What should I bring to panel????
Every quarter, the Creative Circus hosts panels for all students from each program. We’ve pulled together information from each department head on what to bring to panel.
Note from Dan:
Considering the latest source of hallway angst and confusion, I have decided to share my suggestions regarding what to bring to panels. It’s pretty simple, really. You should bring the work of which you are proud. No teacher should be requiring work to be presented in the Week 11 panel. It is your panel and your grade. I would never want a writer or art director showing to squirm as the page or screen is turned and feel like they have to explain why they are presenting an idea. You need to decide what best represents you. If you aren’t comfortable making cuts, more is better.
Which leads me to my second point: Markers or Mice? (or) Tracing or Track Pads? Can you present marker layouts, or do you need to do tight comps?
The answer is not so clear-cut. It really depends on which quarter you’re in and your ability to execute.
If you’re in 1st, 2nd or 3rd quarter: I believe it’s more important to show strategic thinking and original concepts than photoshop skills. I say this for two reasons:
- With all due respect, you’re probably not so awesome at Photoshop and Indesign. Yet. So tight layouts could actually hurt you on panel. They definitely won’t help unless they’re great.
- Once you commit to doing a computer layout, you’re likely to spend so much time and energy on the computer, you’ll lose your objectivity. It’s the Ikea effect. Look it up.
It’s way better to stay loose, add and remove pieces, and have the flexibility to adjust a presentation when you, as a first year student, are still grappling with strategy and concept. If you choose to jump onto the computer, there should be a good reason to do so. I wish you well. But whether you are suing markets or mice, AD’s need to actually do layouts. Markers are not an excused to not art direct. AD’s, you need to show that you (1) know what decisions you should be making (hierarchy, image cropping, type/logo areas, etc.) and (2) indicate that you have made those decisions. I am not against art directors’ practicing computer comps in early computers. I don’t prefer markers. I just have no expectation of anything looking book-worthy in the first three quarters and I believe time is better spent thinking, drawing, and collaborating.
Starting in 4th quarter, much if not most of the presentations should be “client ready.” Comped tightly. Virtually book-ready. Certainly awards-show ready. All students should feel free to record radio. It’s easy to do well and is way more fun for the panelists than reading scripts.
And one last ting: This is not some tacit approval for you to lower your presentation expectations or deliverables; the panel presentation is still a presentation, and you should be conceived and executed as such. Present clean boards. Take pride in your work. And consider that your job is to impress the panel. You’re entering a field where performance and entertainment matter. Don’t just show your homework to some teachers. Present ideas to professional creatives.
Note from Jen:
Many of you have asked questions about panel expectations, what to bring/what not to bring, etc. here are some simple guidelines for ADs:
1. You should have all work mounted on black board or black foam core. neatness and overall presentation DO matter. no ratty edges or chopped off work.
2. Early quarter ADs (let’s assume quarters 1-3), please bring all of your final projects to panel. It’s too early to edit what is your best/worst. It’s OK if your executions still need some love; you are still honing craft. If you can’t convey an idea in the computer, marker comp it. If you can execute in the computer, go for it! Do the best you can with the knowledge you have. We are looking for creativity, quality of concept, attention to detail – not pristine craft. Again, progress, not perfection.
3. Fourth quarter panels are a gateway from Year 1 to Year 2. You must bring a selection of your best work from Quarters 1-3 in addition to current 4th quarter work. If you want to showcase a 3-d project ie. bottle, poster, etc. feel free to photograph it, but no need to bring it into panel. Those that do not bring in the required body of work will fail panel.
4. Mid to late quarter ADs (quarters 5-7) – you should know the drill by now. you are permitted to pick and choose what you consider to be your best work/are most proud of. What would you show to a potential employer? Executions should be computer tight and polished. Tight focus on overall concept, craft and art direction details. 7th quarter students have the option to show work digitally ie. your online portfolio website or PDF. If you choose to show work digitally, try to bring an extra ipad or screen so every panelist can view your work.
5. Please let the work speak for itself. You will not have an opportunity to explain your idea to a CD looking at your book on their laptop 1,000 miles away, so it’s imperative that your concepts are clear from your boards. Be concise with board copy. you will not present each project or campaign. However, if a project requires explanation or set up, we’ll ask you to walk us through it.
Note from Ron:
Bring what your teachers tell you to bring. Don’t edit what you show because you don’t like it or don’t deem it worthy. There is usable work from many classes that the panel may be interested in seeing and believe will be usable for you in the future.
Note from Chris:
– Have everything ready to show
– Show us at least one thing from each class, but we might ask to see more
– Show us everything you’re proud of
– 20 minute soft time limit
Note from Greg:
Prints, usually mounted. If you have a huge number to show, we lower the number to mount due to cost.