An online portfolio

As a Graduate looking for a career in fashion STANDING OUT is so important. I've been applying for so many jobs recently and eagerly waiting replies , but quite frankly I want to be in a job that I enjoy ASAP! I have a First Class Honours degree and am so passionate about doing well, that I started to think to myself "How can I stand out from the rest?". Most jobs simply only ask for a CV and Covering Letter, and although I apply for jobs I know I can succeed in I think employers need an extra reason to invite me in for an interview. 

I decided that as I am going into a creative industry to think outside the box and create an online portfolio that can be attached to any job application. For anyone in the same position to me it is though extra little things that will make you stand out in amongst those hundreds of applications.

1. My first advice would be to note where your strengths lay and plan 1-2 pages on each one. If you are a stylist then keep your portfolio mainly styling and add a couple of pages of any other interests you may have, eg: writing or photography. My strengths lie in photography, styling, fashion writing and PR so I plan to create a couple of pages on each. I think it is best to put your main interest at the front as this will be the type of jobs you will be applying for most regularly. 

2. Keep it simple, screen shots, images but not a lot of writing. I have included one page at the front that act's as a kind of CV or biography but apart from that it is mostly images. This is designed to make you stand out and not to send your future employer to sleep. 

3. Include a contents page so that if you are applying for a writing role they can go straight to your writing work. This saves time and trust me these people viewing your applications are very busy-they will love this!

4. Be yourself, be honest and show off what you can do. If you have done photography in the past but don't want to do it in the future then don't include this in your portfolio. Otherwise trust me they will see you are an all rounder and plan you do EVERYTHING in your power to benefit them. 

5. Finally save as a PDF so that you can add pages when you get more experience and then send it out to as many people as possible! Remember you can't intern forever. 

I still haven't finished my online portfolio as I only started it last night but I wanted to share with you a bit about what I'm up to. It would be great to see what you think.

Living-in-a-fashion-world

Marc by Marc Jacobs S/S 2013 Campaign

It may be December and the only thing on everyone's mind is CHRISTMAS! However some of us continue to look to the future and seeing what trends are going to hit our stores next year, not to mention S/S advertising campaigns.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs is one advertising campaign for Spring/Summer that stood out for me whilst browsing through various campaigns. I can't help but see similarities to some of Vivienne Westwood advertising campaigns and I don't think this is a coincidence as they were both shot by renowned photographer, Juergen Teller. German fashion photographer has a long relationship with brand and designer Marc Jacobs, and has shot his campaigns since 1998. Known for their simple white boarder you can always identify a Marc Jacobs advert from afar, and I have no doubt the crucial ingredient is Juergen Teller.

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Jessica Chastain for W Magazine: January 2013

'I love wigs, I love costumes, I love anything that will get me into the character.' Jessica Chastain

The relationship between art and fashion is always up for discussion for those interested in art and fashion. W Magazine have taken this topic and used it as the main theme for their January Issue the 'Art meets fashion' edition. Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain graces the cover of W Magazine in the multi cover issue. 

After being described as the 'ultimate muse' Jessica has been re-interpreted by visual artists;  George Condo, Rineke Dijkstra, Chantal Joffe and Mickalene Thomas for the latest issue of W Magazine. My favourite cover has to be the George Condo interpretation, it is quite simply a work of art. Jessica's striking red hair (admittedly a wig) looks beautiful in contrast as she blends into George Condo's art work. 

Photography by Rineke Dijkstra 

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Denise Grunstein:photographer

I came across Denise Grunstein's work recently and even thought she may not be the most sought after photographer in the world, there is something so mesmerising and fresh about her work. She works in both colour and black and white but it is her colour work that gets my attention.. In fact it was the image below that caught my eye and I had to see who took it. 

Denise is a swedish photographer and is represented by CameraLink and is one of the most respected photographers in Sweden. She specialises in portraits, landscape and fashion. Her work is simply stunning-what do you think?

Since graduating in May I have concentrated mainly on my fashion writing and my photography has let slip. Denise certainly makes me want to go straight and make some mood boards and plan a shoot. Her attention to detail is second to none-and even though I can draw similarities to Tim Walkers work she does it all with such a laid back attitude and in her own style.

For more of Denise's work visit: http://www.cameralink.se/photographers/denise-grunstein