Eph artists can be…dancers, graphic designers, stand-up comics, art therapists, set designers, music composers, curators, sculptors, fashion designers, architects, poets, authors, cartoonists, art educators, visual designers, film production assistants, animators. Interested in how a museum or gallery operates, raises funds, advocates, and markets its artists and programs? Arts Management may be your fit. Curious about the intersection of art, sound, and science? A career in Sound Art or film audio production may be your path.
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Position Overview
Architecture is a combination of technology and art. Architects plan and design buildings, other structures, and the spaces around them. In addition, many technicians are involved in the design processes and in the construction projects that eventually implement the designs. Broad topics in architecture include construction, engineering, interior design, landscape, architecture, and urban planning. Interested? Read about how Maurice Blanks and John Christakos ’87 used their Williams education to become design entrepreneurs. To learn more about the industry, check out this blog post and read these latest trends.
Academic Guidance
Maurice Blanks ’87 and John Christakos ’87 founded Blu Dot Williams offers several architecture courses in the Art History and Art Studio departments. Students who are interested in learning about the theory of architecture should enroll in ARTH 244/262/264/405/519 and speak to Professor Michael J. Lewis. For those more interested in design, enroll in ARTS 215/220/329 or speak to Professor Ben Benedict.
Other Resources
Here are some internship opportunities:
- The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)offers industry news, the latest resources, and a list of summer internship programs
- Architect Jobs has a wide listing of internships and jobs
- Kurani designs spaces for progressive educational programs. Check out their internship programs
Here are some graduate school programs:
- Harvard University Graduate School of Design
- The New School, Parsons MA in Architecture
- MIT Architecture Programs
- University of Michigan MA in Architecture
Here are some book and other recommendations:
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- Envisioning Information, by Edward R. Tufte
- Designing Your Life, by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
- Williams College: The Campus Guide, by Eugene J. Johnson and Michael J. Lewis
- Planetizen
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Take a spin on the Art & Social Impact Explorer to see how you can make a difference! (Click on your area of interest > an info blurb "learn more" appears > click again and see "fact sheet" in top right corner > click for an amazing infographic!)
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A portfolio is a compilation of materials (photographs, designs, creative work) that exemplifies your skills and training. In the creative industry, a portfolio provides insight into your personality and work ethic. It can also help you in the process of synthesizing your own work and making connections between your experiences that you may not have noticed before!
What to showcase:
- Feature only your best work.
- Focus on quality over quantity.
- Cover the complete spectrum of work, including personal projects, volunteer projects and work for hire.
- Are organized in a way that will make sense to viewers.
- Show only complete work, omitting in-progress or partially-completed work.
Examples:
Apparel & Graphics
Fine Arts
Printmaking
Designer
Writer
Dancer
If you need more inspiration, check out these free websites
Examples of Web Content:
- Darren Booth, Illustration - http://darrenbooth.com/
- Laura Berger, Graphic Artist & Ceramicist - https://www.lauraberger.com/
- Amelia Brown, Fashion Designer - http://www.ameliabrown.com/
Thanks to my colleagues, Brooke Vertin, from Bowdoin and Mario Roman from Vassar for sharing their original work and expertise in creating these resources.
Creative Interviews
While the interviewer starts to ask "How did you decide to go into this field?" start pulling out your tablet with a pdf version of your website. Always have an off-line version because you can't assume they will provide access to the internet. If you have your portfolio in hard copy, most creatives will start turning the pages. They want to see your work and want to see if you can develop a conversation. Dialogue in creative industries is essential since you are involved in critiques every day! So get ready to engage.
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