations that will sell profitably in target markets, the prices at which they’ll sell, and the seasons in which they’ll sell. They also gain a solid understanding of the types of stores that will purchase the merchandise, as well as the store’s customer demographics.

All of these things and more you’ll learn at fashion design school.

Check out our Fashion & Retail listings!

Culinary School

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:13:00 +0000

Do you find the prospect of 4-year college uninspiring? Do you love food and thrive while working in the kitchen? Are you interested in a good career that allows you to work where you want? Then it’s possible that attending culinary school may be the right choice for you.

Culinary school can be an excellent option for anyone who wishes to pursue a career in the culinary arts. Working as a chef can afford one the option of living and working practically anywhere.

Graduates from good culinary schools go on to find work in hotels, fine restaurants, resorts, and even on cruise ships. And while the work is demanding, the pay can be good. In fact often times, it can be very good.

Many chefs go on to open their own restaurants or restaurant chains. Many write cookbooks and go on talk shows. A select few, Anthony Bourdain, Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, to name some, even become celebrities in their own right.

However there are others who attend culinary school merely because they love to cook. They may be parents or have other careers. For them culinary school is a chance to take their talents in the kitchen to the next level. And while they may never wind up in the kitchen at Spago’s or write a best-selling cookbook, making a 3-course gourmet meal for their family is simply it’s own reward.

What sort of culinary school you will attend, will largely depend on what you’re motivation is for attending.

Community colleges and local parks and recreation often offer simple cooking classes. For the gourmet hobbyist these can be great opportunities to broaden one’s culinary skills.

However for those who wish to pursue a career in the culinary arts, these sorts of classes are really only a good place to start. Those who wish to pursue careers as chefs would do best to attend a proper culinary school.

Good culinary schools can be found in most major U.S. cities. Some of the very best are in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many others can be found overseas. Using the Internet can be an excellent way to research culinary schools in your area.

If you have dreams of becoming the next celebrity chef, opening your own restaurant, or working in the kitchen of a gourmet eatery in Manhattan, than attending culinary school can be a great place for you to start.

Copywriting Schools

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:11:12 +0000

Copywriting is the use of words to promote a person, business, opinion or idea. Although the word copy may be applied to any content intended for printing (as in the body of a newspaper article or book), the term copywriter is generally limited to such promotional situations, regardless of media (as advertisements for print, television, radio or other media). The author of newspaper or magazine copy, for example, is generally called a reporter or writer or a copywriter.

Have you heard the good things about the field of copywriting? If you have, then you know that a qualified copywriter is an invaluable asset to those looking for them. Becoming this asset means going to a copywriting school. Turn this to your advantage. First, most copywriting schools can be found throughout the internet to help you telecommunicate. Second, they are not long, hard degrees to get. Most require the attention and willingness to learn. And, in most cases, the schooling you need is not going to cost anywhere near the costs of those big schools.

As for what you can expect at a copywriting school, there are many different things for you to learn. You’ll learn basics including how to write properly, with good content but still meeting the requirements given to you. You’ll learn how to write for web markets, how to build websites, and the language of the computer world. You will also learn about advertising and effective marketing. If you think you know it all, you really don’t. There are small bits here and there that can make you go from being average to being excellent. This is a quality you must strive for. Of course, there are different techniques and classes you can take for a specialized theme.

To find some great copywriting schools, you simply need to check out the websites that offer educational training. You may want to commit to online courses, or you may find that it is easier to go to a classroom setting. You can find them in many different price ranges as well. They can teach you more than just copy writing. They can teach you how to build your freelance business, how to grow with the industry, and how to get the most out of each business transaction. Copy writing, in all its forms, is a serious business and should be respected as that. You can do one or a couple of projects and think you know what you are doing. But, unless those clients come back to you, you will realise that your work could have been better. A copywriting school that teaches copywriting can do all of that for you and more.

Careers in Web Design

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:02:12 +0000

The Internet era has ushered in a whole segment of creative jobs that simply did not exist twenty years ago. One such career is that of a web designer. Careers in web design involve the creation of web pages, the content of which is intended to sell, inform or entertain.

Many web designers work in salaried, in-house positions in multi-media, advertising, marketing or other types of companies. Web designers enjoy being able to work in a creative, fun environment in the company of other web professionals.

