Submitting a college application is stressful enough, but if you’re interested in majoring in an art or design field, you’ll also need to compile samples of your work into a portfolio. Most art and design programs require a collection of your best work along with the usual college application to give the college admission officers insight into your artistic strengths and interests and for merit or talent scholarship consideration. Here is some advice to consider to help you compile a portfolio so you might give it the “wow factor” a college is looking for.
Just dive into your completed work
If you’re staring at a pile of art and design projects with no idea where to begin, you’re not alone. Take a deep breath and just jump in. When deciding which pieces to include, look at your work as a group: What can each contribute to the portfolio? What does each communicate to the reviewer? Does the piece showcase a skill set? Your goal is to find 10–20 pieces that highlight your all-around abilities and show your personality and style. Also focus on pieces that make it clear you can dedicate time to a project.
Order is important too: The first piece in your portfolio should make a strong statement and set the tone for the rest of the presentation. The following pieces should show ability, with the most expressive works placed in the middle. The pieces you select must also be original ideas, not “borrowed” or copied from others’ works. Once the pieces have been selected and arranged, make sure everything is labeled properly and easy to read.
Related: 6 Creative Passion Projects That Stand Out on College Applications
Ask for help and be open to advice
The portfolio should only include your best work. Remember, more is not necessarily better. Ask teachers, colleagues, and friends for their opinions on the portfolio before it’s submitted. It’s tough to judge your own work, so don’t be shy about asking for help. Also consider attending a National Portfolio Day event, where 50–70 colleges are typically represented. You’ll have a chance to ask questions and receive informal portfolio reviews.
Additionally, most colleges encourage in-person preliminary portfolio reviews during the junior or senior year of high school. It’s a great opportunity to share your art projects and ask for guidance on pieces to include in a portfolio. And the college you’re interested in or a college near you may offer a course on portfolio development for high school students
Give colleges what they want
You should know the portfolio requirements for each college to which you want to apply. A portfolio for one college most likely cannot be used again for another college. Many schools want to see at least one drawing from life since nearly all art and design colleges require such classes. Some schools want to see a certain number of works affiliated with your chosen major. All schools like the works to be recent. Fortunately, plenty of resources exist for students to create a portfolio that will boost confidence in current skills and pave the way to a life in art and design. When it’s time to submit your portfolio, be sure to follow all submission guidelines and never miss a deadline. If you have questions about the submission guidelines, call the college. It’s better to ask than to have your portfolio disqualified.
Related: College Search Tips for Students in the Arts
Your art and design portfolio is a major part of your college applications when pursuing visual arts programs. Colleges want to see how you might flourish in your talents in the right environment, and a great portfolio can help them see why they’re a great creative place for you. Even if you’re in a time crunch, it’s worth the time and effort to ensure your pieces are arranged well and professionally presented before submitting them—it may mean the difference between your application being accepted or rejected.
Have you finalized the list of colleges you’re applying to? Add some great schools to your application pile from our featured visual arts college lists, where you can read more about each school and request information directly!
