CAT hosts annual Industry Day

By:  Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications                     communications@bloomfield.edu

Prospective students looking to pursue their creative passions were given a window into life as both a Bloomfield College student and as a professional in the field Mar. 22, as the institution’s Creative Arts and Technology division held its annual “Industry Day” on the school’s 11-acre campus.

Joined by the school’s Office of Admission, the department welcomed 40 prospective students for a day featuring professional guest speakers, guided campus tours, and instant admissions decisions.  The morning began with a chance for students to show off their talents in the Student Center, as participants were given the opportunity to design and create their own personalized t-shirts as one of the day’s gifts.

Students also received the chance to have their work critiqued by Creative Arts and Technology faculty members in formal portfolio reviews, allowing future Bloomfield creatives to receive feedback rarely seen in a college visit.

“The portfolio review process gives prospective students an opportunity to meet both industry professionals and faculty, and get valuable feedback on the artistic work they have done,” professor Tom Toynton said.  “The feedback serves as a focal point of discussion about the students and their work, their dreams, and passion for their art. It gives them a great taste of what the Creative Arts and Technology program is like, and how they would fit in as a student." 

During the afternoon session, industry professionals took center stage for a series of lectures on their work and a life in the field.  Guest speakers Rick Anderson (FUBAR Labs), Gabe Askew (Hornet, Inc.), Tony Conniff (New York Music Producers), Sean Justice (Myers Media Art Studio), Ben Norskov (Antidote Games) and College alum Kahlin Wattley ‘08 (Technicolor Postworks) each gave individual presentations, and concluded the day’s festivities with a panel discussion in Westminster Arts Center’s Van Fossan Theatre.

“Industry Day is an excellent way for students to get some perspective on what it looks like to have a professional practice in a creative field,” Norskov said.  “I learn something from the other speakers that speak every year, and Industry Day is something I wish I would have had in my college experience.  Had I been able to go then, I believe many of my misconceptions about how professional designers function would have been changed for the better.”

“Industry Day is a celebration of learning, as all who participate in it or attend it come away with a new perspective,” division chairperson Nancy Bacci said.  “CAT students get the opportunity to attend the workshops and learn something new, have a conversation with our guests, ask them questions and start to create their personal networks.  It is such a wonderful day, and we had another great turnout this year.  It is an event we will without question continue to put on in the future.”

Click here to view our Flickr photo gallery from Industry Day.

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