Y. Hicks

https://careeryanaeh.wixsite.com/yanae-hicks

This week, I worked on the presentation of my portfolio. I have two portfolios being made: a digital one and a physical one. Both have their own pros and cons and with my research and the conversations I had, both are important to be equipped with. The only thing with my physical portfolio is that I cannot include things like motion graphics in them. My motion graphics are strictly in my digital portfolio. Other things that will be included in my portfolio are posters and flyers, moving graphics, typography designs, and designs for packaging. I cannot wait to show it off!

This week, I talked to my advisors and others about the best way to present my portfolio and the best projects to add to it. I want to be a graphic designer, but I have learned that graphic design is vague and that there are TONS of categories that go into graphic design. Firstly, I want to highlight my chosen industries. My chosen industries are the entertainment industry and technology industry. The work that I plan to do is create graphics for marketing and create marketing designs for technology, for example, logos, packaging, and product design. As stated a week and two prior, I am working on graphics, packaging design, and product design for my portfolio. I have been using After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. What will be my best works will be posted in my portfolio, online and physically.

While talking to others in the industry, my advisors, etc., here are the main tips that I have received.

1. Your works should be crafted for the industry that you want to work for.
2.  Sometimes, it is best to show progress pictures of a specific project so the viewer can see the “story” behind the design.
3.  It is not just about what you can do. It is also about you. It is essential to share your story and showcase your passions throughout your portfolio.
4.  You are your own brand. It is vital to showcase your own style.
5.  Don’t create what you THINK employers want to see.
6.  Indicate your specialties and what can make you indispensable to the employer and their company.

I will graduate in a month, and I am about to hit the job market. One thing that I have the privilege to do is communicate with my professors who work in the industry. Next week and next month while I still have the chance, I will converse with my professors and advisors on industry trends, portfolio tips, communication tips, and interviewing tips for my career. It is not just the portfolio; it is how you can communicate your skills, especially in an interview setting. For my portfolio, I am still designing and deciphering the best projects to use in my portfolio. I am working on graphics, packaging design, and product design in my portfolio.

I also know that it is not just the work and projects but also my resume, my biography, and my narrative. I want my portfolio to tell the story of my passions, and I want it to come across by just looking at my portfolio.

As a senior about to enter the job market, it is vital for me to create a portfolio showcasing my skills and talents, especially because I will be entering into my career field as an entry-level hire. Because I am an entry-level hire, that means that I have no work experience to lean back on, so my skills and who I am have to be displayed in my portfolio and my resume.

I will be entering the field as a graphic designer primarily for the purpose of marketing, so I have to make that apparent in my portfolio. This week, I have designed posters and flyers using After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator. I also am working on creating moving graphics and typography. I am also developing my writing skills and producing digital stories for marketing. Marketing and advertising are basically storytelling for the purpose of getting consumers’ attention to promote a product, service, TV show, and so on. So, I am also working on these skills as well because they are just as important as graphics. Developing and telling stories is the lifeline of my work.

*Pictures of finished works will be displayed soon.

This week, we are learning to make our websites our own using w3schools.com
Since it was my first time using and creating with HTML, it was difficult. But just because I am having a learning curve now, doesn’t mean that I will have it later. My most significant trouble is adding my own images to my website.
I learned this week how to develop my own website, and using the tutorials under HTML, it is making the design process more manageable.
I plan to teach myself how to add pictures, how to develop a better layout, and how to introduce myself better through my website. I want to make myself come across as a designer and marketer through my website. I want to use my portfolio, words, images, and projects to make that come across.

This week, we are using AIs to learn what we should put in our portfolios. I used ChatGPT, Bing, and Copilot for this assignment, but I enjoyed the advice that ChatGPT gave me the most. Firstly, I will be going over prompts from ChatGPT. The specific questions I asked were, “What should I include in my portfolio to obtain an entry-level job in the marketing and graphic design field? What specific skills and mindsets should I display in my portfolio? Should I include a cover letter and resume?”
For ChatGPT and cutting everything together, this is the prompt they have given me:

“Creating a strong portfolio is crucial when seeking an entry-level job in the marketing and graphic design field. Here are some key elements to include and tips to consider:

1. **Diverse Samples of Work:**

   – Showcase a variety of projects to demonstrate your versatility. Include examples of graphic design work, such as logos, posters, social media graphics, and website design.

   – Highlight different styles and mediums to show your range and adaptability.

