Nine Pointers for Your Portfolio
Research the requirements
Learn the specific requirements or exercises that each school to which you are applying may require. Many art schools provide definitive parameters for the work that needs to be submitted. The guidelines vary between courses and schools. Make sure your portfolio submission meets every requirement for each school.
2. Share your experience & background
Consider choosing pieces for your portfolio that highlight your personal interest in a particular subject or medium. Connect your ideas to a specific experience or unique attribute that sets you apart from others.
3. Dare to be original
It’s important to demonstrate good technical skills, but it is equally important to make sure that your portfolio showcases work that reflects your original ideas and concepts.
4. Include observational drawing
Most art and design classes require you to have a certain skill level in observational drawing, so schools look for observational drawing or painting from still life, figure models, or landscapes. However, don’t use drawings created from photographs. Reviewers want to see that you can translate 3D concepts into a 2D space, while competently maintaining shape, proportion, tone, perspective, surface qualities, detail, space, and form. Think about selecting a subject that holds meaning for you, rather than just choosing any random object to draw.
5. Maintain a sketchbook
Sometimes you’ll be asked to show how you developed your ideas and how your work has grown — your process. The research and processes you use to develop your work are often as important as the final work itself and allow reviewers to understand your work in context and see how it was initiated and developed. Some art schools may even require that you submit your sketchbook along with your portfolio.
6. Create digital copies of all artwork
Most schools require you to upload your portfolio or send digital attachments rather than paper copies. Save your work with a high enough pixel count so the reviewer can enlarge it without pixelation. Use RGB color mode and save in JPG or PDF formats. Stay organized by archiving a high-resolution image for your records, and creating folders of your work that include title, medium, date, and size so that they are easily searchable. Use outdoor or natural light to photograph your portfolio pieces. When shooting 3D artwork, use a three-point light system: one overhead light, and two spotlights set at 45º angles to the piece for the best result.
7. Choose carefully
A college portfolio submission usually consists of 10-20 digital images of your best and most recent work. Most importantly, choose work that best communicates your artistic skills and experiences, creative ideas, and passion. Be sure that each piece highlights your skills, shows your ambition, and represents your talents. The way you arrange the different pieces in your portfolio reflects your thought process and enables admissions counselors to better understand your work’s narrative and focus on your skills. It is better to have 10 strong pieces than 15 or 20 that aren’t as strong. Organize the portfolio to create a flow.
8. Talk about your art
Set up a “mock” interview to practice talking about the creation process of your work and the meaning it has for you. Be able to explain why you created the work, what it’s about, and the media you used. In addition, most art schools will require some basic information about selections in your portfolio - usually a title, date, and medium. If more information is required, add a brief description without being excessive.
9. Get Feedback
Arrange for a portfolio review. It is extremely helpful to get feedback on your portfolio from college admission representatives before applying to programs. You can attend a virtual or in-person National Portfolio Day event at which many art schools will have admissions representatives to review your work. Many schools hold their own portfolio days. Participating in these open days, whether in person or virtual, is a great way to learn if the school is a good fit for you.
If you are looking for assistance with your portfolio for arts school admissions, contact Best Fit Education. The BFE consultants will help you put together a portfolio that showcases your creativity and skills.
