Creating Portfioio Classes

[vreedy]

Good afternoon everyone. I am currently the CD at a Central PA agency and I have also instructed design classes at GW and The AIY (Art Institute of York). Lately, we have noticed some missing design skills from current portfolios coming from local designs schools. For instance, most designers graduating can't adequately sketch to properly illustrate their ideas, their portfolios are not quite ready for prime time, etc.

I'm teaming up with a local non-profit Art Council to offer classes to help fill in these "holes". Also, we are looking to get some great talent in to guest instruct for some courses and give students pro tips. I already have a brief outline of classes we are offering, but I would love to get some more input from Art Directors and Creative Directors out there. What "holes" if any do you see in students portfolios? What missing skills are you looking for. What puts a portfolio to the top of your hire list?

And, we would also like to hear from any students. What do you feel is missing from your schools? What skills sets would you like to work more on?

Thanks for your time in advance... any input is appreciated.