Portfolio Review

Careers involving a creative role are highly competitive. Get an edge on the hiring game by having professionals look at your portfolio and give you valuable feedback. This event is ideal for students and young professionals looking to get their portfolios interview ready.

In partnership with MSU, AAF: Lansing will be hosting a Portfolio Review at the MSU Stadium.

March 14th, 2024

6:00 PM-9:00 PM

MSU Career Services

Portfolios are not limited to a certain type. If you are in a creative field, you are welcome to attend! We will have professionals with a variety of backgrounds to give multiple perspectives.

• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Marketing
• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Photography
• Videography
• Public relations
• Web design
• Copywriting

MEET THE PROFESSIONALS

Allie Siarto

• Title: Photographer / Professor of Practice for MSU's Advertising and PR Department
• Company: Allie Siarto & Co Photography / Michigan State University
• Bio: Allie Siarto is a professor of practice for MSU's Advertising and PR Department. After working for Edelman Public Relations in Chicago, Allie started her own boutique agency focused on social media listening and research, working with global brands like Wrigley, New Balance, PF Chang's, Radio Flyer, and Mini Cooper. She later moved into commercial photography, helping brands to create product and marketing imagery.
• Areas of expertise: Photography, Public Relations, Social Media

Allison Raeck

• Title: Content Director
• Company: Redhead Creative Consultancy
• Bio: Allison is content director at Redhead Creative Consultancy, a branding and advertising firm based in Downtown Lansing. Redhead specializes in marketing for social change, and primarily works with nonprofits and municipalities, spanning industries from higher education to healthcare. In her role, Allison writes content across mediums, develops marketing plans and strategies, and helps oversee creative campaigns for clients.
• Areas of expertise: Copywriting, Marketing

Angelique DuPhene

• Title: Creative Director & Chief Operating Officer
• Company: InVerve Marketing
• Bio: A graduate of Grand Valley State University, Angelique was brought up in the corporate world working for many years at Meijer Corporate with every major brand in the store from Apple to Disney to Kraft. Today she runs the day to day operations at InVerve Marketing, where she also acts as the creative director, and in a pinch steps in for graphic design, photography and really any services the clients may need.
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design, Web Design, Video, Photography, Advertising, Marketing

Bear Nelson

• Title: Graphic Designer
• Company: Ciesa Design
• Bio: Bear works on graphic identities along with their applications in print and digital contexts, photography, animations & video edits.
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design

Brianne Witt

• Title: Assistant Professor of Studio Art and Gallery Director for Ganton Art Gallery
• Company:  Spring Arbor University
• Bio: Brianne has been teaching drawing and painting at Spring Arbor University for nine years. She works in a variety of mediums from traditional to digital and outside of teaching does commission portraits and illustration work. Her historical illustrations have been published in multiple books, magazines, and are on three different historical markers around Jackson, Michigan. In the next academic year, she will be taking over the typography and beginning graphic design courses at Spring Arbor University.
• Areas of expertise: Illustration, Graphic Design

Christopher Corneal

• Title: Associate Professor of Graphic Design
• Company:  Michigan State University
• Bio: Chris Corneal is Associate Professor of Graphic Design in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University. In addition to his regular teaching duties, Prof. Corneal also serves as the Faculty Advisor for Design Center and the Director of Graphic Design Internships. He received his BFA in Graphic Design from Western Kentucky University and his MFA in Graphic Design from University of Memphis.
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design

Drew Smith

• Title: Creative Director
• Company: Güd Marketing
• Bio: After working several years as an in-house graphic designer, Drew joined the agency world as an art director and eventually became creative director at Güd Marketing. In his 15+ year career, Drew has led and designed for several branding projects, produced a branded video series, and developed state- and nation-wide campaigns. In his free time, Drew plays Fortnite with his kids, rides his bike, and uses oxford commas.
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design, Video, Marketing

