Video Critics Tuesday

Today was video critics. Each person has about 30 mins to talk and go through their portfolio. I spoke to Tony Snow (freelancer) and Elise Smidt (BBDO Switzerland). At the beginning, I was really really nervous about it. Elise was the first person I spoke to and she told me that I was the first person in video critics to use Behance as a portfolio. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. But still, I introduced myself as a junior art director looking for a copywriter to land a placement.

30 minutes of waiting for a bus seem like a long time. But 30 mins for a video critic was definitely not enough. Very unfortunately, we only had time for 3 or 4 projects. But from what I gathered is that in general: 

Elise said that 'People in the UK like to hire personality. A portfolio with personality is definitely more interesting. Try and incorporate some of yourself into it.' Perhaps my Behance portfolio feels a little too cold at the moment? I only have my work and nothing about myself.

Tony then asked me a question: 'Why do I not have a creative partner?' To be honest, I've worked with many copywriters like Eliza and Grace and Maddy. They are people who can write and are good to work with. We have created good things as well. I think personally, the problem is that I feel uncertain. I'm unsure if I will stay in the UK or go back to Singapore. I'm worried that after a month long of job finding, I might give up and go back home. I do not want to make empty promises and say to people, let's work together and land a placement only to give up at the end. Sadly, Tony told me that the chances of a single creative being hired is far lesser as compared to a creative duo. So, it's better to team up and get a book together for placement. 

Still, I am hopeful. There are bits and pieces of projects to adjust based on what they have mentioned. I do agree with most of today's feedback. Something, I realised that as an art director, it is all about the details. I over-looked some minor details in my projects and all of this can turn into a major problem. For instance, the font for Missions in Lego Missions were too big.  Elise was also kind enough to point it out to me and also, send me a 2-page long link of portfolios for me to check it out. Perhaps I might reach out again to talk to her because 30 mins was definitely way too short. These days, as we are nearing May 6th, I'm just enjoying every last bit of whatever is left.