Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis
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Chase Jarvis Chase Jarvis
  • Photos
  • Projects
  • About
  • Blog
  • Book

Proof of a Portfolio Vs. Promise of a Resume

Create a Portfolio Not a ResumePeople that have “done it” will be able to do it again. Whether it’s shooting a successful commercial assignment, hanging in a museum, making a music video, or whatever. It may not be a de-facto truth, but that’s what’s believed on the open market. It’s SAFER for the person hiring a creative if they can point to something that you’ve already done. One reason I get a lot of work is that I’ve done a lot of projects. They’re banking on my portfolio–work I’ve actually completed, work that I can point at, not a “resume,” or work that can be surmised.

I’m not saying it’s right or fair. It’s just the way it is.

But what if we’re not on the up-side of experience? For someone trying to get their first chance at anything where the keys to the kingdom are closely held by someone else, this can be a huge paradox.

If what you think you need is a new platform to show you can do something, you’re barking up the wrong tree. “Just gimme a shot and I’ll deliver” won’t cut it, no matter how loud you say it or how much you hope for it. The people making the decisions want proof. After all, if you fall flat, it usually means their ass is cooked.

So instead of lamenting “woe is me”, try this: Don’t create a resume, create a portfolio. Create actual WORK that looks like what you want to get “discovered” for. And make that work very strong.

Stop waiting for someone to take a chance on you. Do the work. And then show it to whomever’s got the keys to the kingdom. Once you’ve “done it”–and done it well–the phone will ring.

[inspired by a recent post featuring Randy Nelson from Pixar]

Check out these creative classes I've curated + built that relate to this post:

Creating Your Ideal Photography Business
with Kathy Holcombe
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with Ann Rea
Searching for the Creative Spark
with Julieanne Kost + Chris Orwig

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66 replies on:
Proof of a Portfolio Vs. Promise of a Resume

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  1. vince gonzales says:
    October 24, 2010 at 9:34 am

    Very helpful, thank you Chase

  2. Jesus del remedio says:
    October 20, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    me a question arises: can a portfolio that contains different types of images, showing our ability to do different projects, or is it better to specialize in one type of photography, ie, sports, beauty …? (sorry for my bad english)

  3. nayan khanolkar says:
    October 20, 2010 at 9:39 am

    so true Chase….very well said…

  4. Marc says:
    October 19, 2010 at 6:55 am

    Awesome timing Chase, got a few shoots setup just to create the portfolio that I want to show to people. What you just posted goes hand in hand with what’s been on my mind for two weeks now.

    Love it!

  5. Pingback: Свидетельства портфолио против болтовни резюме / Proof of a Portfolio Vs. Promise of a Resume | веб студия, продвижение веб сайтов, создание веб сайтов

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