Digital portfolio : advertising : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

As the field of advertising becomes increasingly more competitive, it takes much more than just a simple resume or mundane portfolio for a new graduate to get their foot in an ad agency door. In addition to conveying their creativeness, determination, and passion for what they do, the applicant must find a way for their name to rise above the clutter of the competition and stand out as being the best and only choice for the position. One way to do that is with a digital portfolio, and that is why I chose to produce one as my Senior Honors Thesis.My digital portfolio is browser-based and can be accessed via the accompanying CD or online at dlnagel.iweb.bsu.edu. It serves as a complement to my standard portfolio and as an impressive leave-behind at professional interviews. The digital portfolio encompasses the best of my advertising work here at Ball State. It includes a collection of ads (created both in and out of class), my resume and contact information. In addition, it also contains various other class projects which demonstrate my wide array of knowledge in the field of advertising.I created my digital portfolio using Macromedia Dreamweaver and Adobe Photoshop. I learned the basics of portfolio design and usability at a workshop presented in the summer of 2005 by the Digital Portfolio Center. An estimated 100 hours have been spent in the development, creation and editing of this digital portfolio and the works contained in it. The portfolio is accompanied by a paper which briefly outlines the key elements of design I keep in mind when creating my ads.