How to create an art portfolio with 7 tips from artist Jackie Partridge. I have been exhibiting my artwork since 2012. I have received artist grants and awards and I have attended artist residencies. With this experience I have done my share in submitting my portfolio for numerous applications. As a teacher, I have worked with grade 12 students to help them with their art portfolio applications. See my 7 tips for your college/university art portfolio application below!
After receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from Lakehead University I also completed teacher’s college. I graduated being able to teach grades 4-12 in Ontario before taking my Master of Fine Arts at Concordia University.
During my time in teacher’s college part of my placement included teaching art to grade 12 students. In the first term I helped students with their portfolios as they were in the midst of applying for university and college arts programs. I volunteered my time to help these students during my lunch break by giving them tips and ways to improve what they had selected to be in their portfolios.
I have worked as an art instructor for a private boarding school where I helped international high school students with their portfolio applications in art, graphic design, illustration and architecture programs.
If you need ideas for what to put into your art portfolio application you can click here!
7 Tips to Make Your University/College Portfolio Stand Out
Tip #1
READ THE REQUIREMENTS -AND FOLLOW THEM
You need to know what they want and usually they tell you specifics!
Every university and college or even programs within the same school have different application requirements when it comes to their portfolios. Some schools are very specific asking for a certain number of pieces, certain media used or certain sizes of work. Some schools want original work, some/most don't-- they want photographs uploaded on programs like SlideRoom. Some schools even have specific themes like "Make a work that is finished yet unfinished." This can make the process more difficult and leave students feeling overwhelmed and unsure -often overthinking their decisions and ideas.
Want to go to art school but unsure how to create an art portfolio that stands out and gets accepted? Click on the button below to get on the waitlist for my art portfolio course!
Tip #2
Show Your Creative Process
Most schools want to see your process work - they want to see how you think about your art and why you made the choices you did.
Tip #3
Show Your Personality
The purpose of the portfolio is an introduction and a chance for your chosen school to get to know you and see if you would be a good fit there. You want to show your interests and possibilities you might want to continue to explore while in post-secondary education. You should include materials you like working with and show your artistic style that is unique to you!
Tip #4
Show Variety
You want the professors reviewing your portfolio to be impressed by your skills and see you as an artist who is versatile. Therefore, it is important to show that you can do more.
By showing variety you are showing that you aren't afraid to try new things and experiment with your artwork. It shows that you are open to growing and learning which is the whole point of college and university programs. Check out my YouTube channel for tips to make your acrylic paintings stronger! You can also improve your painting with FREE12 page Guide!
Tip #5
Show Program Specific Techniques
If you are applying to specific programs like architecture or illustration you want to think about possible projects that might be studied in those programs. Once you have thought of those ideas you could try to include relevant pieces in your portfolio.
If you are applying to a non-specific program like a Bachelor of Fine Arts for example- then again you want to show variety. You need to show your range, talents and abilities.
How to make a strong portfolio - show your diversity of skills like ceramics
Tip #6
Details are Important
You need to remember that review panels are looking at portfolio after portfolio for hours on end. You need to stand out and be memorable. Make sure you consider details to set you apart.
Edit your photos, think about your layout, come up with clever titles for your work. All these details are important!
Tip #7
Show Your Thinking, Your Writing and Research
Usually you will be asked to submit written descriptions about your work- make sure they are detailed and informative.
List your inspiration- if you did a drawing based off a building or place -state that research. You want to show your intelligence and critical thinking abilities in these descriptions.
Make sure you edit your writing, stick to the word count and choose a consistent and legible font.
Take time to plan your written descriptions and do not leave them to the last minute!
I wish you good luck with your portfolio applications and the BIGGEST tip I can give you is to start early and trust your gut!
What People are Saying
I was excited for the opportunity to work with Jackie!
The presentation from Jackie was very specific relevant information to prepare my students for applying to art schools. It gave us a checklist to follow and ideas we had not yet considered.
This presentation is a MUST for anyone needing information to better prepare students to apply to art schools. Not having gone that route myself, it was invaluable!
Jackie was not only knowledgeable, but easy to work with and super accommodating. I would highly recommend her!!
Britt, High School Art Teacher, California, U.S.
Here are my art portfolio ideas. These ideas are great if you are struggling with what to include in your art portfolio.
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Want Some Help With Your Art Portfolio? I Would Love to Work With You - Send me an Email!
I offer Portfolio Review and Portfolio Development Consultations. I can help you decide what to create, what to include in your art portfolio, answer any questions, prepare for interviews, and more!
All the best with your art portfolio applications- You got this!