Discussion at the Advisory Board: Exploration of Photography's Boundaries
In the evolving digital landscape, proficiency in industry-standard software and a strong portfolio that showcases both technical and creative skills are crucial for job applicants in the post-COVID era.
Key software skills include mastering Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro for photo editing, retouching, and video editing. These tools remain essential for producing high-quality digital content. Additionally, knowledge of video editing tools like Premiere Pro is increasingly important as video content gains prominence.
Capture One Pro is popular for studio photography and RAW processing, offering advanced color grading and image management features. Motion designers are expected to understand motion techniques like stop motion, cinemagraphs, time-lapse, and After Effects and Adobe Animate.
A diverse portfolio showcasing expertise in various types of photography, including commercial, editorial, and creative projects, is vital. Inclusion of mixed media projects integrating video, digital painting, graphic design, and storytelling helps demonstrate adaptability and innovation. Portfolios should also showcase collaboration skills and real-world results to underline business impact and client-management capabilities.
Many employers now expect applicants to be familiar with social media content creation, SEO principles, and online marketing tools. A strong social media presence, such as Instagram, is essential for marketing work and building trust with employers.
For more general creative or content marketing positions, a wide range of software programs are in demand, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD, Premiere Pro, Premier Rush, Adobe Aero, Adobe Dimension, Adobe Express, Adobe Portfolio, Adobe Behance, Hootsuite, or comparable posting software schedulers.
Traditional graphic designers are expected to know Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, with additional skills in Premiere, After Effects, etc., being beneficial but not required. Applicants can use Adobe Express to create a custom portfolio website for a job, and if they have enough motion and video, they can create a YouTube channel.
Lastly, a strong work ethic, including being early and the last to leave, is important, especially for students. Employers value communication, planning, and the ability to multitask quickly while generating quality work. If you say you will do something, complete it! Be trustworthy and positive. Never ghost your position, responsibilities, or supervisor. Ask questions and be confident without arrogance.
In summary, applicants should master Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro at minimum, build a diverse portfolio demonstrating both technical and conceptual skills, embrace video and multimedia integration, and showcase successful project outcomes aligned with client or brand objectives to stand out in the post-pandemic job market.
- In the evolving post-COVID job market, having a strong art portfolio that showcases proficiency in graphic design using Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro, is crucial for illustrators and content marketers striving to create a lifestyle-oriented digital content that incorporates elements of technology, education-and-self-development, and sports.
- For sports enthusiasts aiming for careers in graphic design, understanding video editing tools like Premiere Pro and Adobe Express can help produce captivating visuals that resonate with a wide audience on various social media platforms.
- Aspiring graphic designers looking to make an impression in the digital world may consider expanding their skillset beyond traditional tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign by exploring emerging technologies such as Adobe Aero or Adobe Dimension to create innovative, mixed-media portfolios that combine graphic design, storytelling, and sports elements.
