Thoughts on portfolio school? Is it worth it, or is there a better route?

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Med school

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Agree on that ^

I went to a smaller, less known portfolio school and kids at the bigger ones got better opps with worse books

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Yeah, but it’s true.

The be honest, I feel I had to unlearn some stuff I took away from mine. Quite a bit of things I was told to put in my book, several CDs from big shops told me had no purpose - was just pointless fluff.

I had to cut down a lot of stuff in my book. Kept the ideas but trimmed down the volume of materials in 1/2.

Are you still in your undergrad? I didn’t go to portfolio school but dug hard into my schools resources and facility. I also did a lot of spec work independently and took classes on the Adobe creative suite so I could learn how to make my book look cool on my own. Go to networking events and get to know any of your colleges’s notable alumni. Or see if you can find a CD who will give you some tips on your book in exchange for some coffee. Half the benefit of PS is the connections and connections are key to get your foot in the door.

The no PS route is def more uphill. You’ll have recruiters who won’t even look at you without it and you have to be wayyy more independent. But if you already have some connections and are willing to put in the work, the lack of loans alone is worth it.

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I went to night classes and I still doubt most even looked at my book. I even had one in regards to an internship, say “I believe we’ve already committed to another program”.

I’d say it’s the most direct route. It costs time and money but it’ll get you to a portfolio that will get you a job more easily and quickly than trying to hustle and piece it together without portfolio school.

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This was exactly my experience - Went to MAS, got my book together, got a job and dipped a couple quarters early.

It’s expensive, but in some ways it’s sorta worth it. I dropped out of Miami Ad School when I had a job offer and it was the right thing to do.

The second half of the program (internships you often have to pay for) is not really worth it, in my opinion. Especially if you’re taking on loans for living expenses and not working full time. If you can go to a portfolio school while living at home, that’s probably a better bet

smart

More affordable SVA New York night ad classes and take lots that are conceptual and are lead by teachers who get it like Richard Pels, former Devito Verdi CD Vinny Tulley, and if Kash Sree taught there grab a spot!!!

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Miami, Denver Ad, Creative Circus, VCU, are all great options. The portfolios are getting better every year, and the connections are extremely valuable.

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The only better route is to be the ECD’s nephew

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Yes, do it. I did night classes, but I’d recommend one of the big ones if you can afford it.

Also check out makeadswithme.com if you want to find a partner and try to make one on your own. They’ve got other resources to help too.

VCU is the only portfolio school in the US I would have considered had I known about as school when I entered the industry. Miami ad school in the US seems like a scam. Creative Circus seems decent.

creative circus kids this year are tearing it up. getting jobs at Martin, Droga, W+K, wherever they want it seems

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MAS grad here and I’d say it was worth it if you’re sure advertising is what you want to do. It’s a great stepping stone and the connections are unmatched.

It was 100% the right choice for me. Some of the people I went to school with are the heads of networks now. Also, a good number are ECD’s.

Better route? Probably not. But you can get into the industry without it if you’re driven, disciplined, and network like hell. I did.

I didn’t go. As an undergrad, I had 6 internships that gave me portfolio of some good produced work and real world experience. My first agency hired me while I was an intern. I’ve hired a lot of interns over the years. I think you need to figure out where you can get the experience and network with the right people.

I was a CW and eventually a CD. I made the transition to UX design. UX strategists are a different breed. Part of it still involves creative direction. I do have a lot of my agency friends now asking how to break into UX.

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