Many more web designers work as freelancers. Freelance web designers enjoy the freedom of being able to work out of their home office as well as largely being able to set their own hours. However even freelance web designers may have to report to the office at times, either for a meeting or to work with an in-house web team.

Careers in web design are well suited for anyone with good tech skills and a firm grasp of both design and marketing principles. While web design can be creative and fun it can also be very high pressure. Web designers are responsible for bringing projects in on time and on budget.

Web design can also be a competitive field. However, there are many good opportunities available. Not only that but web design is fairly lucrative. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job and income prospects for web designers are both above average.

Many aspiring web designers attain a 4-year degree or attend a technical trade school. Many are graduates of prestigious art and design schools. Due to the high number of bright, talented people attracted to web design careers; students would do well to participate in an internship program of one sort or another.

Mentoring programs are a kind of internship that can be particularly helpful. In mentoring programs students gain the opportunity to learn web design first hand in a real, working web environment, under the guidance of actual professional web designer.

Equally important to the valuable hands on experience students gain in such programs, is the chance to make contacts and connections necessary to getting a foot in the door of the web design business.

Unlike other media-centric jobs, web design has become a fairly decentralized profession. In the 21^st Century, any business that wants to remain competitive needs a website. Because of this it’s possible for a good web designer to find work practically anywhere.

If you have artistic talent, technical and marketing savvy, as well as a drive to succeed than a career in web design might be for you.

Careers in the Culinary Trade

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:01:07 +0000

The culinary arts or culinary trade refers to all aspects of food production and preparation. There are many different job descriptions and titles within the culinary arts which include: chefs, pastry chefs, cooks, production coordinators, caterers and many others. Although a degree or school certificate is not required to enter this field, when you have formal training, acquiring a position in an establishment is much easier and with a better pay scale.

Within the walls of a culinary arts school, the student will learn many aspects of nutrition as well as the chemistry and science of food. The student will spend much time learning the chemical reactions between different types of foods as well the outcome of certain foods that are boiled, frozen, heated, fried and broiled. As the student is investigating the science of foods, they are deciding which of the careers in the culinary trade they are most attracted to. Many students want to become chefs, but others prefer working toward being a pastry chef and still others would rather manage an establishment in the front than being part of the preparation in the kitchen.

Being a chef is what many culinary students aspire to and it is a fine profession to desire but also very demanding. A chef definitely faces many challenges every day. In the average kitchen, they are the General who coordinates all kitchen and cooking duties as well as being responsible for menu choices and recipes.

Some students will want to pursue specialized training in eclectic, French, Italian or some other specific cuisine. Others will want to understand about cooking with organic foods or even a vegetarian menu. Whichever area is chosen is totally up to the future chef. All that is expected is that the food is delicious which builds a solid, returning clientele that spreads the word about the restaurant or banquet facility.

There are many types of chefs; one of which is the pastry chef. If you love the science involved with the interaction of chemicals with foods, then you might really enjoy this culinary trade career. Because of what is involved in making pastry, the understanding of foods at a deeper level is required which might be too difficult for some, but very exciting for others.

Days as a pastry chef are long and most of the time is spent in constant preparation of desserts and various pastries. Many times the pastry chef is the first one in the kitchen in the morning, preparing for the desserts for that day. Because of the demands of this career in the culinary arts, this might not be the ideal position for some.

Although there are many other careers in the culinary trade, there are those that do not involve working in the kitchen but are more involved with management and the front of the restaurant. For those that love sales and food, becoming a catering sales manager would be ideal. There is also the position of restaurant manager who takes care of the front of the establishment working in coordination with the chef who controls the kitchen. Whether as a manager in the front or chef in the back, careers in the culinary trade are exciting and rewarding.

Careers in Graphic Design

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:59:50 +0000

Talent is of course the most important thing to possess if one is interested in becoming a graphic designer. However careers in graphic design are much sought after. So while talent is key, on it’s own, it may not be enough.

To get a job in graphic design, entry-level or otherwise, it’s important to have a 4-year degree. Many prestigious art and design schools offer graphic design as a major.

However graphic design has come to be something of a blanket term that can mean many different things. Multi-media, advertising, animation, art direction and web development are just a few of the areas that fall under the umbrella of graphic design.

