globally accessible.
Successfully managing your site means that it is always current and can be easily accessed. If your Web server does not automatically list you with search
engines, try using Addme.com. This is a free Web site–submission engine that will add your site to the top thirty most popular search engines.
Reels
If your primary goal is to work in television, music videos, or movies, you will also want to put together a reel. A reel is a compilation of your styling work for film,
television, and video on a master tape (actually a DVD), edited to several minutes that includes the best footage. Choose music for your reel that creates the perfect
mood. The reel will need to be professionally edited to include transitions and titles. Make copies of the reel, and create case labels with your name, address, and
phone number for identification. Most producers do not return reels, but making copies is inexpensive, and reels are great promotional tools.
Résumés
Résumés let the Decision makers know the full range of your credits. A résumé needs to be complete, accurate, and professional. Pick a font that is easy to read, and
print the résumé on good-quality stock. Write a clear, concise cover letter to include with the résumé when mailing your résumé or portfolio. While a cover letter
and résumé are important tools in your self-promotion efforts, it is the portfolio or reel that will get you the job. In film and television, a listing of your experience in
résumé form is the first thing that producers look at. They might interview and see the portfolios of only a few artists. In print work, a look at your portfolio usually
precedes an interview.
BOOKING WORK
Once your promotional tools are completed and your portfolio looks great, you need a plan. Determine what your career goals are. Do you want to work in retail,
with private clients, or for commercial clients in print or in film and television? You might end up with a combination of work, but maintaining a focus is important.
It will determine whether you spend more time developing your book or your reel. In either case, you will need to identify a group of potential clients and contact
them. Follow these guidelines:
SHOW YOUR WORK
Develop a mailing list, and send out your portfolio and/or résumé. Sending promotional cards and your résumé is a quick way to remind possible employers of your
work.