Reality Check 2016: Student Portfolio Review

Reality Check is an event designed to provide students and newcomers to the field of design an opportunity to receive constructive portfolio feedback from experienced design professionals. Reality Check is the time to show your work and ideas to some of the best art directors and designers in the Pacific Northwest. All that is needed to participate is a portfolio and resume. 

Is this a Job Fair?

No. The goal of this event is to practice networking and tell your story rather than getting hired. Shake hands, listen intently, inquire thoughtfully, and position yourself professionally. But keep in mind the professionals you meet could potentially be your Art Director one day!

What should you bring?

A portfolio and professional resume—they don’t have to be perfect, just bring your best work and be prepared to talk about your thought process! Dress to impress. Treat this as you world a real job interview, business casual recommended. Come with an open mind. Reality Check is all about learning. The professionals we’ve invited are signing on to be your ally—they’ll shed light on the basic principles and ideas you should consider in creating a more powerful design portfolio.

Event Essentials

• 7–12 pieces maximum of your best design work (development stages are welcomed and encouraged)

• Bring thumbnails and sketches for at least two pieces to show your process

• You may present interactive work on your personal laptop or mobile device (remember to charge your battery! And prepare for not having internet access)

• For time-saving purposes, screen shots of files are acceptable

• Bring copies of a traditional resume

Sessions

The event is split into two 90-minute sessions. Individual reviews will be limited to seven minutes. Each session is limited to 75 participants.

Session 1  |  8:30am–10:30am
8:30am: Check-in and orientation
9:00am: Reviews begin, ending promptly at 10:30

Session 2  |  10:30am–12:30pm
10:30am: Check-in and orientation
11:00am: Reviews begin, ending promptly at 12:30pm

Registration

$10–AIGA Member
$20–Non-Members
$30–At the door / Waitlist*
*At the door tickets will only be available in the event that each session does not sell-out. 10 minutes prior to each session any unclaimed tickets will be released. 

Thank you to our event partners:

Venue donated by