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A portfolio is one of the key requirements for admission to creative specialties including design, journalism, art, and more. Rather than simply listing your accomplishments like a resume, a portfolio is a curated collection of your best work, projects, and experiences that demonstrate your creativity, professional skills, and personal growth.
Universities evaluate portfolios to get a firsthand look at your skills and potential. While requirements may vary by discipline, the portfolio is a unique opportunity to stand out and showcase your individuality.
What is a Portfolio?
What is a Portfolio?
A portfolio is a compilation of creative work, academic projects, and personal achievements presented in a professional format. It serves as:
A visual representation of your abilities and creative journey.
A supplement to your resume that highlights diverse projects with deeper insights.
A tool to differentiate you from other applicants by revealing your passion and unique style.
Whether you are applying for design, journalism, acting, or another creative field, a strong portfolio tells your story and illustrates how your skills have evolved over time.
Different Types & Formats
Different Types & Formats
Portfolio Categories
Portfolio Categories
University portfolios fall into several categories:
Creative Portfolio: Showcases illustrations, designs, photographs, articles, or multimedia projects. Common for design, architecture, journalism, advertising, and media.
Research Portfolio: Compiles academic papers, conference certificates, and research projects. Typically seen in academic or scientific programs.
Combined Portfolio: Merges creative work with academic achievements – often used in countries like Russia or for specialized programs like Data Journalism.
Portfolio Formats
Portfolio Formats
Portfolios can be presented in various formats:
Physical Portfolios: Printed collections such as sketchbooks, photo albums, and other tangible works.
Electronic Portfolios: Portfolios prepared in a specific format (often PDFs) and uploaded via university systems.
Online Portfolios: Web-based portfolios hosted on platforms like Behance, Wix, or personal websites.
Basic Requirements for Design / Architecture Portfolios
Basic Requirements for Design / Architecture Portfolios
Game design.
Submit a multi-page file detailing game structure, storyboards, and illustrations. Include up to 5 previously developed projects via links or videos. Proficiency in programming, particularly projects on GitHub, might also be assessed.
Graphic design.
Present up to 15 works showcasing illustration skills, logo creation, posters, and book covers.
Animation.
Share up to ten storyboards, screenshots, or up to three completed videos.
Web design / UX-UI.
Include up to three links to websites or apps. Programming skills might be assessed through GitHub projects.
Interior design.
Provide 3D models of spaces, illustrations, and photographs of completed projects.
Illustration.
Showcase up to 15 illustrations depicting various skills. Include drawings of natural scenes, figures, still lifes, and landscapes. Paintings, storyboards, and comics are also commonly requested.
Landscape design and architecture.
For these closely related areas, submit drawings of urban landscapes, plants, sketches, and photos of completed projects.
Industrial design.
Share up to 20 images of products or designs.
Sculpture and ceramics.
Submit photographs of sculptures and ceramic pieces made from various materials like metal, plaster, stone, and wood.
Fashion.
Include photos of clothing, costume designs, and patterns. Occasionally, universities accept curated lookbooks and fashion articles.
Photography.
Present up to 20 photos following artistic direction. Illustrations, paintings, and sketches can also be integrated.
Possible additional requirements:
Video presentation about yourself
Video discussing your specialization or addressing a specific topic
Portfolio interview
Research outcomes, such as essays and articles, aligned with your chosen direction
Specific tasks, like drawing a specific object or outlining a computer game's structure
Basic Requirements for Journalism Portfolios
Basic Requirements for Journalism Portfolios
Photojournalism. Submit up to 15 photographs, which can include photo stories and individual shots. While social stories and street photos are common, universities also accept landscapes, portraits, and subject photography. The focus should be on documentary-style photography rather than artistic images.
Television and radio journalism / cinema. Provide up to three video works, such as films, weather forecasts, reports, news segments, or videos for personal platforms like YouTube. For radio, up to three podcasts, video or audio releases are accepted. For cinema, storyboards and scripts are also considered.
