You should be attending this event even if you have secured Fieldwork. It has little to do with that. You’re starting your career. You need to get your work in front of as many professionals as possible.
I know what some of you might be thinking:
“My portfolio isn’t perfect yet.”
“What if reviewers think I’m not ready?”
“Maybe I’ll just sit this one out.”
Here’s the thing, this review isn’t about being perfect. It’s about progress. Employers and mentors understand you’re still a student. They want to see your ideas, your thinking, and your growth. You’ll get insights that will help you polish your portfolio before interviews, not judgment about where you’re at today.
So bring what you’ve got, show your work, ask questions, and soak in as much feedback as you can. You’ll walk away more confident and better prepared; plus, it’s always great to connect and chat with professionals in the industry.
Date: Saturday, January 31
Time: 9-noon
Location: AC Hub, just above the Starbucks in Student Commons.
This group of reviewers is really an all-star list of alumni from the Graphic Design program. I couldn't be prouder, nor more grateful, to host such a talented group.
- Melanie Burgess, Creative Director, Cyan Solutions, Open to Fieldwork
- Amanda Spencer, Owner & Creative Lead, OneFish Creative, Open to Fieldwork
- Melany Pelletier, Senior Graphic Designer, UOttawa, Open to Fieldwork
- Jazmin Katz, Motion Designer, Jobber
- Ali Caudle, Graphic Designer, Initiate Marketing, Open to Fieldwork
- Morgan McGregor, Graphic Designer, Initiate Marketing, Open to Fieldwork
- Christi Volden, Graphic Designer, Initiate Marketing, Open to Fieldwork
- Elizabeth (Liz) Larivière, Comms Coordinator, Carleton U, Open to Fieldwork
- Annika Cayanga, Graphic Designer, Ottawa Sports Entertainment Group, Open to Fieldwork
- Fran Payette, UX Designer, Baytek
Tips to Prep
The general rule is to show your work in the medium it was made for. If it’s a print piece, bring a printed sample if you can. You can also have it in a PDF file. If it’s motion, obviously show the rendered piece. Web, in a browser, and so on…
Bring something to document the feedback, so you don’t forget anything.
Feel free to ask the reviewers anything. This isn’t an actual interview. You can ask what’s the best way to proceed. You can ask anything about your case studies. If you’re anxious, you can acknowledge nerves. This is a safe environment to learn.
We’ll start with a panel discussion so reviewers can take your questions. Then, it works like speed dating. You’ll get about 15 minutes facetime with a reviewer to show your work, and get feedback & advice. You’ll likely get the chance to see many reviewers.
See you on Saturday, January 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at the AC Hub. Don’t talk yourself out of going that morning. Come as you are, portfolio in hand!
If you have questions, I’m only an e-mail away.