Art and Design students should expect to develop and submit a portfolio at least once during their academic career. Some schools require students to submit a portfolio showcasing their best work when they apply to the program. Other schools require a portfolio review before graduation, which allows students to display what they have learned throughout the curriculum. In order to pass a portfolio review, art students should know what their schools expect to see.
Variety
- Although portfolio expectations vary by program and major, art educators want to see a variety of work in your portfolio. For example, Central Connecticut State University encourages students to submit “a variety of media, such as pencil, pen, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, clay, wood, fiber, original photographs or digital images.” However, you want to submit your best work, so find a balance between variety and quality. Many colleges require its students to include 12 to 20 pieces in their portfolio.
Technical Skill
- Your portfolio should display the technical art skills you’ve acquired throughout your academic career. Art schools want to see craftsmanship in your chosen field. Display your technical competence by using the artistic techniques you have learned during your program of study. Your art portfolio reviewers want to see your education at work.
Originality
- Create your portfolio pieces from direct observation; do not recreate or copy other drawings or photographs. Originality is a key component that art schools look for during their review. Some schools discourage students from using work “rendered directly from photographs, magazines or other artists’ work.” If you choose to include a collaborative piece, include the other artists’ names in your portfolio.
Visual Organization
- As an art student, you should organize your portfolio in a visually pleasing way. Your reviewers are judging your portfolio based not only on your chosen pieces but also on your ability to display the pieces in the portfolio. Whether you choose to submit your portfolio as a PDF file or website, be sure to offer an organized, clean presentation.
Explanation of Work
- Enhance your reviewers’ understanding of your portfolio by including descriptions of your work. Most schools expect its students to identify the original medium of each piece, such as a photograph or charcoal drawing on paper. In addition, include the title of the work and the original dimensions of each piece, along with a written description of the work.