Thank You Portfolio Center
Every time I see 5:30 AM on a clock. Every time I have to kick a soda machine to get my Coca-Cola. And yes, every time I hear Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together,” I’ll remember Portfolio Center.
Several years ago, I was in my final months of college, happily content with a teaching job lined up after graduation. So when a friend told me to check out a presentation one night about some graduate school called Portfolio Center, I almost brushed it off. After doing a little research (and realizing that they would be serving free pizza), my mind was changed.
The presentation was run by a mustachioed guy with a southern drawl—Hank, the president of Portfolio Center. He spoke rapidly and enthusiastically about the school while a slideshow of student work clicked behind him. The example of packaging, books, interactive sites, chairs, restaurant interiors, and more were jaw-droppingly original and professional. I couldn’t believe this was all student work.
Fast forward one year, and the teaching career wasn’t turning out the way I had envisioned. After being assaulted by a student and given zero support from an unresponsive administration, I found Portfolio Center moving to the forefront of my mind. I visited Atlanta during spring break, and was yet again impressed by the student work hanging on the walls and sitting in display cases. Even more impressive was sitting in on a few classes and seeing the creative process in motion. I was sold immediately (I gotta admit, juxtaposed against having chairs thrown at my head every day, pretty much anything sounded good).
School started in Fall 2003, and I began to learn the fundamentals of design alongside some ridiculously talented friends. Three quarters passed by, and my interests were spreading into several different directions. They didn’t really fit under the labels of “advertising” or “design” or “interactive,” but just diverse ideas that I couldn’t quite figure out how to translate into reality.
My friend Katie Kosma helped set up a meeting with Hank to talk about my thoughts, and after FOUR hours of conversation, I was enrolled in his 5:30 AM class and taking two extra courses outside of the usual curriculum. Fourth quarter became a critical turning point, because I finally found purpose behind my work. Hank was instrumental in that change, since the three projects from his class (a chair called Impact, an interactive novel called Cadence of Seasons, and wine bottles for Mondavi) are the first three projects in my final portfolio.
That Design History class was insane. By week two, I had already experienced a whipped cream pie thrown into my face and drawn 100 sketches for the chair design. Sleep was a luxury, and my caffeine habits single-handedly kept Coca-Cola in business. Through the constant struggles and revisions, Hank became not just a mentor, but a friend. Someone I could approach with everyday life and design issues in the same breath. Someone who I can now share stories, problems, and meals with (thanks Fratelli’s).
Graduation was two weeks ago, and I’m now beginning the job search. The response to the final portfolio has been a little overwhelming…I just feel fortunate to have found this place. Every instructor and student here has continually challenged me to produce positive, meaningful work. So while it says my name on the front page of the portfolio, there should really be a list of like 300 names preceding it. I’m just one student…and this is just one student’s experience. Ask anyone at Portfolio Center, and they’ll tell you an equally complicated and personal story. Somehow, everyone ends up okay, working in a career that they feel truly passionate about, as opposed to a 9-to-5 that just pays the bills.
Thanks Hank. Thanks Portfolio Center.
Dave’s words resonate what is the truth of this school and the experience that it offers its students. In just the three short quarters that I have spent at PC, I know that my life will never be the same. Portfolio Center is about living with passion; it is about learning with passion and what happens creatively when a person commits him or herself to this is amazing. What a gift to be a part of such an exciting place.
I too share many of the same feelings as Dave (thanks for the shout-out, Dave. I love knowing I helped you!). I took 3 of Hank’s 5:30 classes (Design History, Mixed Messages, and Annual Reports), and because of them I feel like I can do anything. They were combinations of misery and ecstacy, but above all it was the interaction and collaboration of my fellow students and the support we gave each other throughout the process that will stick with me (aside from knowing that if there’s any idea I have, I can make it a reality - “If you can think it you can create it” actually is completely true in all facets of design and life).
The relationships built in those classes changed me and my friends. Hank establishes an atmosphere of trust and honesty at that big wooden table downstairs that taught me so much. A saying I came up with after working through so many ideas in his classes is “it is through the sharing of our weaknesses that we become stronger.” Hank and his classes (and my friends, and Tania, and everyone at that school) taught me that you can’t grow by hiding. You have to be raw and open and completely honest, even if it’s about pieces of yourself that you feel uncomfortable about. That’s where true growing begins.
Portfolio Center means so much more to me than having a battery of design knowledge. I grew more than I ever had before emotinally, socially, and soul-fully during my time there. I finally know that I am strong and capable and smart and confident. It took a hell of a lot of crying and coffee at PC to figure that out, and I wouldn’t trade one second of it. I feel ready (actually I should capitalize that: READY!!!) to get out there and start working. I move to New York in one week (job? anyone? can you give me one?), and am so excited I’m about to jump out of my skin. That was a long response to Dave’s message. In short: Go Dave. Go Katie. Go 5:30am. Go PC. Go to PC.