Nowadays, graphic designers work in many areas of the media, technology, business and advertising worlds. Many graphic designers have full time, in-house positions working at design, media or advertising firms. These positions allow one to work in a creative and often fun environment with other design professionals.

A great many other graphic designers enjoy working as freelancers. Freelance graphic designers are able to work from their home office and are largely able to set their own hours.

Careers in graphic design afford one the ability to enjoy a creative, rewarding career while earning a good salary. Unlike other media-centric jobs, graphic design is fairly decentralized. This means it’s possible to carve out a career as a graphic designer practically anywhere. The freedom allowed by the digital age of the Internet can even allow one to work for clients that are thousands of miles away.

However it’s important to consider that graphic design is an attractive profession to many talented people. Because of this the job market can be competitive. Anyone wishing to embark on a graphic design career would do well attend a good art or design school. Internships can also be extremely helpful.

Mentoring programs are also good, as they allow students to attain valuable first hand experience working in a professional graphic design environment, with real working graphic designers as their instructors.

In addition to this valuable, hands on experience, these sort of programs also offer students the chance to forge the contacts and connections that can prove invaluable to gaining entry into the graphic design profession.

Careers is graphic design can be a good choice for anyone with artistic talent, tech skills and a drive to succeed. If you’re interested in becoming a graphic designer you owe it to yourself to do everything possible to make yourself attractive to employers.

Talent and a 4-year degree are a good place to begin. However participating in an internship or mentoring program might be the thing that sets you apart from the competition.

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Careers in Animation

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:57:19 +0000

There was a time when artistic talent was practically all that one needed to become an animator. However nowadays careers in animation are better suited for those who not only have artistic talent, but also very well developed computer skills.

Animation in the 21^st century has truly entered into the digital age. And just as animation has evolved into a mostly computer generated process, it has also expanded to create many new opportunities.

At one time animators worked almost exclusively on making cartoons for TV and movies. However nowadays, in addition to TV and movies, there are opportunities for talented animators in video games, advertising, and on the web. Animation of one sort or another is cropping up at us all the time. For a talented animator, there are now perhaps more opportunities than ever before.

Many animators enjoy full time positions, working in-house. These sorts of positions are salaried and can be found at motion picture or television production companies, advertising agencies, web design houses, video game companies or animation studios.

A great many other animators work as freelancers. This is a particularly good option for those who wish to work in the field of web animation. Freelance animators enjoy the freedom of working out of their home office as well as being able to largely, set their own schedule.

Careers in animation offer one an excellent opportunity to earn a good salary while doing something rewarding and creative.

The ideal candidate for an entry-level animation job will likely have a 4-year degree. Many art and design schools now offer animation programs, although related degrees in art, media, design or computer science can also be appropriate.

However, it’s important to remember that animation is a profession, which attracts many bright and talented people. Because of this the job market can be competitive. Anyone seeking an entry-level animation job would do well to attend an internship of one kind or another.

Mentoring programs are one type of internship that can be particularly helpful.

Mentoring programs allow students to learn animation in the environment of a real animation studio, under the guidance of working professional animators.

Beyond the invaluable hands on experience students gain in such programs, they also have the opportunity to make the contacts and connections that can be integral to gaining a foothold in the animation industry.

Careers in animation are a good choice for anyone with creative artistic talent, good computer skills and a drive to succeed.

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Careers in Advertising

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:56:29 +0000

Getting into a career in advertising isn’t easy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 250,000 people work in the advertising industry. In Advertising you will work with all aspects of marketing from strategy to concept to the execution of the strategy. You will find that most jobs on the business side of advertising include Account Management, Account Planners, and Media Buyers.

Account managers act as the liaison between the agency’s various departments and the client. Their job is to manage the execution of ads by making sure that they are created within the allocated schedule and budget. Account Planners focus more on the consumer. Their job is to conduct research on demographics of the targeted consumers. They use that research to get to know what motivates their behavior in the marketplace.

The job of the Media Buyer is to find media to place ads in. They use the demographic study that is done by the Account Planner to decide the best possible place to purchase ad space. Getting into a career in advertising requires a college degree. Internships and related work experience can be helpful.

