Denver Museum of Art.. and job questions

[bsdzine]

Anyone have any contacts that work there (edit: post below..)?

 

What always makes me cringe, is when jobs ask for an e-mailed PDF... I'm one of those people who like to talk to whomever is hiring and ask some questions and really use that short amount of time as a brief interview - a way for that person to learn that I'm very interested and passionate about that certain job, and just have them hear me talk instead of reading a cover letter that states what my competition has already stated. I really think a one-page cover letter won't do justice on how much I would LOVE to do this...

 

This leads me to a question (or statement that needs some advice lol) - I'm not a fan of the e-mailed PDF. I make my own die-cut envelopes and strategically plan out the typographic layout of the envelope/cover letter/resume - something that works as a group (or system if it helps you understand) and is much more formal and inviting than just an electronic pdf. I feel it sets me apart from my competition, but at the same time it can hinder me getting a job.

 

I also asked (first sentence) if anyone had any connections at the DMA - I would like to call or simply e-mail them to get an idea of what exactly they are looking for in their potential junior designer - I have ALOT of work to show, and would love to tailor my portfolio to fit exactly what they want. BUT, at the same time I don't want to be annoying/overly persistent to the point they don't even bother checking out my things.... so what are your guys opinions on getting an actual envelope with nice print on it, or an e-mail, perhaps the traditional 2 minute phone call:)? Is it a time=money thing?

 

If you made it this far... I owe you lunch or something!

 

Cliff Notes: Just send the electronic PDF and sit, wait, and hope someone even glanced at it? Or make the custom promotional piece and hope it reaches the right people....?

[bsdzine]

and for those that are mildly interested:

Position Purpose

• 
  
• Under the supervision of the AIGA Assistant Curator of Graphic Design, the Exhibition Assistant will assist in the planning, presentation, and interpretation of an exhibition devoted to the Museum’s recently acquired collection of psychedelic rock posters. Organized by the Architecture, Design & Graphics department, this large-scale exhibition is slated to open in the spring of 2009. The Exhibition Assistant will work closely with other Museum departments, including Exhibitions, Conservation, Design, Education, and Development in the proper coordination and execution of the exhibition.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• 
  
• Assists the AIGA Assistant Curator of Graphic Design, in conjunction with other museum staff in the research, development, interpretation, and presentation of the exhibition.
  
• Assists with research related to the exhibition, including but not limited to: research and compilation of artist and patron biographies, as well as research on associated art historical styles, specific works, and other related objects and photography.
  
• Assists with drafting and typing correspondence, manuscripts, didactic texts, wall labels, memoranda, loan forms, and other materials related to the exhibition.
  
• Maintains computer database of checklist for the exhibition, via ARGUS.
  
• Collects and manages materials such as images and checklists.
  
• Assists with the installation of the exhibition as assigned; prepare written reports and assist with documenting meetings regarding the exhibition.
  
• Assists in the interpretation of the exhibition for visitors, docents or other special groups as assigned.
  
• Facilitate external communication as assigned.
  
• Maintain departmental budget for exhibition.
  
• Perform other exhibition and department related duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• 
  
• Knowledge of museum processes and procedures. Competency within area of departmental interests or equivalent. Superb writing and diplomatic skills essential. Ability to provide professional office support including word processing, database management, power point, faxing, filing, and answering telephones. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet unusually strict deadlines. Strong organizational skills a must: ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities, as well as coordinate the activities of staff members around a common project. Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the general public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing.

Education or Formal Training

• 
  
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree (Master’s degree preferred) with major course work in art, architecture and design, or related field.

Experience

• 
  
• Prior gallery or museum experience highly desirable

Additional Information

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This in-depth survey of psychedelic posters announcing dance concerts, various benefits, and related gatherings in the Bay Area (and sometimes beyond) features seminal works from the Museum’s recently acquired collection of 875 posters from 1965–1973. Artists include: Wes Wilson, Stanley “Mouse” Miller, Alton Kelley, Victor Moscoso, and Rick Griffin, in addition to several artists that arrived on the scene after 1966, including Bob Fried, Bob Schnepf, Greg Irons, Bonnie MacLean, Lee Conklin, Randy Tuten, Norman Orr, and David Singer. The announcements serve as stunning reminders of an era that espoused free love, drugs, and a hard-edged rock music. Wildly experimental, these works reflect the psychedelic experience through a melting pot of hallucinatory imagery and unorthodox juxtapositions of electric colors. This is a FULL TIME, BENEFITED TEMPORARY POSITION - Expected duration approximately one year.

[bsdzine]

Hey ted, if this is in the wrong forum you can just bounce it. But i enjoy the mountain west opinions...

