How To Make An Art Portfolio For College
If you’re a high school student applying to college, the application process is a daunting task.
This is doubly true if you’re applying to art school. Not only do you have to submit a personal statement, your grades, recommendation letters, etc. But you also have to submit a portfolio of your artwork!
Obviously, you want the admissions officers to love your work so you can get accepted to the art program of your dreams. But how exactly do you do that?
As a freelance artist and art teacher, I know how stressful it can be. So today, I am going to share my tips for how to make an art portfolio for college admissions.
Tips To Create An Art Portfolio
Understand the portfolio requirements
While your portfolios will be pretty similar overall, each art and design school does things a little bit differently. It’s important to know what the requirements are for the schools you are applying to. Research what the school requires and tailor your submissions to each school.
Some schools ask for a specific number of pieces, typically around 15. Others may ask that you include a certain subject matter or medium.
For example, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) used to ask that every applicant submit a piece of work about a bicycle.
Showcase your range of skills
When an admissions officer looks at your portfolio, they should be able to see the entire range of your artistic ability. When making work, don’t focus too narrowly on one aspect of art.
Even if you want to specialize in painting, for example, you should also show drawings, prints, or even sculptural work.
Art schools want to see a broad range of artistic skills and techniques. Diversity if your body of work highlights your adaptability and eagerness to learn.
Include your best and most recent work
Your art portfolio should represent your best, most recent work. Schools want to see your current skill level and artistic direction.
Your high school art classes are a great place to develop pieces for your portfolio. But you can also include work you have made in your free time. Ask your art teachers to review your work and get their advice on which pieces to include.
Remember, quality over quantity is best. A few well-executed pieces are better than a lot of average pieces.
Reflect your unique vision
Art schools don’t just want good art, they want unique perspectives. Schools can teach you technical skills, but they can’t teach creativity. Your art school portfolio should give them a glimpse into who you are and where you see your work going.
When putting together your portfolio, choose work that reflects your interests, experiences, and perspectives.
Seek Feedback
Before sending your work away, get feedback from art teachers or professionals. Many colleges offer portfolio days to prospective art students so you can get a critique before submitting your work. This is a great way to learn what you need to improve on and tweak before your finalize everything.
Prepare Your Presentation
Presentation matters as much as the work itself. Most schools these days accept digital portfolios, but you may want to have a physical copy as well.
Make sure your portfolio is easy to navigate, well labeled, and includes descriptions of each piece. Schools may ask for specific file sizes or formats for digital submissions, so make sure to read the requirements.
