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Four Students Recognized By The Ad Club

Ad Club Of Buffalo

The Advertising Club of Buffalo is pleased to recognize four bright communications students as part of our annual Don Nichols Scholarship competition. Jessica Puskar, Lucy Norton, Ali Casarsa, and Grace Gruarin, all students of Villa Maria College, presented us with remarkable work.

The Don Nichols Scholarship competition, now in its 16th year, awards promising communications students a little financial help for their education. Each year, we present students with a thought-provoking theme that they are tasked with bringing to life. And this year’s theme of “21st Century Icons” garnered entries from more than 40 talented students. Jessica Puskar’s work featured Malala Yousafzai and was awarded first place. Lucy Norton’s work featured Kate Middleton and won second place. Ali Casarsa’s work featured Tobias Frere-Jones and took home third place. The three students were awarded scholarships. The work of Grace Gruarin featured Joshua Fields Millburn and was awarded honorable mention.

Don Nichols founded the Albright Art School’s Graphic Design Department in 1950. He brought the program to UB, where he served as its head until his passing in 1987. He educated countless graphic designers, some of whom went on to national prominence. Nichols was awarded the Alex Osborn Award for Creativity from the Art Directors/Communicators of Buffalo, along with the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching from UB.

Take a look at some of the winning work:
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Events Students

Portfolio Day is Upon Us

Brittney Sikora

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Portfolio Day is quickly approaching, happening Saturday April 12th at Villa Maria College from 9am -3pm. I know the thought of getting a portfolio together in this short amount of time may be a bit overwhelming, you may even be debating whether or not to attend the event. This time last year I was going through the same thought process. Even though I was nervous, I ended up going, and had such a positive experience. So hopefully by the end of reading this I can convince you on attending, and give you some insight on how to successfully survive Portfolio Day.

The thought of talking with pros and showing them your work may make you extremely nervous, but there’s no need to be!  The pros were once in your shoes too so they get it. In the end, the nerves, sweaty palms, and stumbling of words will pay off, I promise. You’re going to get a ton of constructive feedback, which is going to help you and your portfolio in the long run. So just relax and have a little confidence in yourself!

Also, attending means you have a chance at winning a $500 scholarship. Can it be any more obvious on why you should go…it’s free money!

Buffalo is a pretty tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone, events like this are great for getting your name out there. At the moment, the thought of networking may not sound that important to you, but it may just be the most important thing you can be doing right now. You’re probably even thinking “Oh I have plenty of time for that”. But the sooner you start connecting with people in the industry the better. College goes by fast and at the end of it your going to want a job in the industry. The search for that job should begin now, not at graduation. So show up, work hard and stand out!

Just by coming to the event and showing your work you have a better likelihood of being offered an internship or maybe even a job. And if it doesn’t happen at this particular event, don’t be discouraged because people will still remember you. Bring business cards or maybe even a leave behind for the pros to take away with them and have a little reminder of you.

Come prepared to talk about your work and have questions ready. It’s just as much of an interview for you as it is for the pros. Asking questions shows your interested and may even help break the ice a bit.

The event is completely worth it I cannot stress that enough! By the end of the day you’ll walk away feeling great about yourself and portfolio.

Hope to see you all there!

Blog Students

Two students awarded scholarships by the Ad Club.

Ad Club Of Buffalo

The Buffalo Ad Club recently awarded two bright communication students scholarships. That’s right, our annual Don Nichols Scholarship competition has come and gone, and Juan Esguerra and Marissa Caggiano won us over, to say the least.

The competition is named in honor of Don Nichols, who founded the Albright Art School’s Graphic Design Department in 1950. He brought the program to UB, where he served as its head until his passing in 1987. He educated countless graphic designers, some of whom went on to national prominence. Nichols was awarded the Alex Osborn Award for Creativity from the Art Directors/Communicators of Buffalo, along with the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching from UB.

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The Don Nichols Scholarship competition has been around for 15 years now, awarding promising communication students a little financial help with their education. This year, Juan Esguerra of Daemen College was awarded first place for his “No Futuro” poster. Marissa Caggiano of UB took home second place for her “Roots” poster. Congratulations to both and good luck to all students wishing to take part next year. And students, be sure to look for more information about our next Don Nichols Scholarship competition in the fall.

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Blog Students

Communications Career Day and Portfolio Seminar 2011

Ad Club Of Buffalo

The Advertising Club of Buffalo and PRSA Buffalo Niagara joined forces to host the annual Communications Career Day on November 4. More than 50 college students from across the region visited New Era Cap Co. for a one-day event crafted to help them find jobs and learn how to network with some of WNY’s top communications professionals.

The event kicked-off with a panel discussion on the topic: “How I Started my Communications Career.” Our panelists included young professionals working in various agencies, large corporations and nonprofits. Guest speakers also shared well-received information on how to create a personal brand and manage online reputation while job searching. Sure, you could google some of this—but combine all the insider knowledge with real face time? Now that’s an opportunity worth nabbing.

Career day concluded with resume and interview skill sessions, and “speed networking” with some local pros. While the volunteers wiped out entire stacks of their business cards, the students filled their notebooks page after page with priceless info. We’d wish these future communications grads luck, but we’re pretty sure they won’t need it.

Portfolio Seminar 2011

It’s just a portfolio, what’s the big deal?

What’s the big deal!? Well, on November 5th, Greg Meadows, Mark Wisz, Jessica Black and Levi Neuland had lots to say about that. And design students from UB, Buff  State, Villa Maria, Daemen and Canisius got the inside scoop.

Our crew of experienced pros talked about the basics and the not-so-basics of crafting a meaningful book of work that showcases your true talent. Yeah, yeah, yeah, they suggested how many pieces to show (6 to 8), and a few recommendations on format (your iPad is ok, just practice, and boards are fine, as long as your craftsmanship is impeccable). But like a really good tell-all book, they shared the gory details of what it takes to get a second interview. What you should leave off your resume – like rampant swirlygigs, or your 4th grade position as hall monitor. And how much cologne you should wear. (In the wise words of Jessica Black, “Don’t stink.”) After almost two hours of pure, unadulterated wisdom, the pros fielded questions in an open Q&A session. Questions like “at what point do follow-ups become annoying,” “do I need to know coding,” and “what was your absolute worst interview ever.” And to top it all off, the pros shared their own portfolios so the students could literally see all this advice in action—a rare opportunity in the design world.

It was an honor to put on an event that brought together these young talented designers and wicked smart pros. Pros walked away fulfilled. Students walked away entertained, educated, and with a leg up. Thanks to all who were a part of this annual event; and here’s to the hope that it makes for fewer “worst interviews ever,” and way more “best interviews ever.”