The EMERGING Designer Portfolio Day brings together recruiters, professional designers and art directors to review the portfolios of graduating seniors, post-grad students who have not landed their first full-time role, and designers with 1-2 years of experience who are looking for new opportunities. This year we’ll be focusing on the skills that get you hired. This is your opportunity to get feedback on your visual storytelling and presentation skills with companies that are hiring in the area.

Designers must have an AIGA Membership to participate for FREE. Non-member emerging designers can participate for a cost of $15. Keep in mind AIGA membership at the contributing level only costs $50 annually, and will include free or discounted participation to many upcoming events, as well as tons of national benefits. Check it out at aiga.org/belong.

Please note that if you are an AIGA Member, you must go through the AIGA Cincinnati website, log in, and then sign up for the event in order to get the member price.

The set up and what to bring:
Participants will have a table space approximately 3 x 4ft. on which to display their portfolios. Plan to bring your own laptop if you are presenting a digital portfolio, and please bring your laptop fully charged as we cannot guarantee access to outlets. Show only your best work—no more than ten to twelve pieces. (Some reviewers may only look at a few pieces based on their preference.) Please bring at least 5 physical copies of your of resume–business cards are encouraged, but not required.

The review format:
This year’s portfolio review will be done in an interview-style format. Reviewers will be giving feedback on the following:

• Application of personal branding

• Presentation skills

• Visual storytelling

• Pacing of projects

• Proper usage of ideation methods and/or sketches

• Presentation of final finished pieces

As an EMERGING designer, these skills will be your ticket to not only getting your foot in the door, but actually getting the job offer. Many of our reviewers will be representing companies that are actively hiring, so please dress professionally as you would for an actual interview.

Event Schedule
NOTE: Designers will be a part of all 4 mock interview sessions.

9:30 -10:00 - Student Check-in & Set Up / Continental Breakfast

10:00 -10:25 - Review Session I

10:30 -10:55 - Review Session II

11:00 -11:25 - Review Session III

11:30 -11:55 - Review Session IV

12:00 - 12:15 - Closing Remarks

If you are interested in reviewing portfolios, please contact Ashton Spann at ashton@aigacincinnati.org to register.

About EMERGE
EMERGE is a series of experiences tailored to help emerging designers (those with 0-5 years of experience) hone their skills, discover their talents, and grow their careers. EMERGE is a new initiative of programming co-created by the national AIGA organization + AIGA Minnesota. AIGA Cincinnati is excited to be participating in this initiative by hosting a series of events created specifically for emerging designers by emerging designers. The goal of EMERGE is to help you flourish as a designer—in the areas of employment, growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and life skills