Slade School of Fine Art Application Advice
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Hey, I'm at the slade now. I know how melted your brains must be from the whole application/portfolio stuff so hope I can help a bit.
In your portfolio, they don't necessarily expect anything from you. I'd include works that you feel are your strongest and would feel most confident talking about if you got an interview. It's good to see the spectrum of your work and how all the different pieces have some relevance to each other. I can't stress enough how important it is to photograph 3D/installations/sculptures/larger pieces in good lighting and documented well from a few different angles. Always include their dimensions if you're showing documented work. Stuff that is still in progress and unfinished shouldn't be ruled out; it gives you an avenue to talk about how you work and show the tutors your stages of development. If you work in sketchbooks and they're relevant, then put them in. I photographed a few significant double-pages of my sketchbooks and put them in, and put one or two a4 ones in too. Don't be tempted to pad out your portfolio with 'fillers'. By this I mean don't just put 'average' work in for the sake of bulking it up; there is just no point. I had a few sketches and plans of early stages of work, can't say whether they "like" this or not but as I said before, it just shows how you work as an artist. Just a heads up, every year the tutors comment on the amount of Jenny Saville-style work people put in their portfolios. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing, but they do see lots of it.
So yeah, you can ask me other stuff, not sure if i'll be much help but i'll try! Good luck everyone who's applying and i'll maybe see a couple of you there next year!
In your portfolio, they don't necessarily expect anything from you. I'd include works that you feel are your strongest and would feel most confident talking about if you got an interview. It's good to see the spectrum of your work and how all the different pieces have some relevance to each other. I can't stress enough how important it is to photograph 3D/installations/sculptures/larger pieces in good lighting and documented well from a few different angles. Always include their dimensions if you're showing documented work. Stuff that is still in progress and unfinished shouldn't be ruled out; it gives you an avenue to talk about how you work and show the tutors your stages of development. If you work in sketchbooks and they're relevant, then put them in. I photographed a few significant double-pages of my sketchbooks and put them in, and put one or two a4 ones in too. Don't be tempted to pad out your portfolio with 'fillers'. By this I mean don't just put 'average' work in for the sake of bulking it up; there is just no point. I had a few sketches and plans of early stages of work, can't say whether they "like" this or not but as I said before, it just shows how you work as an artist. Just a heads up, every year the tutors comment on the amount of Jenny Saville-style work people put in their portfolios. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing, but they do see lots of it.
So yeah, you can ask me other stuff, not sure if i'll be much help but i'll try! Good luck everyone who's applying and i'll maybe see a couple of you there next year!
Original post by i-like-pie
Hey, I'm at the slade now. I know how melted your brains must be from the whole application/portfolio stuff so hope I can help a bit.
In your portfolio, they don't necessarily expect anything from you. I'd include works that you feel are your strongest and would feel most confident talking about if you got an interview. It's good to see the spectrum of your work and how all the different pieces have some relevance to each other. I can't stress enough how important it is to photograph 3D/installations/sculptures/larger pieces in good lighting and documented well from a few different angles. Always include their dimensions if you're showing documented work. Stuff that is still in progress and unfinished shouldn't be ruled out; it gives you an avenue to talk about how you work and show the tutors your stages of development. If you work in sketchbooks and they're relevant, then put them in. I photographed a few significant double-pages of my sketchbooks and put them in, and put one or two a4 ones in too. Don't be tempted to pad out your portfolio with 'fillers'. By this I mean don't just put 'average' work in for the sake of bulking it up; there is just no point. I had a few sketches and plans of early stages of work, can't say whether they "like" this or not but as I said before, it just shows how you work as an artist. Just a heads up, every year the tutors comment on the amount of Jenny Saville-style work people put in their portfolios. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing, but they do see lots of it.
So yeah, you can ask me other stuff, not sure if i'll be much help but i'll try! Good luck everyone who's applying and i'll maybe see a couple of you there next year!
