Portfolio Development Q&A

• What is Portfolio Development?

 

 

Art colleges typically have more strenuous requirements than Art high schools, but both advise applicants to upload 8-20 images. Unless your portfolio is being reviewed in person, such as an audition, in-person portfolio review, or on National Portfolio Day, they will rarely ask to see the original artwork.  If this is the case, the documentation quality must be as high as possible.

 

Most art colleges and schools organize their programs with a focus on fine arts or applied arts. However, some schools may custom-tailor student curricula according to your individual needs and interests. You should always ask. 

 

Using different processes and materials while developing portfolios can provide evidence of your creative latitude and willingness to take creative risks. Including works that visually depict experiences relevant to your intended major can also be an effective strategy for strengthening a portfolio. A well-maintained sketchbook provides art schools with abundant evidence of planning, art practice, process/experimentation, risk-taking, and flexible-purposing (the ability to change strategies when the original one is no longer relevant).

 

 

• Should an art portfolio include conceptually cohesive work?

 

Students who consistently win art competitions, are awarded scholarships, and are accepted to the top art schools have portfolios that share two qualities: conceptual cohesiveness and a consistent aesthetic.     

 

A conceptually cohesive body of work is informed by a thematic idea, process or processes, the artist's materials, or a combination of all three. If selecting a thematic idea dominates other aspects of your portfolio, it should reflect your interests, individuality, and artistic vision. Sources for ideas can vary, ranging from cultural and sociological topics to self-exploration, ecology, identity, and storytelling, among others. Again, the thread connecting all the works in your portfolio should be consistent and cohesive.

 

Another way a portfolio’s conceptual cohesiveness can be expressed is through a thematic process. This process may serve as an investigation into a predetermined objective, or perhaps a discovered objective.

 

Thematic examples of conceptually cohesive portfolios based on materials include exploring or repurposing non-traditional industrial materials to create art, as well as recycled or upcycled materials, or materials that evoke a sense of memory for you.

 

• Should my portfolio include observational content?

 

During portfolio reviews, admissions representatives must assess the applicant's perceptual skills. In other words, how well you can represent the three-dimensional world you live in depends on how well you understand it. This is also called spatial perspective. In recent years, lacking college-level perceptual skills is not necessarily a deal-breaker in the admissions stage, especially if the portfolio contains ample evidence of conceptual thinking and an openness to experimentation with different processes and materials. If you have done the work, include about five pieces completed from direct observation. Draw, paint, or sculpt what you see. Otherwise, expect a foundation year with rigorous drawing courses.

 

 

• What media should I use in my portfolio? Is there a preferred media, process, or technique?

 

The answer to this question can vary depending on the school or program you are applying to. It might be logical to assume that your portfolio should focus on a material or process you excel at. However, it is no secret that admissions teams actively seek applicants with diverse skills, artistic interests, and techniques.

 

It is advisable to thoroughly research the art school(s) you’re applying to. Pay close attention to the kind of artistic culture the school fosters. Some art schools have strong conservatory-style programs. Other schools are more invested in applied arts or both. 

 

To showcase your creativity and your interests, experiment with a variety of media and techniques in your portfolio. This approach demonstrates your adaptability and curiosity.

​

 

• How can you make an original art portfolio?

 

Inform your art with your interests. Your interests are more unique than you imagine. Admissions teams seek applicants who do this successfully. They have to choose between applicants with varied backgrounds, so you should avoid making derivative art and focus on work that is original, authentic, and distinctive. 

Including observational work in your portfolio is important because it provides evidence that you possess technical skills; however, you should seek to make work that highlights who you are and what matters to you. 

​

• Documentation and the order of presentation

 

Your work is as good as its documentation. The quality of documentation affects the perception of your work. If possible, hire a photographer. Make sure the work is shot perpendicular to the camera lens, the lighting is even, the artwork is cropped, sized, and formatted according to the school’s recommendations before uploading.

 

You may have created a lot of work for your portfolio, but you should select only your best pieces. The quality of your work should remain consistent throughout your portfolio. Avoid including incomplete work unless you wish to showcase a specific aspect of your process. The arrangement of your portfolio pieces is also crucial, as it reflects how you present yourself. Group together pieces that are conceptually cohesive around an idea, theme, or process. This strategy offers your admissions counselor a deeper understanding of your artistic abilities. The first piece in your portfolio should be your strongest, and your last piece should be your second strongest. Seek second and third opinions from your art instructor or friends who can provide a critical perspective. 

 

The effort and focus essential to a successful art portfolio require critical self-reflection and assessment. Sometimes, personal perceptions affect your judgment. This is normal even for mature artists. If you want to gain a new or alternative perspective and expand your understanding of your portfolio, seek feedback from an art instructor or artistic mentor. If your school does not have a portfolio development program, you can join an art portfolio development course at a private studio like Foundations Art Studio. Sometimes museums offer portfolio development classes, too. Lastly, most private art schools will schedule a portfolio review for free. This is an excellent opportunity to get valuable advice and insights from professionals.