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What is an Art Portfolio?
What is an Art Portfolio?
Applying to university is an exciting next step and your portfolio is an important part of this process. Discover our tips on how to build a strong portfolio for your university application.
An art portfolio is a folder that contains a collection of your work that showcases your skills, personality and creative potential. It should narrate your story - from what you've learnt and created so far to what you plan to do next. With initial sketches, contextual references and finished pieces, it is your chance to show your interviewer why you want to study your course. They want to see your journey and the process that you use to create your work.
You need a portfolio for courses such as Architecture, Fine Art, Digital Design, Fashion Design, Art Foundation courses. This is through digital portfolios and sometimes a physical portfolio.
When your application is made universities will send you an application process to follow:
Send them a digital portfolio (they will give you a deadline to meet).
If you pass this round then they might make you a conditional or unconditional offer.
Some universities may call you for interview, either in person or remote on line.
During an in person interview you will likely be asked to present your physical portfolio and talk the interviewer through your creative process.
Some universities like to set a mini project to test your dedication to the subject and to observe your creative thinking processes. Student are given a word or short topic to generate a piece of art about. Words in recent years have been 'protest' or 'my street'.
After this you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer or maybe a rejection. (UAL advice)
6 tips for your portfolio
6 tips for your portfolio
Show your range. Include pieces that show your ability to work with different materials, themes and techniques.
Process over perfection. Include some unfinished work to show us how you research and develop your ideas. This includes sketchbook work and the generation of ideas.
Create a strong narrative. Building a story with an impactful beginning and end will ensure you leave a lasting impression. Start at the beginning of your project to show how a journey develops.
Be decisive. If you can't explain a particular piece, don't include it. How you edit your work shows us your ability to work to a brief - a key skill for all creatives.
Explain your vision. Include labels to guide us through your creative processes and vision.
Take control. Show us what you want us to see, not what you think we want to see. Your personality, individuality and passion are your most powerful tools.
Guidance on Digital Portfolios
Guidance on Digital Portfolios
Universities will often tell you which format they want work in so it is often a case that you need to be reactive to their demands which can be time consuming. To stay ahead of the game I would recommend that you create a Google Slides Presentation of your work, check out this example. You can then copy and paste slides to make new formations based on each universities individual requirements. These Slides presentations can then be saved as PDF files or JPegs and e-mailed to the university in smaller file sizes.
Typically UAL use software called PebblePad. Manchester School of Art want to see a website or online blog. Edinburgh use a JPEG file upload system whilst most universities want to receive a PDF file.
Guidance for slide layout, style and branding:
Guidance for slide layout, style and branding:
Student digital portfolio example:
Student digital portfolio example:
Guidance on Physical Portfolios
Guidance on Physical Portfolios
A physical portfolio is a traditional black A1 folder which contains multiple A1 sheets with your work compiled in a logical sequence. The work presented should include a range of design sheets, works on paper mounted onto A1 card, photographs of sculptures and paintings mounted onto A1 card. Smaller A2 or A3 design sheets can be amalgamated onto larger A1 sheets. See the guidance listed here and below for support in compiling your physical portfolio.
University Guidance:
University Guidance:
University of Creative Arts advice
Have a look at this portfolio from CSM student Lili Phillips
Kingston University portfolio for Art Foundation
Fashion Portfolio advice
Architecture Portfolio advice
Portfolio Preparation Courses
Portfolio Preparation Courses
You can attend many courses to help you develop a portfolio check out this course at Central Saint Martins, UAL London (CSM)
Portfolio Prep DocumentPreparing for Interview
Preparing for Interview
UAL guidance
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