Media design, fashion journalism. Requirements align with creative design areas. Include illustrations, photographs, drawings, posters, sketchbooks, newspapers, magazines, and, for fashion journalism, texts, audio, and videos related to fashion.
Creative writing. Present up to five stories, essays, or texts from a personal blog.
Printed / online publication. Share up to five works, which may encompass reports, articles, long reads, news pieces, and possibly creative writing.
Possible additional requirements:
Video presentation about yourself
Portfolio interview
Academic works — essays and articles
Specific tasks — writing an essay or story, or creating a photo essay
Basic Requirements for Acting / Art / Dance / Music Portfolios
Basic Requirements for Acting / Art / Dance / Music Portfolios
Dance. Submit a video showcasing your expertise in a specific style of dance such as ballet, jazz, or hip-hop. Feel free to incorporate your original choreography into your portfolio. Some universities also accept group performance submissions.
Music. Instrumentalists and conductors should provide up to three videos of their performances. Musicians should focus on showcasing their mastery of a single musical instrument. Singers can submit up to three performance videos featuring their vocal abilities. Composers are encouraged to share up to three sheets of music along with corresponding audio recordings.
Theater. Prepare a video lasting up to two minutes, featuring one or two monologues from plays or other theatrical works. Aspiring directors can include videos and photos from their staged performances, and they might be asked to provide a staging report. Set designers should submit up to 15 sketches or photographs showcasing costumes and scenery. Screenwriters can share up to two complete scripts and a video recording of a staged play.
Visual art. Prospective artists should present up to 10 paintings, academic drawings, landscapes, still lifes, and portraits.
Film. For filmmakers, submit up to three videos, which can include short films, excerpts (up to 10 minutes), screenshots, and storyboards. Directors should provide a film description, while screenwriters should share script texts.
Possible additional requirements:
Video presentation about yourself
Portfolio interview
Audition
Research — essays and articles
Specific tasks — recording a specific monologue, dance style, song, or writing an essay
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Portfolio
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Portfolio
Research the Requirements:
Start by reviewing the specific guidelines provided by your target university. Different institutions and disciplines require varying numbers of pieces, file formats, or additional elements like a video presentation.Select Your Best Work:
Choose pieces that showcase a range of skills. Quality and diversity are more important than quantity. Include personal projects, academic work, or creative endeavors that best represent your talent.Organize Logically:
Organize your portfolio into sections or thematic clusters rather than simply presenting work in chronological order. Add clear titles, technical details, dates, and brief descriptions.Include Reflections and Descriptions:
For each piece, provide annotations or captions that explain your creative process, the challenges you faced, and what you learned. This shows self-reflection and growth.Choose the Right Format:
Whether you opt for a physical or digital portfolio, make sure it is presented in a professional, cohesive, and accessible format. Consider technical details such as file size and ease of navigation.Proofread and Seek Feedback:
Have mentors, teachers, or peers review your portfolio. Feedback is vital in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that your portfolio effectively communicates your strengths.Prepare for the Interview:
In some cases, you may need to present your portfolio during an interview or even an audition. Practice talking about your work and explaining your creative choices.
Additional Tips & Resources
Additional Tips & Resources
Here are some final pieces of guidance drawn from multiple sources:
Start Early: Begin preparing at least six months in advance to allow time for collecting materials, receiving feedback, and making improvements.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to reflect the expectations of the specific program or university to which you are applying.
Show Your Journey: Include examples that demonstrate growth over time. Admissions committees appreciate seeing both your development and your willingness to take creative risks.
Include Multimedia Elements: For some creative fields, consider adding video presentations or interactive elements. However, ensure your portfolio meets the submission criteria mentioned by the university.
Keep It Professional: Make sure your portfolio is polished, well-organized, and free of errors. Consistent layouts and clear labels can make a strong impression.
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