As a student who has now taken the next step to study art in college, you will need to submit a portfolio during the admissions process. For any artist, a professional portfolio speaks bounds about your work and acts as a catalyst for you to achieve your goals and have a successful career in your field. However, it is very important to know what makes your portfolio attractive to your college admissions committee. There are several guidelines to make note of while working on your portfolio.
Since most of the schools are quite selective, you should make sure you meet all the requirements and have submitted your portfolio accordingly. Thus, it is important to have a pool of good universities so that you have more options to choose from. Before you begin your exciting journey of studying your chosen program in fashion, design, or arts, you should prepare yourself for the tough application process in which each school or college has a different procedure.
Many students feel lost and are confused as to how they should build their own portfolios. EdNet School of Art and Design has been guiding and helping students to successfully apply to their choice of schools such as SAIC, Parsons- The New School, CCA, and many more. If you are also astray about what things you should most focus on to make an outstanding portfolio then below are listed a few things which you should take care of before applying.
Criteria
The first and foremost thing you should carefully check is the criteria which the school has set for undergraduates. Since there are plenty of universities that have a stellar reputation for their professional and industry-level courses in the arts, it is vital to take note of the guidelines before making a submission. You should be sure of how many pieces are required, what is the acceptable format, the deadline, and so on and so forth. Check multiple times to ensure that you meet all the requirements. As you are submitting your work, confirm that if they require completed or development work can also be added to the portfolio. Some colleges such as RISD and Parsons have their own assignments for students to complete. That’s why it is important to know what makes your portfolio stand out!
Description of Pieces
While you want your work to speak for itself, it is important to write descriptions that explain and elaborates your artistic method, thinking, approach and vision. Use compact and concise language to communicate your thoughts and ideas to the audience. Each of your art pieces should be a part of the story you are trying to tell the admissions committee. Remain original and include that artwork in your portfolio that will provide you with an edge over others. Be sure to include the title, medium, thought process, approach, and ideology behind every particular piece you include in your portfolio.
Organize your pieces carefully
In your portfolio, if your pieces are just randomly presented then it will leave a bad impression on the admissions committee who will be judging your organizational and management skills along with your artwork. Keep your thoughts clear and understand what narrative you want to give to the university. If much of your artwork is based on one theme or idea, then include the best piece only. The key factor behind presenting yourself as an eligible candidate for admission to any university is to show your range. Include digital pieces as well as paintings and sketches. Utilize the space of your portfolio to communicate your thoughts and ideas with the admissions committee so that they understand why studying art is important for you.
Know about your work
If the college you apply to, conduct interviews, they will ask you to talk about your pieces. Thus, you should make sure that you remember your artwork. You do not have to memorize everything but you should brush up on necessary facts. For example, what thought process you used while making any piece, which theme you wanted your portfolio to portray, and what is your aim as an artist.
Showcase your Technical Ability
This is your chance to prove to the admissions committee that you have the talent to fit into an academic environment for your chosen field of study. By showcasing your technical ability in your work, you will give an idea of your potential to the university. As much as art schools understand that high-school students will not have that level of knowledge, they also need the assurance that you have the capability to learn and grow during your undergraduate degree.
Take Feedback
It is quite understandable that for any artist, criticism is an integral part. Whether you are a budding artist or a professional one, people will look at your work and criticize it, in both a positive and negative manner. Since you are only a high-school student who is applying to study at an art school, show your portfolio to your art teachers, friends, and peers to take their feedback. They can help you understand what your work lacks and where you can improve. Taking feedback is also a good way of getting used to the criticism that comes with working in the creative field.
If you remain sure of your work and can successfully follow through with the rules and regulations to make your portfolio while remaining original then it can remain a vital asset in your career as an artist. Therefore, enjoy the journey, love what you do, and be yourself as an artist!