Class:
We first received a lecture about cover letters from Henry which covered what a cover letter is and what should be on it, what sort of information we need to research and gather and what it should and should not look like.
What is required in the first section of the cover letter:
- Why you are applying
- Which position you are applying for
- Where you heard about the position
- Do you have a contact in the studio
Second section:
- What do you have to offer
- Specific qualifications (explain how qualification are a good match)
- Use your best work with additional details as examples
- Show what you have to offer
- Be clear and specific
Third section:
- Thank your employer for considering you for the position
- *could* summarise in a sentence why you are a good candidate
- Mention you are looking forward to hearing back from them
- End with – “sincerely”, “Best regards”, “Kind Regards”, etc.
We were then shown an example of one of Henry’s cover letters and joined a menti quiz that allowed us to critique and review examples of opening statements.
Next we looked at how to email your employer, what to research before writing the email and the do’s and don’t. It was also shown that you should follow the instructions on the advertised job. Finally we reviewed a few examples of different emails that you could send to your employer.
After a short break, Aodhan gave a presentation on building a Portfolio and Showreel.
We covered what is needed in a portfolio:
- Art is first and foremost
- Include only your best work
- Role in the pipeline – show that you understand that you are part of a team
- Make it easy to navigate
- Can show progression of work
- Keep it up to date and include your contact information
Focus your portfolio so that it matches the role and company you are applying for. ArtStation is a good place for any portfolio as there is community and industry contacts.
Next we covered how to create a showreel and what is some good things to include:
- Bookend your showreel with your name and contact information
- Best work at the start and the end
- Keep it short and sweet, 1-2 minutes. Adohan’s recommendation, “minute and a half”
- Edit to music (copyright free)
- Keep it to just your best work on the focused area for the job
- Can show process but keep it short and start with the final piece
- Credit each shot properly (list what you did for each shot)
—Workshop: Job Descriptions—
Concept Artist
Lastly , we were tasked with writing the first section of a cover letter on a job role that we picked from the list.
I am a second year animation student looking for a role where I can work as part of a team to produce experimental and unique concepts. My main interest lies in creating unique and diverse concepts for characters and props.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Homework:
There was no set task for next week’s class.