How to Make an Art Portfolio for University or College
Your college art portfolio must be outstanding in order for your application to be given serious consideration. Not to worry, many have traveled this road before you, and you are not alone! With this expert guide on how to make an art portfolio for college you’ll have a clearer idea of the seriousness of the portfolio as well as some basic steps to take for success.
Applying to colleges can feel a lot like trying to hit a target with a bow and arrow in the dark. No matter how hard you try, some of it feels like a pure gamble. If you’re applying to art schools, this feeling increases in the face of art’s pure subjectivity. Fortunately there is one very tangible thing you can do to improve your chances, which is to make sure you have an art portfolio that stands out from the competition. But how can you accomplish this? I’m here to share with you the ultimate guide for making a quality college applications art portfolio! Ready, lets get started!
Making an Art Portfolio for College? Make a Plan First
Before you start on your portfolio, make sure you have all the deadlines and requirements in order. Use a college schedule maker to keep all the application due dates in one place and make sure you are certain about the specific expectations each college has for your portfolio. These guidelines range from how many pieces to submit to what kind of pieces the college is looking for.
Make sure to leave yourself time to handle all the guidelines, and follow them exactly. Some schools will require you to write companion essays on the pieces you submit, for example, so don’t get so caught up in making the art that other requirements get ignored.
Do’s and Do-Not’s of Portfolio-Making
The first thing you can do to make sure your portfolio stands out is to make sure you present yourself as having a wide range of skills. This means presenting work across a broad spectrum of medial. If your portfolio favors painting, put some observational drawings (an art college favorite) to balance it out. Varying the subject matter of your art will also cause colleges to pay more attention when reviewing your portfolio. Your portfolio should be an amazing display of your talent, but also your ability to follow directions and your overall creativity.
Also, do your best to make some of your pieces a little experimental. It’s a scary step to take, but colleges take notice when you demonstrate your willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
Present art that displays who you are as an artist or tells your artistic story. Forging a strong and unique identity with your art helps you stand out over the competition.
That said, stay away from drawing celebrities or characters from media you enjoy. Some colleges see this as unprofessional and childish and will detract from your “score” regardless of how great the art is.
The Portfolio Matches the Major
It seems obvious, but many applicants every year throw art in their portfolio that does not fit the major they are applying for, big whoops. Tailor the art you submit to your college goal. For example, if you want to be an architect, your original character design sketches would be out of place.
Go Carve Your Identity
Now that you have some tips for preparing the best art portfolio for college, you’re ready to head out into the world and dazzle them with your work! The art portfolio process is just the first stepping stone into your creative future, but an important one, so take it seriously and believe in yourself!