2. **Visual Appeal:**

   – Ensure your portfolio has a clean, visually appealing layout. Presentation matters in a field that values aesthetics.

   – Use high-quality images of your work, and provide context or captions where necessary.

3. **Project Descriptions:**

   – Include brief descriptions for each project, outlining the goals, your role, and the tools or software used.

   – Highlight any challenges faced and how you overcame them, emphasizing problem-solving skills.

4. **Relevant Skills:**

   – Clearly list the skills you possess, such as proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.), marketing tools, and any other relevant technologies.

   – Mention your understanding of design principles, branding, and marketing strategies.

5. **Show Results:**

   – If possible, include metrics or results tied to your work. For example, if a design was part of a marketing campaign, share the campaign’s success metrics.

6. **Personal Projects:**

   – Include personal projects or freelance work if you have them. This can demonstrate your passion for the field and your ability to work independently.

7. **Online Presence:**

   – Provide links to your personal website or online portfolio. Make sure your website is user-friendly and mobile-responsive.

   – Include links to relevant social media profiles, such as LinkedIn or Behance, to reinforce your professional identity.

8. **Cover Letter and Resume:**

   – Yes, include a tailored cover letter and a well-crafted resume.

   – The cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the position, briefly highlight key experiences, and explain why you’re a good fit for the role.

   – Your resume should be concise, emphasizing relevant skills, education, and work experience.

9. **Continuous Learning:**

   – Mention any ongoing education, workshops, or certifications you are pursuing. This shows your commitment to staying current in the rapidly evolving field.

10. **Passion and Enthusiasm:**

    – Express your genuine passion for design and marketing in your portfolio. Employers often look for individuals who are not just skilled but also enthusiastic about the industry.

Remember, your portfolio is a reflection of your skills and personality. Tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for, and continually update it as you gain more experience and skills. Good luck!”

I asked the AIs more follow-up questions. One of the main questions I asked was, “Can you show me an example of an introduction for a design portfolio? Here is its response:

Certainly! Crafting a compelling introduction for your design portfolio is crucial to grab the attention of potential employers. Here’s an example:

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Introduction:

“Welcome to my creative journey! I’m [Your Name], a passionate graphic designer with a flair for transforming ideas into visually captivating experiences. As a dedicated enthusiast in the realms of marketing and design, I thrive on the intersection of aesthetics and functionality.

My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every project tells a unique story, and I am here to bring those narratives to life through thoughtful and impactful visuals. With a background in [Your Relevant Education or Experience], I have honed my skills in [Key Design Software] and developed an intuitive understanding of design principles that elevate brands and communicate messages effectively.

What sets me apart is not just my technical proficiency, but my commitment to staying on the cutting edge of design trends and technologies. I approach each project as an opportunity to innovate, blending creativity with strategic thinking to deliver results that exceed expectations.

In this portfolio, you’ll find a curated selection of my work, ranging from dynamic logo designs and engaging social media graphics to comprehensive branding projects. Each piece represents not only my technical abilities but also the passion I bring to every creative endeavor.

I invite you to explore and discover the stories behind each project. If you’re looking for a designer who can breathe life into your vision and contribute to your team’s success, I am excited about the possibility of collaborating with you.

Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how we can create something extraordinary together.”

During this assignment, I learned that marketing and graphic design portfolios include different things. Because I want to combine disciplines, I have to find a way to include both skill sets in my portfolio. It is recommended that portfolios have quality vs quantity and be brief. With this knowledge, it poses a challenge for me to include what I want from both professions.

I also learned that having digital and physical portfolios is beneficial. I can do this by creating a website. I will apply what I’ve learned by including my best and most relevant work, showing off my skills and proficiency in using them, and choosing 10-20 projects that better showcase my work.

Right now, I am planning an effective layout for my portfolio, both digital and physical. I am also looking up real-life examples of portfolios in the marketing and graphic design sectors. The AIs help a lot, but I also want to see different layouts visually and learn what actual companies are looking for in their candidates’ portfolios, resumes, and cover letters.

For week three, we used AI programs to help develop our portfolios. There was a list of AIs for us to use, but I used the AIs ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity for this assignment. In each AI program, I gave them all this prompt first:

“I am a senior who is about to graduate with a degree in media entrepreneurship. I am looking to start a career in marketing and graphic design. What are the best industries to work in with these career goals? What skills would I need to be successful? What should I display in my portfolio? What things should I include in my resume so I have a good chance of getting the job?”

