What you learned since Graduation?

Friday, February 17, 2012

The students meet with a panel of four recent graduates. The discussion was candid, honest, informal and quite a eye opener to those fortunate to attend. The discussion was conducted at an exciting pace with insightful direction on how students can better make a better transition into their careers. We were grateful for the visit by Amber Durant’11 BFA in Photography,  Nicholas Frasco ’06 BFA in Illustration,  Chava  Light Levin’08 BFA in Illustration and Jamie Curtin’11 BFA in  Interior Design. Dean Francis Redford Cooley led the discussion by asking the graduates to introduce themselves and explain what they were currently doing for work. Amber stated that she has two part-time jobs including  working at a portrait studio and writing on photography. Nicholas Frasco is an art teacher at the R. J. Kisellas Magnet School, a muraslist and has been represented in a number of Galleries. Chava runs Chava Studio LLC which provides illustration and web page design work. Chava also freelances focusing on political cartoons and she had a children’s book published while she was still in College. Jamie Curtain works as an interior designer at Antinozzi Associates Architecture & Interiors in Norwalk.

The topic of the panel was, what have you learned since you graduated?
Amber discovered how important it is to continue to keep working on her photography. She gives herself assignment and she shots everyday. Chava said it is important to define your jobs thouroughly, understand what your clients needs are and deliver their request. Nick learned to believe in his own voice and took a huge risk. Putting together hi own show highlighting his work with a theatrical unveiling of his latest grand painting. Nick bartered with Hilton Valentine of the “Animals” to have Hilton perform at his opening in place of payment for a CD cover Nick designed for him.  Nick rented a hall,  arranged catering, put together the show, promoted the event and sold tickets. Nick sold nine paintings at the show. It was enough to pay for the event, which gathered a lot of publicity.

Amber, how has your job changed your view of photography? Amber claims that she deals with people better, she never loses her cool with her client

What is the most effective way of marketing yourself?
Jamie said it’s with a strong portfolio and being well prepared to interview.

Nick added. It doesn’t hurt to be nice. Give the best impressions of yourself on job searches. Let your passion show through. Chava stated her web site is a valuable method of marketing. Chava mentioned the importance of Social Networking. Be diligent by keeping your content current. Promote your business.

Amber added word of mouth can go along way.

Nick told the audience you have to create and make-up opportunities. The news media is always looking for stories. Nick was featured on WFSB Connecticut. The interview highlighted Nick’s murals at the schools he teaches. Nick advocated taking advantage of the media need by writing and sending out press releases to announce events or to inform the public of your accomplishments. Nick was recently in the news after by helping apprehend the Church Bandit. The Bandit tried to break into Nick’s apartment. Nick following him and called 911 to report the attempted break in and when he began to give a description of the character, the dispatch completed his description. The police had been looking for the bandit for quit a while. This case brought further attention to Nick and kept Nick in the news. He placed his paintings in the background during his interviews with the News Stations and for press photography.

Chava found success by getting her work put into the background of an Opran Winfrey location taping. One of her works caught the eye of Oprah. Chava received an email by from Oprah’s people to purchase a licensing  agreement for the illustration that appeared briefly on screen. Chava verified Oprah’s interest was legitimate, providing Chava a great promotional opportunity. To be associated with Oprah is gold.