A Short Guide to Preparing an Art Portfolio for College

“This is your exhibit of work: Curate a selection of pieces that speak to you. Consider experimentation and personal making. Documentation: Take care with how you present your work. Less is more.” -Parsons, The New School

“Show what inspires you! We like to see developed concepts and evocative ideas, not just technical exercises.” -Rhode Island School of Design, RISD

Requirements:

Non-art school- The creative portfolio is optional and does not need to be major specific. It can include paintings, drawings, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics etc.

Some art schools- You will need to review the specific requirements by major for photography, film, architecture, and production design may have very specific requirements.

“We look for flexible, curious, and critical makers.” -University of California Los Angeles, UCLA

Include:

12-20 examples of your most recent work (high school and especially last 2 years) that showcases your thinking and making, in any medium, finished or sketch form.

The majority should feature finished pieces, with some research or preparatory work in about 3 portfolio selections.

Include 3-5 examples that involve drawing from direct observation.

Examples of observational works include: landscape, still-life, self-portrait, figure drawings & interior spaces.

“A portfolio is a collection of your work, which shows how your skills and ideas have developed over a period of time. It demonstrates your creativity, personality, abilities and commitment, and helps us to evaluate your potential.” -University of the Arts, London

Exclude:

Excessive visual elements and text descriptions in a single slide. There is a separate box in Slideroom to write the description.

Copies of famous artworks, or work that replicates anime drawings, cartoons, or video game character designs.

Tips:

Additional detail shots can be uploaded as a video or composite.

Watch portfolio webinars offered for free from art colleges and watch examples from students on Youtube.

Seek advice from National Portfolio Day and please reach out to me for advice. I love to help students on their portfolio presentations and on crafting artist statements, writing descriptions for portfolio pieces, and helping students prepare for art school interviews.

Guidelines:

1)   This is your opportunity to communicate your technical skills and inspire your audience.

2)   Include your best works. Experiment with a variety of tools, techniques, processes and art forms. Include process/development work if permitted.

3)   Be bold. Choose works that best communicate your goals and aspirations. Highlight your skills and goals to align with those of the college. Read the motto, vision statement, and values to find out information.

4) Include some personal, independent, self-directed work that has been completed outside the classroom. This helps to give an indication of your current involvement and interest in the arts.

5)   As you apply to various institutions you may want to tailor your portfolio to best match the admissions requirements. Visit admission pages on art school websites to ensure your portfolio meets all the necessary requirements.

Questions:

Is your work personal?

How are you displaying your process?

Are you using space effectively?

Are you exploring different forms of media?

Have you documented your work properly?

Is your portfolio curated?

Be yourself – reveal your personality and interests.

Aim for artwork that is new, fresh, and about something that matters to you.

Your portfolio should be individual to you. Let your portfolio reflect your strengths, interests and experiences and represent who you are.

If you share what you are most excited about in your artwork, colleges and universities will have no problem seeing what makes you unique and special.

“Ultimately, it’s all about passion and ideas, and so if you include the kinds of things that you’re most excited about, that you’re most proud of, then chances are your portfolio submission will make a strong impression.” – Ringling College of Art and Design, United States