3 Steps to Prepare a College Art Portfolio

Summary

This video offers helpful tips for building an impressive art school portfolio. It emphasizes researching specific school requirements, which can vary in terms of work format and the types of art they accept. Key portfolio components include 12-20 pieces of original artwork created in the last year, showcasing observational art, personal style, and potentially home exam work. The video also advises on photographing artwork with quality and care, as well as seeking feedback from peers or teachers. Most importantly, it encourages artists to enjoy the process and take their time to create the best possible portfolio.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research the portfolio and admissions requirements of the schools you're applying to, as they can vary.
• 😀 Most art schools require 12 to 20 original works of art created within the last year.
• 😀 Your portfolio should include observational art (real-life subjects, no photos or imagination).
• 😀 Personal art is your chance to showcase your unique style, creativity, and willingness to experiment.
• 😀 Some schools may require a specific piece to be created as part of a home exam. Be sure to follow the requirements closely.
• 😀 Ensure all photos of your work are well-cropped, in focus, and taken with good lighting (avoid phone cameras).
• 😀 Submit only original artwork—don’t use copied pieces or works created from photographs unless specified.
• 😀 Avoid submitting damaged or torn works—presentation is important.
• 😀 Seek feedback from friends, teachers, or attend portfolio review events to get professional opinions.
• 😀 Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and curate the best pieces for your portfolio.
• 😀 Most importantly, enjoy the process and have fun while creating and presenting your work.

Q & A

What should I do first when applying to art school?

Start by researching the school's portfolio or admissions requirements. These can usually be found online or by contacting the admissions department.

How do I know what kind of artwork to include in my portfolio?

The portfolio should include 12 to 20 pieces of original artwork created within the last year. It should feature a mix of observational art, personal art, and possibly home exam pieces.

What is 'observational art'?

Observational art refers to traditional drawing or painting from life, using real subjects like still life, models, or landscapes. It should not be copied from photographs or created purely from imagination.

What is 'personal art' and why is it important for the portfolio?

Personal art reflects your unique style, interests, and imagination. It allows you to show creativity, experimentation, and originality in your work, which is vital to demonstrate your artistic identity.

Do I need to submit artwork based on specific prompts from the school?

Some schools may require you to create a specific work for their home exam, so be sure to check the school's guidelines for any required prompts or themes.

What is the best way to photograph my artwork for the portfolio?

Ensure your photos are well-cropped, in focus, and taken against a solid background. Avoid using a phone camera; instead, use a proper camera to get the best quality images.

Should I submit damaged artwork in my portfolio?

No, only submit artwork that is undamaged. Torn or damaged pieces should be excluded from your portfolio.

How can I get feedback on my portfolio before submitting it?

You can ask friends, teachers, or mentors for their opinions on your work. Additionally, some schools or organizations may host portfolio review events where you can receive feedback.

What is the best way to prepare my portfolio without rushing?

Start preparing your portfolio well in advance. Give yourself plenty of time to create enough work and carefully select the best pieces to include.

How should I approach the portfolio creation process?

While creating your portfolio, focus on showcasing a range of work that highlights your skills, creativity, and personal style. Most importantly, enjoy the process and let your personality shine through in your pieces.