As much as I want to say I hate it, I have to say that waking up at 5:30am has made me remember about backpacking out west. We would wake up with the sun (or a little before) and make breakfast for a few hours.. Work all day.. and then sleep all night. Exhaustion is sometimes better then a beer. And then you start the same thing over the next day… Which in the case of Hanks class is the truth. I am not quite sure how the class went from meeting one day a week to meeting every other day.. but then again my head hasnt been on straight for a while.
I look forward to celebrating the end of hanks class with a glass of cheep chardonnay and some cheese balls.
long live the delicious apple.
I am typing this from a new town and new apartment, and starting Wednesday my new CAREER! I just moved to Chicago to begin my new life as a Designer! I have a new found confidence that was fostered over 8 quarters at PC. I know I have ALOT to learn but I also know that I would not be sitting where I am tonight without the guidance, support, and education that I have because of Hank and PC! Chicago, my kinda town!!!
Ooooo, yes. I hear all of you.
Katie’s right when she says you can’t grow by hiding. I’ve done my best work with my own raw material, whether it be a piece just for me, or raw emotions filtered through a client piece, it’s all fulfilling and can add new meaning to your life. All of you were born with the gift of expression - and this is one of the few careers that allows you to do that while generating commerce. It’s such the perfect balance. And it’s not just good for you - but good for everyone around you. Designing is a gift. A painful one at times - but the rewards last lifetimes and beyond.
Just last night I was in an uncomfortable and emotionally heated argument among family - I’m sitting there at the table crying, feeling isolated and angry and scared - no one there really understood me… I actually shrugged my shoulders and wept into my dinner napkin, saying, “I guess I need to go make some posters!!” Now before you laugh at me, would you ever hear a banker say at the end of an argument, “I need to go balance my checkbook!!” Ha! Nope. Or maybe he does??? Well, anyway - that’s why I’m a designer. I get paid to cry! To emote! To change people’s minds.
Lemme tell you a secret. When I first enrolled in PC I came from a fine art background. At my art school, the painting majors were the cool ones, the smart ones and the design majors were not so bright and looked so very uncool in their parachute pants and mullets. BUT, I was broke and tired of being so. Thinking I was selling out for going “commercial”, I argued with Hank. I said, while slamming a Motherwell book down on his desk, “this is what I’m giving up, isn’t it?” His response was to slam McLuhan’s “The Medium is the Message” down next to it and said, “These two things are the same. There’s no difference. Making a dollar doesn’t devalue that expression. Expression is expression and you’re in the wrong place if you think you can’t do that here at PC.” Or as a designer. A few quarters later in Mark Ligameri’s class, the light bulb went one and DING, I got it. And I’ve had it ever since.
People like us come to PC to change our lives. Only when one resists that change does that magic fail to happen - like when you hide. Getting the best out of PC means being open to growth - open to learning - open to change. That means, speaking up during critique, asking lots of questions, acknowledging your fears without letting them stop you, considering everyone’s comments of constructive criticism, brining in a TON of work (ie: 100 logo sketches per week) being a good classmate, good student, taking responsibility for yourself and a willingness to be helped and guided and to do the same for everyone else. A willingness to change.
These attitudes happen to describe Dave and Katie’s attitude as PC students, as it was mine years ago. Be yourselves and allow PC to find your greater selves. And in god’s name, if you see any designer dressed in parachute pants and a mullet, send them to Hank!!
~Anne
I am currently working with PC students to develop a PC retail experience. The class is large and we have divided into groups and while I must have known at some point I completely forgot they were fresh out of third quarter. (Retail Branding students typically are 6th quarter and up)
And in typical PC fashion I have expected a higher level from them. Not demanded. Just expected. And because they are PC students… they will deliver.
Can’t wait to present to Hank. To present to the school. Five different groups. Five different solutions. Problem solvers all.
Not to say there have been ups, downs and a certain amount of pain. And prob’ly if we are engaged and really into it. Just a bit more pain.
I just can’t say how wonderful it is to see Dave, Katie, Julie and others post. I love you all. I wish you well.
I was crushed when I first moved to Hotlanta and took in the design scene. I was fortunate to place my infant (2 weeks!) son downstairs with Gemma’s son in a nursery they called Happy Duck.
He was ultimately kicked out for incessant crying.
Now a great big finance major at UT.
I remember those days so well. The parents would show up for graduation and I would think OH MY GOD THEY ARE SOOOO OLD.
Today I completely identify with them.
Keep in touch with us.
We live to learn.
We live for your success.
Your “old” teacher,
Martha Gill
Martha,
thank you for your high expectations, I truly wouldn’t be where I am tonight without teachers, mentors, and friends like you. In less than 48 hours I will be a Designer at DesignKitchen in downtown Chicago, I still can’t believe it, and starting this summer I too will be teaching (just one class per quarter) at a Design school here in Chicago (the design chair is a fellow PC alum, we’re everywhere I tell ya!). Maybe I will pick up your torch and teach retail/packaging/color to these kids up here in the windy city.
