the ‘art and design’ portfolio

For advice contact: david mcgravie, tel +44 (0)1707 285390 or email [email protected]

the ‘art and design’ portfolio


David McGravie, Faculty for the Creative & Cultural Industries

University of Hertfordshire


the ‘art and design’ portfolio…explained


the ‘art and design’ portfolio…don’t be frightened!!


the portfolio

the interview


what do we look for in a portfolio?

First of all, what do we mean by a portfolio of artwork?

We are looking for examples of your own creative work, completed within the last three years.

portfolio

overview



Why is a portfolio necessary?

The reason we ask for a portfolio is to give us some indication of your ability, and to allow us to assess creative potential.

Although exam results are important, experienced staff can judge these things much more accurately from examples of creative work.

portfolio

overview



The portfolio should engage..

The portfolio should engage as soon as it is opened, it should capture attention and promote what you are capable of in the future

portfolio

overview



The start point?

“…not the night before the interview”

portfolio

overview



Some general guidelines…

• prepare• plan • organise• select• explain• test

portfolio

overview



Some general guidelines…

• prepare• plan • organise• select• explain• test• can you carry it?

portfolio

overview



Preparation & Planning

Prepare well in advance – take advice from tutor and also from institution you wish to apply to

Plan it - consider the structure of the portfolio with respect to your work: ring bound, loose leaf, project, etc…

portfolio

preparation



Organise…be selective!

“….show the range of what you can do, concentrating on recent work”.

Include visual and other background research, sketches, models and prototypes – not just the finished work.

portfolio

preparation



Context…what interests you?

Does the portfolio show the context of your work & your approach..?What are your influences..? What inspires you..? What exhibitions have you been to..?

portfolio

preparation



Explain…does it make sense?

Is it clear what the project is..? Is there a description or project brief..?Is the overall context clear..?Was it a joint project..?

portfolio

preparation



Test it…does it make sense?

Ask advice from a tutor, get a second opinion! Are there any gaps..?Assumptions..?Ambiguities..?

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preparation



What should a portfolio contain?

portfolio

summary




Portfolios are as varied as the students they represent; however, usually a portfolio would contain examples of drawing, in a variety of media.

portfolio

summary




Photographs of 3 dimensional pieces such as jewellery, sculpture, furniture products or interior design can be included, and we would like to see sketchbooks too.

portfolio

summary




It is not always necessary to include any work relating specifically to a more specialised subject area.

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summary




It is not always necessary to include any work relating specifically to a more specialised subject area.

portfolio

summary For example, in Textiles and Fashion, we are much more interested in good drawing ability and creative potential, than in any fashion or textile design skills or experience.



Your portfolio should be clearly laid out and easy to look through, with each piece of work labelled with project title or brief.

Generally you should choose what are, in your opinion, between 15 and 25 (approx) of your strongest pieces of work that reflect the area you are applying for

portfolio

summary



Drawing - For many courses this is a key element of the portfolio.

Include examples of different types (life drawing, still life, fashion illustrations, imaginative, etc), showing the use of different media where possible.

portfolio

summary



Projects - Include examples of different projects you have undertaken, illustrating your breadth of experience.

Show the development work and how you think and work through a project from research to final presentation.

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summary



Sketch books - Include several recent sketch books or work books that show what has influenced you, your research, sketch ideas, preparatory work, written notes, analysis of your work, etc.

portfolio

summary



Sketch books - Include several recent sketch books or work books that show what has influenced you, your research, sketch ideas, preparatory work, written notes, analysis of your work, etc.

Tutors consider sketch books to be important to a portfolio as they illustrate how you approach your work, how you think and how your creativity develops

portfolio

summary



Digital work - Include any computer aided design or artwork you have produced, as well as photography, video or animations where appropriate.

[N.B.Stills or printout are helpful and can be a good back-up]

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summary



Written work - It can be helpful to include a piece of recent written work.

For example an illustrated art essay, as writing is an essential communication tool for artists and designers..

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summary


school of art & design

portfolio

examples


The completed portfolio?

• Sketching

• Observational drawing

• Use of sketchbooks

• 2d/3d making

• Creativity

• Problem solving

• Communication skills

portfolio

overview


the interview


It’s not like the Dragons Den..!

Informal & friendly

• lasts approx 15 mins• recorded formally• question led

‘Interviewee can also lead, highlighting their approach and best work’

interview

structure



Opportunity for you to fill in the gaps

‘to explain, to sell yourself, to talk aboutyour influences’.

Offer additional information:‘favourite artists, designers, recent

exhibitions’.

interview

opportunity



Preparation

Plan the journey – how will you get there..? Is parking available..? Can you carry everything you need..?Do you have a contact no. for the College..?

Careful planning will reduce the stress..!

interview

advice



What to wear..?

Dress appropriately!…ask about ‘dress’ at the College Open Day.

interview

advice



A good interview matters!

Show your commitment and enthusiasm for your

subject

interview

advice


David McGravie, Faculty for the Creative & Cultural Industries

University of Hertfordshire

thank you

the ‘art and design’ portfolio

Documents