The AI recommended the following industries for me: Digital Marketing, Tech, E-Commerce, Healthcare, Entertainment, Media, And Startups.

The AI recommended digital marketing, content creation, and market research as marketing skills. For graphic design, they recommended proficiency in Adobe CC Suite, Typography, and basic web design knowledge.

For portfolio content, they gave me the recommendations to showcase various projects, demonstrating your range of skills, including real-world projects from internships, freelance work, or personal projects, and highlighting your ability to solve problems and achieve results. For resume content, the AI suggested that I tailor my resume for each job application, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences, quantifying achievements where possible, highlighting any internships, freelance work, or relevant extracurricular activities, and including any certifications or courses related to marketing and graphic design.

For my synthesis, I crafted two different paragraphs and included who I was, my goals, my skills, etc. I chose ChatGPT to help decide the effectiveness of my paragraphs. My Paragraphs are listed below:

1. “Hello! My name is Yanae Hicks, and I am a graduate from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I studied business, entrepreneurship, and design. I am searching for a position in graphic design to create graphics in the entertainment, game, and media industries. I have studied and have skills in using Adobe CC and Microsoft Office. I also have soft skills, for example, with teamwork, creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking. I also have a certificate in design thinking.”
2.  “I am Yanae Hicks, and I am a Georgia State University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Entrepreneurship. I am searching for a position in graphic design and marketing, and I have the desire to create graphics in the entertainment, game, and media industries, while developing new ways to market products to consumers. I have both hard and soft skills, and I have knowledge of using Adobe CC applications, as well as Microsoft Office tools. My soft skills are, but are not limited to, time management, working in a team, creativity, problem-solving, and critical and design thinking.”

I asked ChatGPT the following questions about my paragraphs:

How can I improve my paragraphs for my portfolio? What would you change about my paragraphs? How can I use my introductions to create a better presence for myself? What skills, experiences, goals, etc., do you recommend I should include?

ChatGPT gave me the following advice. They explained that I needed to combine my paragraphs and give a more focused overview of my skills and goals; I needed to provide specific examples of projects or experiences that showcase my design and marketing skills and tailor my paragraphs and portfolio to the particular audience I am speaking to.

ChatGPT also advised me to be specific about what I really know how to use in Adobe CC, such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe PhotoShop.

Here is the revised paragraph that ChatGPT created for me, and it helped me understand where I went wrong in my other paragraphs:

“Hello, I’m Yanae Hicks, a recent graduate from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Entrepreneurship. My studies encompassed business, entrepreneurship, and design, equipping me with a unique blend of skills. I am passionate about graphic design and marketing, particularly in the entertainment, game, and media industries. Proficient in Adobe CC and Microsoft Office, I bring a creative mindset coupled with technical expertise. I hold a certificate in design thinking, enriching my problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. In previous projects, I have successfully [provide a brief example or accomplishment], showcasing my commitment to delivering impactful designs. I’m excited about the prospect of contributing my skills and creativity to dynamic projects in graphic design and marketing.”

Based on what the AI programs provided for me, I already knew that I needed to showcase my skills with Adobe CC. I knew I also needed to emphasize my relevant skills and experiences.

I learned that I needed to showcase various works in my portfolio to showcase my range of skills. Most of the time, I hear about developing projects for my portfolio specific to the line of work I want to do. 

I need to learn which places, in person and online, are better for me to showcase my portfolio and skills. LinkedIn is one place, but I want to include more than just LinkedIn. I also need to develop more skills and work to showcase in my portfolio and resume. Using the AIs, I am inspired to create and cultivate a professional online presence and feel more capable of creating a successful and beautiful portfolio.

I did significant research on my preferred career options. I used the websites Google, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor for this assignment. I also researched the terms graphic designer pay, marketing pay, requirements for graphic designers, requirements for marketers, the median pay for marketers and graphic designers, entry-level needs, and what employers are looking for. For job opportunities, I was looking locally and nationally because, in these careers, you can work remotely and from anywhere. I found many options on Handshake, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and social media. You can also find different places to work freelance, like on Fiver.

