What is ethical to include in self-promotion? Specifically, can you include work you created while working at other shops? How do you deal with collaborative work? Too many details about what you’ve contributed can start to sound a little crazy.
Also, my wife is an editor, and I’m working with ideas to incorporate what she does and market ourselves as a package. How do I handle work she is involved with currently since she is employed by an institution?
Most working people build their portfolios while working for someone, whether clients or a boss. As long as you (and your wife) actually did the work you are claiming to have done, there shouldn’t be a problem. And, if you worked as a member of a team, be honest about that.
Honest is crucial and your reputation is affected by credibility.
In my CV, I have a section called: Summary of Projects, Collaborations and Consultancies
My own guidelines for wording:
For projects I did — created, developed at or for
projects I directed — directed
Part of project team — collaborated with, contributed to
Consulting — depends on level — consulted, contributed, directed
—————————————————————————————————————————
Yes, I’m old, but consult my creative consultants when collaborating!
Thanks guys. I like Norberts take and specific wording. I have a tendency to get a bit too technical, which can make me seem a bit wobbly.
Oldnick. Not sure about your bold usage. Hope I’ve not done anything to make myself seem suspicious. I have never and would never misrepresent myself, although I can see from posts on Typophile that this is more common than I might suspect.
Here’s an example. My wife just finished editing a catalogue for an upcoming exhibition of the work of Anselm Kiefer. I’m not the designer on the project. If I show the book I’ll be very clear about what’s what. My question would be whether to show an image of the book or not?
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