You have decided to take art school seriously. You’ve decided to get serious about art school.
We have reviewed countless portfolios and wanted to share some tips on how to create your own. This advice will assist you in creating a portfolio which showcases your creative, technical and conceptual abilities, and sets you apart from other applicants.
1. Please read the criteria carefully
Each school has their own requirements for a Portfolio. Look at the requirements of each school that you are applying to – what they want, how many pieces there will be, in what format and when. Your portfolio must meet all requirements.
2. Organize examples effectively
Your presentation and thinking process will be reflected in the way you organize your pieces. Admissions counselors can better focus on your skills and narrative if you’re conscientious of the order your work is displayed.
3. Write clear, concise labels
The majority of art schools will ask for some basic information regarding the pieces in your portfolio. Standard information includes the title, date and medium description. If you are asked for more information, be as detailed as possible without going overboard.
4. Prepare to discuss every piece
You may be asked to explain your work or answer questions during an interview or portfolio presentation. It’s not necessary to memorize every detail of your selections, but you should revisit them and recall their creation process. It’s especially important to remember this if you are including old works.
5. Tell us stories
You should include in your portfolio not only your technical skills, but also your storytelling abilities. Consider the deeper meaning behind each example. You can make this deeper meaning more meaningful if you can relate it to an experience or unique characteristic that makes you stand out from other candidates.
6. Quantity is not everything
You shouldn’t worry about the number of pieces in your portfolio as long as you meet the requirements for the school. It’s okay to have more pieces, but they shouldn’t compromise your quality.
7. Get outside advice
You will think about your work a lot when you create an art portfolio. You can easily let your perception cloud your judgement. Asking for advice and opinions from trusted advisors will help you gain a fresh perspective on your work and give it a whole new meaning. A National Portfolio Day is an excellent way to receive feedback on your portfolio.
8. Display your technical abilities
Artists use technical skills to convey the meaning or message of a work. Admissions counselors can also get a feel for your potential. They also give admissions counselors a sense of your potential.
9. Don’t choose cliche examples
You should have pieces in your portfolio that are unique and different from what other applicants will submit. Portraits of still-life are a common type of work that we see in many portfolios. While they can demonstrate technical skill, they don’t tell a narrative or have any “concept“. You should include these, but include other examples with them.
10. What would you like to see develop?
Even the most qualified applicants have much to learn, so art schools appreciate students with a clear sense of direction. Include these pieces in your portfolio if you want to focus your art career on animation or graphic design. Explain why you selected these areas if they are acceptable.
Your portfolio will show art schools that your are a technically competent, creative artist. You can create a portfolio that showcases your talents and allows you to get into your dream art school if you are patient, take the time to edit and ask for help.