Rafael Book at Amazon.com

By Rafael Jaen -- This book is a practical guide to aid in the process of creating, developing and presenting successful Theatre/TV/Film design/technology portfolios in the fields of scenery, costumes, lighting and sound. The book consists of four chapters. The first section is dedicated to the realization of effective portfolio showcases and it identifies materials and techniques used to produce them. This chapter also reviews specific requirements by discipline and covers the different portfolio requirements to apply for graduate school, jobs in the field, professional organizations and for promotional purposes. The second section is dedicated to the development and use of digital portfolios and it looks at the different software used in this area. The third chapter is about presentation and marketing and it describes how to develop personal presentation techniques, resume, business card, and web pages. Finally, the fourth section offers key information in regards to the maintenance and updating of portfolios. Each chapter features real samples from the professional field and a page of dos and dont's with comments from experts in each design-tech discipline.

Reviews

Great resource for any theatre technician or designer!, February 6, 2007

Reviewer:

Amy L. Schrag

"My uncle ordered this book for me when I told him that I planned to interview for MFA Programs in Costume Design. This book was an indispensable resource while developing my portfolio. Although you could spend hours researching different portfolio options and blindly guess how you should prepare for interviews, this book will very clearly explain everything you need to do to make your best impression"..."The last chapter was very helpful because it gave me an idea of what current graduate theatre students and theatre professionals are up to, what conventions they are attending, what committees they are in, etc. This book is an exciting resource for the theatre student or professional looking to take their design/tech portfolio to the next level. If you carefully read through all of the information this book has to offer, I have no doubt you will be impressed with your newly assembled portfolio; giving you the confidence to succeed in your interviews. Thanks for a great book Prof. Jaen!"

Reviewed in 2007 feb CHOICE. • New from Focal Press •  From Choice, Reviews on Line  --K. Wagner, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

"Jaen (costuming, Emerson College; costume commission portfolio review chair, United States Institute for Theatre Technology) has taken on the formidable task of putting together a book that covers all aspects of portfolio preparation, assembly, and presentation. Excellent examples abound throughout, with color samples from a wide variety of portfolio layouts and displays. Because not all examples are from top professionals--many are from student portfolios--readers can envision their own work in similar layouts. The book takes one through the process with ease. Arranged in four parts, the book begins with a breakdown of what a portfolio is, followed by types of portfolios and their development. Jaen devotes an entire section to the development of a digital portfolio. The last two sections discuss presentation of the portfolio, creation of an effective resumé, and how to market oneself, evaluate goals, and plan for the future. Each section concludes with the dos and don'ts mentioned throughout and gives the reader a chance to review the materials covered thus far. This well-written book would be useful to a broad audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty; students in technical programs; professionals."

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