SOTA's Open House is on 11 April 2026
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.
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.
Most students use something like this, you can buy it at any bookshop. We got ours at Popular. You can probably get it at Artfriend as well.
This sample sketchbook page shows the research and process work behind one of my child’s portfolio pieces, documenting how the idea developed before the final artwork.
A3 Sized portfolio can be purchased at Popular or Artfriend. They come with plastic sleeves that let you insert your artwork easily.
Most external art schools will help you with the portfolio. Just remember to keep the artworks safely when your child brings them home! We ended up digging around the house trying to find them during application time.
Here’s an example of what the inside of the portfolio looks like. Note that these are just some old drawings, not the actual artworks submitted.