To become a marketer, it is preferred to have at least two or more years of experience in marketing or advertising. It is also best to have at least a bachelor’s degree in marketing. It would be best to showcase your understanding of advertising and marketing principles and how campaigns work. You need to have skills in communication with consumers and teammates, know how to present and articulate yourself and your ideas and show that you can find creative ways to reach potential consumers for different brands and companies.
The qualifications to be a graphic designer are to have a bachelor’s degree. Nevertheless, with the internet and this new digital world, entering the graphic design field with a degree is not relatively necessary. You can be self-employed or employed by a company, but if you are trying to obtain a job with a company, it will be better to have a degree to demonstrate that you have studied graphic design. Another qualification is having a completed work portfolio to show your design style and prowess. You also have to have proficiency in digital design tools like Photoshop, Adobe XD, Adobe After Effects, etc.

The responsibilities of a marketer are to demonstrate brand identity, develop a company’s or brand’s image for selling to consumers, create plans to sell and promote products or services and execute strategies to attract eyes and attention.
A graphic designer has different responsibilities depending on the need for them. Here are a few. Graphic designers are responsible for creating logos, developing layouts for various works like books, thumbnails, magazines, etc., and creating movable graphics for commercials, films, social media posts, and advertisements. Depending on the level of the graphic designer, some of the responsibilities may be being an art director or creative director for a particular project. Graphic designers can also be responsible for creating packaging, developing visual images, or designing graphics for games. There are so many roles for graphic designers, and the responsibilities depend on that.

Most software expectations for a marketer deal with team projects if the team works digitally. That included things like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Other software used can be but is not limited to Excel, PowerPoint, docs, websites for analytics, etc.
Software expectations for a graphic designer are primarily creative. The software can include anything for Adobe’s Creative Suite or other supplementary design tools. Different software has been developed, such as Procreate, Canva, and others.

Entry-level abilities needed for a marketer include the ability to understand buyer behavior and how consumers think, how consumers know or learn about different brands, marketing tactics, marketing mediums, teamwork and communication skills, and the skill of selling.
Entry-level abilities needed for a graphic designer include communication skills with clients, knowledge of the fundamentals of design and color theory, an understanding of human psychology and emotions, typography skills, UX or UI design, how to use creative tools like Adobe Photoshop or After Effects, and time management because of deadlines and time restraints.

Here is a list of specific abilities employers are looking for for both marketers and graphic designers:

• Communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Attention to detail
• Proficiency in creative tools like those in Adobe Creative Suite
• A knowledge of marketing skills, marketing and selling tactics, human psychology
• Work-ethic
• Knowledge of tools like PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Excel
• Knowledge on branding
• Planning and strategy plans
• Problem-solving
• Creativity

The list of my work for demonstrations:

• Mock marketing plans for different brands in different industries
• Packaging design concepts
• Typography projects

A list of things that I need to create:

• More designs that showcase my best work for my portfolio (it is preferred to have at least 15-20 different projects)
• A website for a digital portfolio
• A written introduction of me and my chosen field

Doing this research made me realize that with technology, things are constantly changing, like marketing methods, what graphics are needed for consumer behaviors for marketing, etc. What might be relevant to know might not be relevant tomorrow, and employers are constantly changing what requirements a marketer or a graphic designer needs. However, I learned that employers are looking for the same qualities across many fields, like creativity and communication. Even though some of these careers are uncertain, especially with emerging technologies like AI, I feel confident about my ability to enter into my chosen career fields.

“This changed world requires practical dreamers who can, and will put their dreams into action. The practical dreamers have always been, and always will be the pattern-makers of civilization.” – Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

Hello! My name is Yanae Hicks, and welcome to my blog and portfolio site! This post will describe my career aspirations, which I am looking forward to achieving. I am a media entrepreneurship major at Georgia State University, and I have the aspiration and the drive of working in the entertainment industry. Though a lot of individuals align the entertainment industry with acting, theater, movies, tv shows, games, etc. The entertainment industry is mostly BUSINESS, which is where my aspiration lies. But that does not mean that I will not be using creative tools in my career. In my program, the classes that I have taken are around the topics of business and innovation, entrepreneurship, creative enterprise, graphic design, business law, marketing, and intellectual property.

Specifically, I will be working as a marketer and graphics designer. Most of the things that you need to learn to be a marketer are buyer behavior, marketing tactics and mediums, market research, and other things regarding consumers and how they view products. Things that you need to learn to be a graphic designer are mostly technical. You need proficiency in creative tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. You also need an understanding in art and design theory, color theory, and how to combine your art skills to create a graphic body of work.

The first thing that I need to do is to create a strong portfolio of work so that I can showcase my talents to potential employers. I do want to have my own business one day, but right now, I want to work at an organization so that I can have practical work experience in my field.