Elizabeth McKerr

• Title: Graphic Designer
• Company: WIELAND
• Bio: Elizabeth graduated with a BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, MI in 2012. After that she spent 5 years in an agency in Lansing/Kalamazoo before finding her home at WIELAND Construction in Lansing, MI doing internal branding and graphic design for all of the WIELAND offices. 
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design

John Addis

• Title: CEO & Chief Strategist
• Company: Addis Enterprises
• Bio: John K. Addis has tackled more than 500 unique projects for businesses, organizations, and individuals. His work has been discussed and highlighted in local and national press, including CBS News, The Atlantic, The New York Times, and even parodied on The Tonight Show. A former graphic and web design instructor, Addis has personally won awards in categories as diverse as web design, video production, photography, logo design, campaign development, writing, and original music composition. Addis is the owner of Addis Enterprises, a 20-person design & marketing firm in Lansing, Michigan, which was founded out of his Michigan State University dorm room in 1998, and currently serves as Lt. Governor of District 6 of the American Advertising Federation.
• Areas of expertise:  Web Design, Video, Photography, Copywriting, Graphic Design, Advertising

Justin Caine

• Title: Managing Member
• Company: Good Fruit Video 
• Bio: Justin has been working in video production for nearly two decades and was a founding partner of Good Fruit Video when it launched in 2009. His company's clients range from small businesses and non-profits to universities, healthcare systems and large corporations. Justin is a proud member of the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and an active advocate within his community of individuals with disabilities.
• Areas of expertise: Video

Kate Grove

• Title: Digital Media Specialist
• Company: Redhead Creative Consultancy
• Bio: Kate is a digital media specialist at Redhead Creative Consultancy, a branding and advertising firm based in Downtown Lansing. Redhead specializes in marketing for social change, and primarily works with nonprofits and municipalities, spanning industries from higher education to healthcare. In her role, much of Kate's time is spent managing the social media needs of Redhead's clients and in-house brands, as well as developing content for various client campaigns.
• Areas of expertise: Public Relations, Social Media, Copywriting

Linda Beach

• Title: Graphic Designer
• Company: Michigan State University 
• Bio: Linda Beach is a graphic designer for Student Life & Engagement at Michigan State University (MSU) who specializes in print design and has an affinity for logos, typography and package design. Linda is part of a team that crafts communications, designs brand campaigns, and delivers materials that help audiences understand the value of living on campus and engaging with the many aspects of MSU. When she isn’t at work, Linda is active in her community, often working on design projects for her church and children’s school!
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design

Moe Ferland

• Title: Digital Media Specialist
• Company: Redhead Creative Consultancy
• Bio: Moe Ferland is a digital media specialist for Redhead Creative Consultancy, located in Downtown Lansing and is also a gallery assistant for the Nelson Gallery (also located in Downtown). She actively works in graphic design, web development, product photography, media planning and strategy, branding, and social media management. Outside of her position at Redhead, she is also a professional, interdisciplinary artist that has showcased work in places like Detroit, Lansing, and Pensacola. Moe is also a published children’s book illustrator."
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design, Web Design, Photography, Marketing, Branding

Sherri Days

• Title: Graphic Designer
• Company: Sherri Days | Graphic Design
• Bio: Sherri is a freelance graphic designer with a focus on information visualization. She's worked for Abbott and Modern Widows Club and volunteered with AIGA Minnesota, CatchaFire and AAF Lansing. She's a Kendall College of Art and Design graduate and an Air Force veteran.
• Areas of expertise: Graphic Design

This event is open to AAF: Lansing members (Not a member? Sign up here first). Registration is required to participate. Registration ends March 11th. Time slots for specific professionals will be made available after registration on March 12th.

Students who sign up are expected to attend their designated time slot(s). 

Note: If you would like to attend and are unable to pay for the AAF: Lansing membership, please reach out to Randi Martinez (mart1705@msu.edu) or Victoria Morris (morrisvi@msu.edu) to discuss potential scholarship opportunities.