SOTA's Open House is on 11 April 2026
If you're preparing a SOTA DSA Visual Arts portfolio, you’re probably wondering what a strong portfolio actually looks like. In this free download, you’ll find a sample visual arts portfolio layout including how the portfolio and artworks are organised, what to include and how sketchbooks can be presented.
This example is based on the structure we used when applying to SOTA through DSA, and you can use it as a reference when building your own art portfolio.
Q: What should be included in a SOTA DSA visual arts portfolio?
A SOTA DSA Visual Arts portfolio should include around 5 carefully selected artworks, clear evidence of process work, and relevant sketchbook pages that show idea development and experimentation. You can find a detailed breakdown of what to include in a SOTA DSA portfolio linked here.
Q: How do you organise an art portfolio for DSA?
To organise your SOTA DSA portfolio, include a cover page, table of contents, finished artworks, process pages that show development, and short reflections for each piece. If you're unsure how to structure it, download the free template for a clear, easy-to-follow example. .
Q: Should I include my sketchbook in my SOTA portfolio?
Yes. While SOTA indicates it's optional, it would be good to include.
Q: Is there a template for a visual arts portfolio?
Yes. While SOTA states that it is optional, including it can strengthen your portfolio and provide a fuller picture of your creative process.