What to include in SOTA's Visual Arts portfolio

2025 Portfolio Preparation Instructions for SOTA

There are several categories of visual art that you can include in your visual arts portfolio. Students may choose to showcase works across different categories, or focus on just one or two strengths. There is no requirement to cover everything. What matters more is the quality, thoughtfulness and development shown in the pieces you select. 

• 2-dimensional (2D) work, e.g. drawing and painting, digital media, design works 

• 3-dimensional (3D) work e.g. sculpture and ceramics, jewelry pieces

• Electronic- or lens-based work e.g. media arts or photography 

The portfolio is  only required if you are shortlisted for interviews.

Students NEED to bring these for the portfolio interview: 

• Portfolio with 5 artworks. No more, no less. The school is specific about this, so follow the instructions carefully.

  • Works produced in the prior 3 years. ~P4-P6

  • At least one artwork produced in school. Make sure to save these !  

  • Avoid submitting artwork that have been guided.

  • No copying copyrighted works, such as popular characters or existing art. 

  • Each artwork should be labelled with:

    •  Applicant's name and TA number (assigned at time of application)

    •  Title of artwork, dimensions, date of completion, and a short description of each artwork.

  • For 3D works like sculptures, take photos at different angles and include it in the portfolio.  You are not required to physically bring it. 

  • For digital works or animation, take screenshots of the scenes. It is also helpful to bring the original file loaded on a tablet or device, just in case the teachers would like to see the full animation during the session. 

• 1 Sketchbook (optional)

  • Documentation of processes, trails or experiments with mediums. E.g. research on the themes

  • You can include photos at various stages of the artwork 

  • A compilation of quick drawings and/or reflections in a file or book format

  • We used something like this, you can get similar ones at Popular or Artfriend

  • Do this during the art-making process.  Trying to recreate the process afterwards often feels forced and loses some authenticity.