As a soon-to-be college graduate that was aspiring to break into the printing and production industry one of the most important things that I could use to market myself was a portfolio website. The work that was showcased on my portfolio said a lot more about my skills with Adobe Creative Suite and knowledge of design theory than my resume ever could.
As I was going through the application process I realized that it was not only my portfolio that employers wanted to see but they want to know about myself as a designer. What am I inspired by? What motivates me? What influences my design style? These types of questions could not be answered in a resume or cover letter either but by adding an "ABOUT" section on my portfolio website would allow these employers to know me on a more personal level than a resume could.
On the Magnolia Market website, Chip and Joanna have a section on their page called "Our Story". On this page they don't list their credentials or academic achievements but they write about their professional experiences as a story. Yes, they detail their strengths, interests, and applicable skill sets but they do so in a way that allows the reader to feel as if they have known the couple for years.
I have found that when writing a biography, you want it to be informative AND engaging. Telling a story is the best way to do that because we all have a story that has led us to where we are. Accompanying the biography with a headshot of you without filters, a simple background, and a smile is the best way to tie the whole thing together and get you that job you have always wanted!
