“It has become incredibly hard to establish oneself in the creative world. The Student Portfolio Day has become a forum on how to land a job and stay in-demand in today’s creative business environment. Choosing the right way to develop one’s talent is crucial, and too often young people are left with no support to develop their potential,” says Mariëtte du Plessis, senior partner, at Adams & Adams. “It is always fantastic to be part of an initiative that sets out to nurture talented young creatives.”

“For people who are new to the creative industry, one of the hardest things to do is get their work in front of creative decision makers. The Adams & Adams Student Portfolio Day is like speed dating for creatives – giving the students the chance to find their future employers,” says CEO of the Loeries, Andrew Human.

Students from South Africa’s top design schools, who work across all genres, participate in the initiative. This year saw students from Vega, AAA, Inscape Design College, the Design School of SA, the Red & Yellow School, AFDA, the University of Johannesburg, the Durban University of Technology, the Design School SA, and Greenside Design Centre College of Design submit their work.

“Graduating students and emerging talent are invited to network with some of the country’s the top creative minds. Whether students decide to join a firm or work as a freelancer, they receive important career guidelines, get priceless opinion on their work, and start to build a network of contemporaries and professionals who share their perspective on what works, what doesn't, and why,” says Du Plessis.

But Du Plessis says the firm’s involvement is twofold: “It has also become an important opportunity for students who are entering the market to learn about the protection of their creative works.”

Du Plessis comments that as a nurturer and protector of the intellectual property of local creative works for over 100 years, the firm is a perfect fit with the world of the creative. “Apart from showcasing their work, it imperative that students are also empowered by providing them with the necessary tools to prevent the devaluation of, and under-appreciation of, the commercial value of their work. Only once they have embraced this concept do they realise that the protection of their endeavours is vital to their financial success. It is then that the status quo will change and creative rights will be respected."

“Whether it’s copyright, design, patent, or trade marks - we believe these should be concepts which form part of the lexicon of the new generation of creative. We encourage anyone in need of assistance with protecting their work, to give us a call, drop us an email or just tweet us," Du Plessis concludes.

Adams & Adams is also the exclusive legal advisor to the Loeries, as well as being the sponsor of the Young Creatives Award. The category recognises the work of young creatives under the age of 27 who are just starting out in their careers. The two selected winners each receive a R50 000 prize, courtesy of Adams & Adams.

Adams & Adams professionals will be on hand at the Loeries Expo for more information about protecting your creative.

Adams & Adams was recently nominated the winner of the BASA Awards In-Kind Category for its collaboration with multi-faceted creative platform Design Indaba.

Loerie delegates will be able to meet the best students from South Africa's top tertiary institutions at the Adams & Adams Student Portfolio Day on Friday, 14 August at the Durban ICC.

For more information, visit the Adams & Adams website.