In your portfolio, they don't necessarily expect anything from you. I'd include works that you feel are your strongest and would feel most confident talking about if you got an interview. It's good to see the spectrum of your work and how all the different pieces have some relevance to each other. I can't stress enough how important it is to photograph 3D/installations/sculptures/larger pieces in good lighting and documented well from a few different angles. Always include their dimensions if you're showing documented work. Stuff that is still in progress and unfinished shouldn't be ruled out; it gives you an avenue to talk about how you work and show the tutors your stages of development. If you work in sketchbooks and they're relevant, then put them in. I photographed a few significant double-pages of my sketchbooks and put them in, and put one or two a4 ones in too. Don't be tempted to pad out your portfolio with 'fillers'. By this I mean don't just put 'average' work in for the sake of bulking it up; there is just no point. I had a few sketches and plans of early stages of work, can't say whether they "like" this or not but as I said before, it just shows how you work as an artist. Just a heads up, every year the tutors comment on the amount of Jenny Saville-style work people put in their portfolios. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing, but they do see lots of it.
So yeah, you can ask me other stuff, not sure if i'll be much help but i'll try! Good luck everyone who's applying and i'll maybe see a couple of you there next year!
Hey, thanks for offering your help. I am applying to Slade for next year, and was wondering how important is the personal statement? Do they give more weightiness to the portfolio, or are the portfolio and personal statement equally considered?
Also, can you share some more information about the interview and the kind of questions they asked you? I would also love to see the type of works you submitted as part of your portfolio... Would that be possible? If you could just share an image of 1 work maybe? That would be really helpful
You mentioned to photograph installations/sculptures/etc in good lighting conditions, but is it necessary to include these? I haven't really created installations, but I do have some large canvas paintings.
And aren't they looking for any particular skills in the portfolio, like observational or technical skills?? Or do I just rather include my best works, even if they are all abstract and don't portray any realistic drawing skills as such?
Sorry for all the questions. Would really appreciate all the help you can provide. Thanks.
Original post by snehajoshi2093
Hey, thanks for offering your help. I am applying to Slade for next year, and was wondering how important is the personal statement? Do they give more weightiness to the portfolio, or are the portfolio and personal statement equally considered?
Hi! I would think the portfolio carries more weight, but the personal statement is still pretty important since it lets you write things that you couldn’t show in a portfolio (e.g what you’re reading, which artists you like). In my interview, a tutor had my personal statement printed off with some notes/underlines on it. They asked me briefly about an artist I mentioned, but other than that there was a definite tendency towards my portfolio.
Original post by snehajoshi2093
Also, can you share some more information about the interview and the kind of questions they asked you? I would also love to see the type of works you submitted as part of your portfolio... Would that be possible? If you could just share an image of 1 work maybe? That would be really helpful
Interviews are about 20 minutes long (mine ran over a bit though). They had all my work in front of them. Firstly I was just asked to tell them about my work. I talked about my work in general and quite broadly, then narrowed down to talk more in depth about one or two actual pieces. Every so often they’d chip in and ask me to expand on something. It wasn’t very formal, and I did most of the talking. Then after that, we sat down and they asked me two set questions: “Why have you chosen Slade?” and “Why the BA/BFA?”. They highlighted the difference between the BA and BFA and said there was room to switch once you start, which is reassuring if you're not sure which you'd prefer. After that they picked a piece of my work out of my portfolio and made me hold it up while they took a photograph of me next to it (so awkward..). I guess that's just so they can remember you and your work when making a decision.
Original post by snehajoshi2093
You mentioned to photograph installations/sculptures/etc in good lighting conditions, but is it necessary to include these? I haven't really created installations, but I do have some large canvas paintings. And aren't they looking for any particular skills in the portfolio, like observational or technical skills?? Or do I just rather include my best works, even if they are all abstract and don't portray any realistic drawing skills as such? Sorry for all the questions. Would really appreciate all the help you can provide. Thanks.
