- One of the first tasks a student faces
on graduation is to write a resume.
After that, when dealing with self-promotion and PR,
you'll need a brief bio and CV, or curriculum vitae.
And even though it sounds Hollywood,
you need to get a good head shot.
These may seem unnecessary at the moment,
but the first time you're asked to speak on a panel,
or a school, you'll be asked for your bio
and head shot.
Let's start with a bio.
This isn't a tell-all novel about your wild years
of college.
It's a short synopsis of your career,
and who you are.
I have one that is 50 words, another that is 100 words,
and a longer one that is 200 words.
Cover what you do, what you believe about design,
where you went to school, where you worked,
and what awards or lectures you've done.
There are probably more items than you think.
I recently helped a student write her bio.
She was sure she had nothing except school
but we added information about her projects
being in the school gallery, internships, previous jobs,
and the fact that she was raised in Virginia
moving to California for the design opportunities.
Nobody expects your bio to rival someone
who's been in the business for decades.
It's just a short description.
A CV is different than a resume.
In the United States, a CV is more detailed
than a resume.
List every career highlight, award, publication
or lecture on a CV.
It's good to keep track of these, rather than
piecing it together 20 years from now.
And finally, your head shot.
First, you're not a CEO at a financial institution.
You're a designer, so you don't need to wear a suit
and stand in an office.
I created my head shot with a friend
who is a photographer.
We keep it simple.
Solid white or dark shirts, and he provides
color and black and white versions.
Your head shot should have some personality,
and follow your attributes.
If you claim to be optimistic and upbeat,
a goth image might be wrong.
These items are all in flux.
You'll revise your bio when needed, and update
your CV as you go.
Don't get too worried that it's not perfect.
You can always modify them for the next time
someone asks for it.
I also try to do a new head shot every few years.
I don't want someone to see a head shot of me
and then meet me in person and say,
"Wow, you're much older than I thought."