Knowing how much to include and choosing the right pieces can be difficult. Look at the guidelines on the university’s website and follow them as closely as you can. Some will have specific guidelines relating to sizes, number of pieces, content, format and so on. Here are some general points on creating the best portfolio:
- Give yourself plenty of time. If you are pressured and stressed your work might not be as good as it could be.
- Get advice from your art teacher. They will know your work and may have ideas about what to include.
- Don’t be afraid to include some more experimental pieces which you feel aren’t as good as others. It is better to showcase a mixture of styles, subjects, media and materials than have everything looking the same.
- Think about how you have been influenced in creating each piece. Perhaps you have seen exhibition or had a particular experience at the time you made it.
- If you have an interview, be prepared to talk about the creative process or story behind your pieces. If the piece was done as part of an assignment, talk about the objectives, research and conclusions of your work.
- Show some personality in the pieces. Look for evidence of the artist’s personality in existing portfolios and think about how to bring your own into yours.
- The presentation of your work is important. This doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money on an expensive new holder, but something which looks smart and neat will show your attention to detail and make your work look tidier.
- Try to organise the work into themes or styles, or put it into chronological order. This shows good organisational skills and artistic awareness.Remember, each university will have its own portfolio guidelines.