Retail selling experience is also excellent preparation. Find out as much as possible about the advertising business, what an agency does, and the career area or department in which you would like to work. Read every bit of relevant material you can find – articles, books (see On-Campus for suggestions), and industry trade press such as Advertising Age, and ADWEEK. Talk to people. Track down any contacts or friends you have in the business. Sit down with your college instructors and career counselors. Check professional organizations like the American Association of Advertising Agencies, Advertising Women of New York, the American Advertising Federation, or your local advertising club. Remember, one source of information can lead to ten others. The more you know about your chosen area, the better you can present yourself as a first-rate candidate.

Advertising professionals find jobs in advertising agencies, in-house advertising agencies or departments of large companies, or with mass media as advertising sales representatives. Normally advertising agencies are divided into four departments: account services, media, research, and creative.

Careers in advertising involve variety, compensation based on performance, creativity, travel, satisfaction from seeing ones’ personal accomplishments, and contact with others. Advertising jobs are found in advertising agencies, media organizations, advertising departments in business firms, non profit organizations, and marketing research firms. The four major career paths in advertising are account management, creative, media and research which are all wonderful positions to enjoy a career in advertising.

Is a Degree Worth Getting when Pursuing a Career in Media/Arts?

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:52:48 +0000

You know the end of your favorite film? The one you’ve watched a million times and always smile when they get to that special scene, that climactic scene, right at the end…? That one.

Where do you think it started? It started at the beginning of the film. The filmmakers crafted, built and brought you along on that journey which made the ending pay off that much more. They did the work.

Let’s look at the question again…is a degree worth getting when pursuing a career in media/arts?

Thinking about the question the same way you think about your favorite movie. Sure, you could wing it and hope that the audience gets it at the end. Or, you could put in the work, the sacrifice, at the beginning of the movie of your life, or your career, and guarantee that it pays off in the end.

They are serious questions. There are tons of good reasons to not get an education. But, how serious are you about your dream? Do I go for it now? Or do I get the education I need to do it properly? Do I just wing it, or do I earn the tools I need to enter the world of media/arts properly prepared to kick some alien ass?! Because that’s what we’re talking about…setting your goals and attaining it. Writing the screenplay of your life and making it come to life. A career in media/arts, whether you are a writer, a director, a producer or a marketing whiz, starts with what you know. That’s what you get paid for…what you know, how you think and how you execute on your dream. Sure, you could wing it and go it on your own. Lots of people do. And it surely doesn’t make you any less of a creative mind to go that route. But in today’s hyper-competitive world, getting the right education while you attack your dream will only make the end of your movie that much more gripping and makes a degree worth getting when pursuing a career in media/arts.

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Career in Animation

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:49:57 +0000

A career in animation is more than just pen and paper…The realm of commercial animation is as diverse as the styles and techniques of animation itself. These days, animators can find work in feature films, television, the Internet, CD-ROM production, as well as product design/visualization, architecture, and interior design. And within each of those industries, animators can perform a variety roles.

2-D Animation may sound old-fashioned in a day and age when computers are everywhere and 3-D animation has taken Hollywood by storm, but 2-D animation continues to be an expanding and popular medium — especially since classical 2-D skills are the foundation for most 3-D work. 2-D animators develop their skills through life drawing, composition, and perspective courses — studying proportion, line of action, structure, and basic anatomy — while working in areas as varied as animation, character design, clean-up, doping, modeling, slugging, and storyboarding.

3-D animators are occupied with many of the same considerations at their 2-D counterparts — computers don’t get rid of the need for skills in life drawing, concept drawing, composition, character design, etc. Another career in animation is a 3-D animator, who deals more extensively with modeling, texturing, and lighting in a 3-D environment, often with the use of such software tools and packages as PhotoShop, SoftImage, Alias/Wavefront, Maya, and others.

The Storyboard Artist interprets scripts to create storyboards. This usually means planning shots, visualizing the story before drawing it, and being careful to maintain continuity among the shots. Starting out on this career track as an assistant, you’ll typically start out by doing clean-up and revisions, eventually working up to preparing some parts of the story board under supervision. This work involves a lot of cutting and pasting, drawing and quick sketching, perspective and composition, and perhaps most importantly, story development and interpretation.

The Layout Artist creates the foundation for the animation by rendering background layouts for each scene — usually referring to storyboards and additional research materials. These layouts don’t appear in the final production, but are critical for the positioning and perspective of the animation. Layouts are usually done with graphite pencil on punched animation paper; the aim is to provide a stage in which the animators will animate their characters and effects, as well as a blueprint or underdrawing, to be rendered in color by the Background Painters.

