Do's and Don'ts
When creating your portfolio.
The portfolio is the largest success indicator for admissions.
Advice is given on a case by case basis.
Often an AP Portfolio can be too confining for a student who is not able to stick with one theme for an entire school year. A general college portfolio can allow students to take a more intuitive path of discovery.
Careful consideration must be made before committing to either course of action.
Portfolio Planning
1. Read the criteria closely.
Each college or university is different
Don't be lazy.
Each college or university has its own set of requirements for a portfolio.
As part of your plan, you will share which colleges you plan on applying to so we can take a close look at what each school is requesting from applicants.
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How many pieces
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What format
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When it’s due
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How to submit
Make sure your portfolio submission meets every requirement.
2. Organize simply.
Arrangement is critical.
The way you arrange the different pieces in your portfolio reflects on your presentation skills and thought process.
If you are conscientious about the order in which your work is presented, admissions counselors will be able to better understand your work’s narrative and focus on your skill set.
Not sure how?
We have it covered!
How to organize your specific portfolio is part of each plan.
3. Write clearly and concisely.
Section Information
Most colleges want some basic information about selections in your portfolio.
A title, date, and description of the medium are standard.
Don't go overboard
As part of your plan, we will determine what to say and how to best communicate your intention.
4. Discussing each piece.
Explain parts of your work
Whether it's during an interview, a portfolio presentation, or even in an email, you may have to answer questions or explain parts of your work.
Remember your process
You don't need to memorize the details of each selection, but it is beneficial to remember the creation process.
This is especially important if you're including works from years ago.
As part of your plan, you will receive a packet that includes a journal with prompts that keep your ideas, thoughts, and process organized.
5. Tell stories.
Technical excellence isn't everything
Showcasing your technical ability is important, but you should also include works in your portfolio that show your storytelling skills.
Your intention
Think about the intention, symbolism, and deeper meaning of each piece.
You will tie your intention to a specific experience or unique attribute that sets you apart from other applicants.
6. Quality not quantity.
No need to freak out
As long as you meet the minimum requirements mentioned in the school’s application, you shouldn't be overly concerned about how many works are in your portfolio.
Quantity isn't always good
More pieces could help, but if it isn't your best work, never include it.
As part of your plan, we will go over each piece and decide if it needs to be revised or if you should discard and create something else.
Seeking advice and opinions on your work from a trusted advisor will broaden your perspective and help you see your portfolio in a new light.
Attending a National Portfolio Day and asking college admissions advisors are a great way to get input on your portfolio.
7. Don't do this alone.
Boxing yourself in
National Portfolio Days and College Admissions
Creating an art portfolio makes you think a lot about your own work and it's incredibly easy to get boxed in by your perception of your artwork and what you like vs. what is technically excellent.
8. Texcellence.
You worked hard show it off
Technical skills are what allow an artist to communicate the message or meaning of a piece and give admissions counselors a sense of your potential.
Colleges want to mold you
Colleges understand you still have a lot of growing and learning to do, but they also want to see a foundational level of technique that can be developed in school.
9. Cool doesn't always mean it should be in your portfolio.
Choose work that is authentic
Your portfolio should include pieces that art schools won't see from every other applicant.
Work always seen in portfolios are portraits and still life.
While pictures of fruit or flowers can show technical ability, they’re unlikely to tell a story or have a “concept.” You should include them, just include some other examples along with them.
Google and Pinterest are not your friend
When you are looking for ideas, Google and Pinterest can do more harm than good.
This is where you will see ideas that everyone else will use.
Don't be afraid to take a risk and develop your artistic voice. It will always pay off in the end.
Resources will be available to you depending on your plan.
10. Be proud and establish yourself as worthy.
Sense of direction
Colleges know that even the best-qualified applicants still have a lot of learning to do, and they appreciate prospective students who have a sense of direction.
It's not required, but if there are areas you'd like to direct your future career towards include those kinds of pieces in your portfolio.
If acceptable, explain these focus areas and why you chose them.
Not sure how?