Ah, I meant if you do work in installations or large work that you can’t fit into a portfolio, then you should photograph it. Obviously if you don’t work in that type of area then it won’t matter. Errmmm I’m not too sure about looking for “technical skills” specifically. I mean.. I didn’t put any life drawing or hardly any painting in my portfolio because I work mostly in film, installation, sound, etc. so that’s just what my portfolio consisted of (I did have little sketches and plans). They’re not looking specifically and only for technical skill though.
If you haven't, you should definitely come for a tour/open day here. I found it so helpful when I was applying! But yeah, hope i've helped a bit! Oh and i'll PM you a photo or two that I included in my portfolio if you like.
(edited 11 years ago)
This is really helpful, thank you. I still haven't started putting my portfolio together I have a lot of planning and work to do. How many pieces did you present? Also I have studied architecture previously and I am unsure about how much of this work to include. Do have any thoughts on this?
Original post by i-like-pie
Hi! I would think the portfolio carries more weight, but the personal statement is still pretty important since it lets you write things that you couldn’t show in a portfolio (e.g what you’re reading, which artists you like). In my interview, a tutor had my personal statement printed off with some notes/underlines on it. They asked me briefly about an artist I mentioned, but other than that there was a definite tendency towards my portfolio.
Interviews are about 20 minutes long (mine ran over a bit though). They had all my work in front of them. Firstly I was just asked to tell them about my work. I talked about my work in general and quite broadly, then narrowed down to talk more in depth about one or two actual pieces. Every so often they’d chip in and ask me to expand on something. It wasn’t very formal, and I did most of the talking. Then after that, we sat down and they asked me two set questions: “Why have you chosen Slade?” and “Why the BA/BFA?”. They highlighted the difference between the BA and BFA and said there was room to switch once you start, which is reassuring if you're not sure which you'd prefer. After that they picked a piece of my work out of my portfolio and made me hold it up while they took a photograph of me next to it (so awkward..). I guess that's just so they can remember you and your work when making a decision.
Ah, I meant if you do work in installations or large work that you can’t fit into a portfolio, then you should photograph it. Obviously if you don’t work in that type of area then it won’t matter. Errmmm I’m not too sure about looking for “technical skills” specifically. I mean.. I didn’t put any life drawing or hardly any painting in my portfolio because I work mostly in film, installation, sound, etc. so that’s just what my portfolio consisted of (I did have little sketches and plans). They’re not looking specifically and only for technical skill though.
If you haven't, you should definitely come for a tour/open day here. I found it so helpful when I was applying! But yeah, hope i've helped a bit! Oh and i'll PM you a photo or two that I included in my portfolio if you like.
Interviews are about 20 minutes long (mine ran over a bit though). They had all my work in front of them. Firstly I was just asked to tell them about my work. I talked about my work in general and quite broadly, then narrowed down to talk more in depth about one or two actual pieces. Every so often they’d chip in and ask me to expand on something. It wasn’t very formal, and I did most of the talking. Then after that, we sat down and they asked me two set questions: “Why have you chosen Slade?” and “Why the BA/BFA?”. They highlighted the difference between the BA and BFA and said there was room to switch once you start, which is reassuring if you're not sure which you'd prefer. After that they picked a piece of my work out of my portfolio and made me hold it up while they took a photograph of me next to it (so awkward..). I guess that's just so they can remember you and your work when making a decision.
Ah, I meant if you do work in installations or large work that you can’t fit into a portfolio, then you should photograph it. Obviously if you don’t work in that type of area then it won’t matter. Errmmm I’m not too sure about looking for “technical skills” specifically. I mean.. I didn’t put any life drawing or hardly any painting in my portfolio because I work mostly in film, installation, sound, etc. so that’s just what my portfolio consisted of (I did have little sketches and plans). They’re not looking specifically and only for technical skill though.