Most artists enter the world of animation by starting as Inbetweeners — the artists that help the animators and animation assistants complete the action of a scene. It may not sound like much, but it’s an important step where you’ll learn the basics of animation. An inbetween is one of the transition drawings between two extreme drawings — the key drawings that distill the essence of an animated action. The inbetweens fill in the action between these key drawings. You’ll usually work in a team and learn to imitate the animator’s drawings and line quality. Enjoy your career in animation!

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Bartending Schools

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:01:43 +0000

A bartender (barman, barkeeper, barmaid, or tapster, among other names; a particularly experienced bartender specializing in cocktails is sometimes referred to as a mixologist) is a person that serves beverages behind a bar in a bar, pub, tavern or similar establishment. This usually includes alcoholic beverages of some kind, such as beer, both draft and bottled, wine and/or cocktails, as well as soft drinks or other non-alcoholic beverages. He/She “tends the bar”. A bartender may own the bar they tend or be simply an employee. Barkeeper carries a stronger connotation of being the purveyor, i.e. Owner. Critical to getting a job as a bartender is bartending school. Bartenders earn a salary and tips. Bartending jobs are available full or part time. No knowledge of drinks is necessary to complete our bartending school.

We have been training bartenders since 1969 in New York City, New Jersey, Palm Springs and Chicago. We are the nation’s oldest and largest bartending school. Bartenders can work full or part time day and evening bartending positions exist at sports bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants, casinos, and resorts. Bartending shifts are also available on weekends and during the week. Full time bartending jobs are usually 5 days a week. Part time bartending jobs may be one, two or three nights. Job placement service has helped thousands of men and women find good paying and interesting bartending jobs.

Bartending jobs can work for everyone. It’s a terrific full-time job. Bartending is the perfect, fun flexible part-time job. Bartending is a great transition job. Bartending Schools are THE place to get hands-on training that works. Some of our students have a little prior bartending experience and they love our facilities and bartending course content. 1.9 million jobs were lost in the US in 2008 – However employment in the Restaurant Industry outpaced the overall economy for the ninth consecutive year and the industry is expected to add an additional 1.8 million new jobs over the next 10 years. When in comes to job security, Bartending is about as secure as it gets!

Bartending Schools are 100% committed in training you to become a competent, and most importantly Working Bartender. Expert bartending instructors have years of industry experience,. They make schools fun, engaging & interactive and the course materials easy to learn, which is reflected in our high job placement rates for all graduated from bartending schools.

Bartending School

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:51:49 +0000

When a person decides to go into bartending, the first thing that comes to their mind is on-the-job training. Although many good bartenders began that way, it is much more difficult to secure employment. Also, training this way can create bad habits and ultimately, the bartender will have to relearn much of what he was taught.

If you decide to go to a bartending school, which by the way is an excellent decision, you should do research to find out what is taught, how much the bartending school charges and how long the courses last. One important factor when investigating which bartending school to attend is who is teaching the course? Because new drinks are always on the horizon, making sure that the instructor is either a working bartender or someone who stays current in the world of mixology is imperative.

Another factor that is important when searching for a good bartending school is to make sure that students work at their own wells with real liquor bottles to assimilate the exact surroundings that they will be working. Of course, there isn’t real alcohol in the bottles, but using the exact bottles which are used when working in a real bar, is important.

Working with bartending tools such as shaker sets, store and pour containers, muddlers, soda guns and real bar glassware is also very important for the future bartender. Sometimes after the student becomes very familiar working behind the “mock bar” some schools offer students to “guest bartend”. Certain bars agree to this arrangement because it helps them and the students. This is a great aspect to bartending school because the apprentice bartender serves real customers with real liquor and gains experience that is not available in a classroom. Another advantage to this type of training in an actual bar situation is that the experience can be used on your resume.

When doing research for a good bartending school, it’s an advantage to find one that offers job placement services. Of course, most of them will not guarantee that they can place you into a bartending position, but they will maintain a job database that graduating students can peruse and apply for the positions offered. Many establishments appreciate a new bartender coming right out of school that did not have a chance to develop bad habits and are aware of the newest drink trends.

