Question 1

Is Pair Up free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we believe access to the industry should be open to everyone. You just need a Creative Lives in Progress account to apply.

Question 2

Who can apply for a Pair Up?

Accepted Answer

Pair Up is designed for emerging creatives, usually in the first five years of their career, but anyone can apply. To get the most from a portfolio review, come with a specific project you’d like feedback on, or a portfolio that represents you well. For career advice, have a few specific questions you’d like to talk through in the 30 minutes.

Question 3

How do applicants get selected for a Pair Up?

Accepted Answer

Pair Up is currently in beta, and we’re still testing the best way to select applicants. For now, each Pair Up pro either reviews applications or selects at random. We’ll share more once the test stage is over. We’re also adding more pros, so more slots will become available.

Question 4

What should I expect from a Portfolio Review session?

Accepted Answer

A portfolio review is a 30-minute, one-to-one video call with your Pair Up pro, focused on your work. You can take one of two approaches:

Project-based feedback looks at one or two individual projects in detail. It’s the most popular option and works well if you want to improve specific work.

Portfolio-based feedback looks at your portfolio as a whole, from how it’s structured and designed to the mix of work you’ve included. It’s useful if you’re preparing to apply for a particular role or type of job.

Either way, tell your pro what you’re hoping to get out of the session so they can tailor their feedback, and aim to spend more time discussing the work than presenting it. Our Pair Up guide has more on how to prepare.

Question 5

What can I expect from a Career Advice session?

Accepted Answer

A career advice session is a 30-minute, one-to-one video call where you can talk openly with your Pair Up pro about your next steps, rather than reviewing specific work.

That might mean how they got to where they are, how to break into a particular discipline or type of studio, what employers look for in junior hires, how to approach freelancing, or how to make sense of a decision you’re weighing up.

You don’t need to show any work, though you’re welcome to have your portfolio ready if it helps the conversation. The best sessions are the ones where you come with a few questions in mind, so it’s worth reviewing your pro’s background beforehand and thinking about what you’d most like to learn from them.

Question 6

Can I apply for more than one Pair Up?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we’d encourage it, since different Pair Up pros bring different perspectives. If you’re selected for a slot that clashes with another application, you’ll automatically be withdrawn from any other Pair Ups at the same date and time.

Question 7

Where do Pair Ups take place?

Accepted Answer

All Pair Ups happen online. If you’re selected, you’ll get a calendar invite and an email with a Google Meet link for your 30-minute session with your Pair Up pro.

Question 8

What do I do if I need to cancel my Pair Up?

Accepted Answer

We understand plans change. If you can’t make your slot, let your Pair Up pro know as soon as possible so we can offer it to someone else. Slots are at fixed times, so we can’t always reschedule.

Question 9

Can I become a Pair Up pro?

Accepted Answer

We’re currently in beta. After that, Pair Up will open to all our Company Partners. If you’d like to become a Company Partner, email workwithus@creativelivesinprogress.com.

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