If you haven't, you should definitely come for a tour/open day here. I found it so helpful when I was applying! But yeah, hope i've helped a bit! Oh and i'll PM you a photo or two that I included in my portfolio if you like.
Original post by i-like-pie
Hi! I would think the portfolio carries more weight, but the personal statement is still pretty important since it lets you write things that you couldn’t show in a portfolio (e.g what you’re reading, which artists you like). In my interview, a tutor had my personal statement printed off with some notes/underlines on it. They asked me briefly about an artist I mentioned, but other than that there was a definite tendency towards my portfolio.
Interviews are about 20 minutes long (mine ran over a bit though). They had all my work in front of them. Firstly I was just asked to tell them about my work. I talked about my work in general and quite broadly, then narrowed down to talk more in depth about one or two actual pieces. Every so often they’d chip in and ask me to expand on something. It wasn’t very formal, and I did most of the talking. Then after that, we sat down and they asked me two set questions: “Why have you chosen Slade?” and “Why the BA/BFA?”. They highlighted the difference between the BA and BFA and said there was room to switch once you start, which is reassuring if you're not sure which you'd prefer. After that they picked a piece of my work out of my portfolio and made me hold it up while they took a photograph of me next to it (so awkward..). I guess that's just so they can remember you and your work when making a decision.
Ah, I meant if you do work in installations or large work that you can’t fit into a portfolio, then you should photograph it. Obviously if you don’t work in that type of area then it won’t matter. Errmmm I’m not too sure about looking for “technical skills” specifically. I mean.. I didn’t put any life drawing or hardly any painting in my portfolio because I work mostly in film, installation, sound, etc. so that’s just what my portfolio consisted of (I did have little sketches and plans). They’re not looking specifically and only for technical skill though.
If you haven't, you should definitely come for a tour/open day here. I found it so helpful when I was applying! But yeah, hope i've helped a bit! Oh and i'll PM you a photo or two that I included in my portfolio if you like.
Interviews are about 20 minutes long (mine ran over a bit though). They had all my work in front of them. Firstly I was just asked to tell them about my work. I talked about my work in general and quite broadly, then narrowed down to talk more in depth about one or two actual pieces. Every so often they’d chip in and ask me to expand on something. It wasn’t very formal, and I did most of the talking. Then after that, we sat down and they asked me two set questions: “Why have you chosen Slade?” and “Why the BA/BFA?”. They highlighted the difference between the BA and BFA and said there was room to switch once you start, which is reassuring if you're not sure which you'd prefer. After that they picked a piece of my work out of my portfolio and made me hold it up while they took a photograph of me next to it (so awkward..). I guess that's just so they can remember you and your work when making a decision.
Ah, I meant if you do work in installations or large work that you can’t fit into a portfolio, then you should photograph it. Obviously if you don’t work in that type of area then it won’t matter. Errmmm I’m not too sure about looking for “technical skills” specifically. I mean.. I didn’t put any life drawing or hardly any painting in my portfolio because I work mostly in film, installation, sound, etc. so that’s just what my portfolio consisted of (I did have little sketches and plans). They’re not looking specifically and only for technical skill though.
If you haven't, you should definitely come for a tour/open day here. I found it so helpful when I was applying! But yeah, hope i've helped a bit! Oh and i'll PM you a photo or two that I included in my portfolio if you like.
Thanks a ton for such a thorough response. Appreciate it.
Yes, it would be awesome if you could PM me a pic or two
I do have a portfolio ready but am eager to add more works to show some of my latest investigations and experimentations.
I can't think of more questions right now, but I am sure I might have some more later :P
I would love to attend an open day and am planning to visit London soon (I live in India).
Just a question on a different topic; what are your views on Central Saint Martins at UAL?
I have got an offer for the foundation course there, but I am eager to join a BA/BFA course itself.
Also, while considering a university for your BA/BFA why did you choose Slade? What about Goldsmiths or Chelsea? I have heard that these other two colleges also have good undergrad courses?