Keep livin’ Martha! Julie
It’s so exciting to see that the most contagious emotion I’ve heard of–enthusiasm–is so much a part of what seems to be happening at PC. I will be a first quarter student beginning in April and I couldn’t be more pleased with the direction I’ve chosen. I’ve emailed Dave to congratulate him on the achievement of his book launching and he’s responded with total humility and gratitude. It’s encouraging to say the least. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you (who still remain when I arrive….now someone must need a roomate right?)
Yes, Mike. Lots of energy and enthusiasm. Get plenty of rest BEFORE you come here, though. There’ll be no time for that after.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Amazing stuff Dave, it is quite an inspiration and is just convincing me more and more to attend PC. It was great meeting Fernando yesterday, maybe I will see you around if I intern in ATL this summer.
Best of luck with the beginning of your journey!
I hate writing on these things, but here goes. I agree with everyone, even though I never got the priviledge to take Hank’s class, I did get in his face every now and then. I can say that without, yes Hank, but Tania, Fernando, Melissa Kuperminc, I wouldn’t be sitting here in my CoHO Apartment, packing up my belongings and moving. I got a job at GoBig Branding in Boston MA. In the end of the day, it was Portfolio Center that got me the job. It wasn’t Hank calling someone to set up an interview, it was my work and what I learned here at PC. It was Nicole Reikki asking, Why are you using red, why this type face? It was Melissa always keeping me on track and teaching me what a story really was. Every teacher touched me in some way; if was good or bad (yes we know this does happen from time to time) it taught me something. It was the friends I made, because in the end of the day, team work is what makes it come alive. Ask for help and you will get it. Just remember to return the favor.
Because of the support and the what I have learned, I am ready to go to Bean Town and GoBig to kick some ass. Thank you Portfolio Center.
I am so amazed. And inspired. And just damn excited.
If you have not. Go see Dave Werner’s book. NOW.
Get ready Dave. You just went global.
http://www.okaydave.com/
Each of you can have a book this good. Like this.
This is the new thing. And you are here.
At PC. Now.
Did I say now? This may just be the very best time to be at PC.
And I have been here 20 years.
Trust Hank. Trust Tanya. Trust Gemma. Trust Michelle. Trust Fern. Trust Anne. Trust Shawn. Trust Peter. Trust Sylvia.
Trust. Trust. Trust whoever I forgot…
Trust us all.
Trust this place. Trust the process.
When I wrote e’zines I interviewed the dude who created perpetual bubble wrap. and slap a spice girl. my book is a cult classic. just before the internet went bust.
Published in french, spanish, and I think japanese. I interviewed the Onion, the Motley Fools, Salon, Time, Forturne, Ocean Drive and more… sort of a snap shot in internet time…
what struck me was the incredible power of the web. Even as it went bust. and boy did it bust!
It had the power to create a real time/real life experience.
Along with the many I interviewed… I could never accept that the internet was a complete bust. I knew it would be back. And better than ever.
ttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1564965554/sr=8-6/qid=1142386801/ref=sr16/103-5343200-6345423?%5Fencoding=UTF8
link to book/ fyi - don’t buy – just take my class…
I love the web. I love the medium.
It is so real. so intense. And the big mistake is to think that it’s over.
Because… It is so far from over. And yes. the world is flat, flat, flat.
So.
Embrace the interactivity. Embrace all the mediums. Embrace it all.
As a teacher I feel a tipping point coming. (thank you malcolm gladwell) A new generation. Shout out to Wade T.
As PC students you will be or you already are comfortable with the computer + the world wide web in a way that most cannot understand.
I just love it.
Dig in. Print, Web, Reality. Life.
It is the brave new world of being a designer. And you are here. (have I said that already?)
Don’t be negative. Be positive. Show up at PC with a tractor trailer ready to download. Not an eyedropper ready to pick and choose.
Take it all. It is all here for you.
Hey Martha, have you read “The World is Flat” by Thomas L. Friedman?
My truck is cleaned out–figuratively, it’s actually a honda–…but it rolls into Atlanta in 2 weeks. I can’t help but think I’m on the cusp of a rediculously interesting two years.
PC is so much more than a school. It’s is an emotional journey that ends at the beginning of realizing who you are and what you want out of life. PC pushed me to ask more of myself than I ever thought possible. It drove me to prove to myself that I could do it all and more.
Once you’ve been, you’re in the club of knowing. there isn’t much more to say than that.
*UNRELATED FOOTNOTE: I miss my Martha Gill. She can pull the designer out of anyone.
Apparently, some guy is selling his student book on eBay. The listing is pretty funny, but does anybody think this is real?
Thoughts?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6626642598
I too miss my Martha Gill too. I didn’t make a move without consulting the multi-talented Ms. Gill, creative genius behind Gill Design. As one of her corporate clients, I can tell you that her designs always pushed the envelope and were well received by the “boys from the E-suite” as well as our customers. When I moved to California, I lost touch with Ms. Gill. Now, I’m back in Atlanta and want to re-connect. Martha, if you are reading this, please call! I’m in the phone book.
i can’t even imagine doing any worthwhile with no sleep. it doesn’t make any sense. every study ever conducted shows that quality of work rapidly declines=less sleep.
lame.