Tag Archives: Jake Hollander

TAG’s inaugural Portfolio Review Day is almost here!

The Animation Guild’s inaugural Portfolio Review Day has been a labor of love organized by storyboard artists Jake Hollander and Crystal Kan.

“Jake and I organized the event because we were frustrated with certain events and organizations that prey on animation students’ aspirations and dreams to join our industry,” says Kan. “So we made a plan for a free portfolio review event and turned to our union leadership for the location and sponsorship. We hope that by helping the future of our industry, students will learn the importance of our union and become an active engaged member.”

More than 180 people submitted portfolios to the event, which will take place on May 19th between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 20 artists and writers have volunteered to give reviews or help out with the event.

“The portfolio review is a great exercise in learning from your fellow guild members or from professionals, if one is not already working,” says animation director Tom Riffel, who has volunteered as a reviewer. “It’s so important to get feedback from people who might not be officially in charge of you, and especially from your peers.”

When TAG sent out a call for volunteers, Britney Thoreson, a background designer at Cartoon Network, signed up right away: “I’ve received some of the best critiques and advice whenever I went to similar events as an art student so I wanted to pay it forward just as other professional artists had done for me. I admire any artist who is looking to improve their portfolio.  Sometimes you just need to hear a few critiques and be inspired to push it in the right direction.”

Kan and Hollander said they could always use some extra hands at the event. If you’re interested in volunteering, email them at tagportfolioreview@gmail.com.