Finally, personality goes a long way after you graduate from the bartending school of your choice. Any good school will train you to be a fine bartender, but only you can add the personable touch that will secure you a good position as a professional in this career choice.

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Art School

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:47:17 +0000

Art school is a colloquial term for any educational institution (whether elementary, secondary, post-secondary/undergraduate, or graduate/postgraduate) with a primary focus on the visual arts, especially graphic design, illustration, painting, photography, and sculpture. They are distinguished from larger institutions which may also offer majors or degrees in the visual arts, but only as one part of a broad-based range of programs (such as the liberal arts and sciences).

France’s École des Beaux-Arts is perhaps the first model for such organized instruction, breaking with a tradition of master/apprentice instruction. If accredited as a college, most art schools grant a Bachelor of Fine Arts, B.A. or B.S. degree. Associates degrees and professional diploma programs are common as well. In recent years a number of art schools have begun to offer some or all of their curricula online, which by nature transcends national boundaries. When online courses require production of traditional drawings or other such materials, they are usually photographed or scanned for submission and review by instructors.

Art education is the area of learning that is based upon the visual, tangible arts—drawing, painting, sculpture, and design in jewelry, pottery, weaving, fabrics, etc and design applied to more practical fields such as commercial graphics and home furnishings. Latest trends also include photography, video, film, design, computer art, etc. Within art schools “visual arts education” encompasses all the visual and performing arts delivered in a standards-based, sequential approach by a qualified instructor as part of the core curriculum. Its core is the study of inseparable artistic and aesthetic experience and learning. Finding the right art school is a very individual decision. Everyone has their own approach to learning, their own ideas of what makes a school appealing (or not), and their own extracurricular priorities and considerations.

Your own personal approach is going to determine the path that’s best for you. One of the biggest questions you need to answer when considering your path to an art education is what you hope to do with your skills when you’re done. Will you be a full-time artist? Will it be a part-time job? A hobby? If you want to study art for your own personal enjoyment, maybe you don’t need a degree – though you may want to take a class or two to broaden your awareness of the particular area or aspect of art that interests you. Learn the technique, the vocabulary, the best tools, and then continue on your own. On the other hand, if you are looking to make a living at it, extensive training is almost always required. Sure, raw talent may get you places, and if your work is good, credentials may not matter to a buyer. But in a wide world of art, you’re more likely to make your mark if you learn from those who have gone before you at art school.

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Advertising Schools

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:42:48 +0000

Advertising schools involve education to earn a career in advertising and public relations and become media planners, creative directors, public-relations specialists and more. The primary goal of most commercial firms is to market and sell their products or services at a profit. Advertising is the mass-market equivalent of the salesperson’s one-on-one approach. Since the first ad agency began in the U.S. in 1841, the goal of advertising has been to inform, persuade and remind consumers of companies’ products. A college degree in advertising generally includes academic training in the creative or visual aspects of selling a product or service, combined with a technical and practical focus on technology and business applications. If you’re creative and a strong communicator, this field might be a good choice for you.

While employment is projected to increase rapidly, competition in advertising careers is expected to be intense which makes advertising schools that much more valuable. The right person – highly motivated, resistant to stress, flexible, and decisive – can expect to receive a high salary, but will travel a lot and put in long hours. You’ll also need tact, good judgment, and the ability to establish and maintain effective personal relationships both with your team and with your clients. Talent, leadership skills, and experience can result in your steady career advancement, but a bachelor’s degree in advertising will improve your chances. The advertising degree provides solid business fundamentals and exposure to the diverse software programs that are used in modern, Internet-based advertising campaigns. Add to this your own creativity and innovative ideas for communicating your client’s message to the intended audience, and you’ve got a recipe for career success.

Your career advancement can also be accelerated by participation in management training programs conducted by many large firms, either in-house, at local colleges and universities or online. Courses can include brand and product management, international marketing, sales management evaluation, telemarketing and direct sales, interactive marketing, promotion, marketing communication, market research, organizational communication, and data processing systems procedures and management. Employers may prefer job applicants with experience in related occupations plus a broad liberal arts education background. Your preparation for advertising management positions should include bachelor’s-level coursework in advertising or journalism topics like marketing, consumer behavior, market research, sales, communication methods and technology, and visual arts such as graphic design, art history or photography.

Any way you slice it, advertising schools are right for you.

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