[chenc544]

Didn't you just started a new job not that long ago?

[bsdzine]

haha yea kinda, I was contract design for this place when I was doing my job search, only a few months I decided to become full-time and not technically 'contract'... i'm just not 'extremely happy' with my current job - it's not very challenging, and 2 clients sometimes gives us projects that promote issues/events who's viewpoints/opinions I do not agree with (and i get mildly offended, but just suck it up and do the work right...) heck, i've even thought about going to get my masters... as you can tell, i'm a youngin' who really doesn't know exactly what I want with life right now

 

i know i know, brian make up your damn mind! ;)but it's one of those "might as well try and see what happens" - I think the job post was a mistake or contained errors as on some of the other creative sites the specifics are different for the job... but it led me to my question of what do you guys prefer: email or actual letter, and is the traditional phone call not even worth it as time=money? so really, just getting ideas and opinions about what is most effective

 

I know art (chenc, not a painting lol), I gotta just suck it up and get the experience - but there's no harm in trying! (plus I won't have to do work that promotes things I'm against!)

[digitator]

I think it is an unfortunate reality that many employers prefer digital submissions over traditional paper delivery. Easier to keep track of, easier to distribute to the hiring team/committee/decision-makers, accessible away of the office, etc. From personal experience, my last two employers accepted electronic resumes exculsively.

 

For creative types, this is especially difficult, as we lose both the ability to show our hands-on skills, and any control over the way our documents look in printed form. I, too, used to spend a lot of time (and money) on custom envelopes, letterhead, etc. - only to realize that in most cases, the impact of such products were lost on the hiring manager.

 

Obviously, there are exceptions - and the DMA may be one of them. If I were you, I would send your info. electronically, and then follow up with a phone call to make sure they received it, and ask if they would like a printed set. That way, you give them options.

 

Good luck!

[bsdzine]

(insert above here!)

 

Good luck!

 

 

Thanks man! I spent my night last night fixing up my latest series of gig posters and will be including a few of them in my PDF - so we'll see what happens! I have a feeling they want someone with more experience than what was posted, but really there's no harm in trying! So if it doesn't work out, then whatever, I still have this job and my freelance work!

 

ps- you guys must think i'm crazy lol. Every meet we have I have a different job or I'm chasing a different opportunity! my friends think i'm nuts because I'm always looking for the next big thing... but I think it's good to always be chasing a job where in the long run, it will be worth my time!

 

Cheers! Speaking of which, BOTH my bosses called in sick today ... so i was just out for lunch and saw their hummer down in the valley... I know they are just out hiking lol

[bskey]

I agree with Digitator, send the PDF, and in your cover letter state that you would love to meet them. Then call, or what I would do, is follw up with a hand delivered letter Ask to speak to the hiring manager, but if they are not there, leave it with the secretary, but make sure you let them know you have also submitted electronically. That way you are following instructions, but also making an impact. I have never gotten a job without making an impression in person first. My resume has never been too impressive, but my charm is overwhelming!

 

Don't worry about the job hopping. I did that for years until I found a company that encouraged me to job hop internally, which has kept me challenged, rewarded and in motion, if you wll.

 

Good luck Brian!! I've never been to the DMA, so if you want to go for a day, I'd be down!!

[bsdzine]

. My resume has never been too impressive, but my charm is overwhelming!

 

BWAHAHAHA

 

Thanks brett! I agree, I like going a little above and beyond but not to the point where persistence becomes annoyance! And yes, whenever I show up in person I'm always rocking a nice suit, my artsy faux-hawk and geeky glasses so i try to dress the part and it usually makes a good difference.

 

(and fyi first friday every month, if you ever wanna venture to the santa fe district (you should bring the woman too!) the art studios have open houses where you can walk around, drink some wine and just check out the art for free! Plus there are some bangin' hole-in-the-wall mexican joints where you can get some amazing food and drinks on the cheap! I'll shoot you a PM for the next one in may - and you can buy me b-day shots )

[enthusiast]

There are a lot of place that ask for electronic submissions because they have programs that read them and can scan for the words that are most relevant for the job. For your type of position I would think later they are going to want to see your previous work.

 

I have three different types of resumes.

 

ps: Can you PM me some of that Santa Fe district info too? That sounds good.

[bskey]

(and fyi first friday every month, if you ever wanna venture to the santa fe district (you should bring the woman too!) the art studios have open houses where you can walk around, drink some wine and just check out the art for free! Plus there are some bangin' hole-in-the-wall mexican joints where you can get some amazing food and drinks on the cheap! I'll shoot you a PM for the next one in may - and you can buy me b-day shots )

 

 

Let's do it! Road Trip!!!