Original post by cath10
This is really helpful, thank you. I still haven't started putting my portfolio together I have a lot of planning and work to do. How many pieces did you present? Also I have studied architecture previously and I am unsure about how much of this work to include. Do have any thoughts on this?
Hi there! Umm well your portfolio is going to be different for everyone, if your work has connotations with architecture I think it might be interesting to show correlating work, but i'm not sure, I'd put in what you feel explains yourself and your work well. Mine was A2 size (check the Slade website for size and weight restrictions though). My portfolio had about 20ish sleeves, each sleeve had either a "final" work, a few photographs/plans, or a tiny bit of writing explaining a project. I also photographed some double pages of my sketchbook. And I included an essay, but this isn't essential. Hope this was a little bit helpful!
Original post by snehajoshi2093
Thanks a ton for such a thorough response. Appreciate it.
Yes, it would be awesome if you could PM me a pic or two
I do have a portfolio ready but am eager to add more works to show some of my latest investigations and experimentations.
I can't think of more questions right now, but I am sure I might have some more later :P
I would love to attend an open day and am planning to visit London soon (I live in India).
Just a question on a different topic; what are your views on Central Saint Martins at UAL?
I have got an offer for the foundation course there, but I am eager to join a BA/BFA course itself.
Also, while considering a university for your BA/BFA why did you choose Slade? What about Goldsmiths or Chelsea? I have heard that these other two colleges also have good undergrad courses?
Yes, it would be awesome if you could PM me a pic or two
I do have a portfolio ready but am eager to add more works to show some of my latest investigations and experimentations.
I can't think of more questions right now, but I am sure I might have some more later :P
I would love to attend an open day and am planning to visit London soon (I live in India).
Just a question on a different topic; what are your views on Central Saint Martins at UAL?
I have got an offer for the foundation course there, but I am eager to join a BA/BFA course itself.
Also, while considering a university for your BA/BFA why did you choose Slade? What about Goldsmiths or Chelsea? I have heard that these other two colleges also have good undergrad courses?
Congrats on your offer for foundation there! Lots and lots of people tell me that foundation was a really helpful and great year. Hmm.. Everyone I have spoken to that went to CSM/Chelsea/Camberwell for their foundation has mentioned that there was very little space or access to equipment. But that said, I haven't been so I really couldn't say. I personally chose Slade because it just seemed perfect for me and it had the structure that I wanted and knew I'd work well in. Goldsmiths and Chelsea both have good reputations, yep, but I don't know a great deal about them in comparison. It really depends on you, some places you will 'click' with and others you won't. Open days are really good for stuff like this though, I came out of places with a completely different view to what I went in with.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by i-like-pie
Oh and i'll PM you a photo or two that I included in my portfolio if you like.
Hey, I would also really appreciate seeing some pictures you included in your portfolio. Is there anywhere I can view your film work?
Thank you.
Original post by i-like-pie
Congrats on your offer for foundation there! I didn't do a foundation, but lots and lots of people tell me that foundation was a really helpful and great year. Hmm.. Everyone I have spoken to that went to CSM/Chelsea/Camberwell for their foundation has mentioned that there was very little space or access to equipment. But that said, I haven't been so I really couldn't say. I personally chose Slade because it just seemed perfect for me and it had the structure that I wanted and knew I'd work well in. Goldsmiths and Chelsea both have good reputations, yep, but I don't know a great deal about them in comparison. It really depends on you, some places you will 'click' with and others you won't. Open days are really good for stuff like this though, I came out of places with a completely different view to what I went in with.
Hi again! So the UCAS application deadline is just a few days away and I am kinda nervous about my personal statement and I feel like I might get rejected just on the basis of it!!! :P Could you probably just share what sort of context you added in your personal statement? You already said that you wrote about what you are reading, and about some artists.... but besides that what sorta other stuff did you write about? I have written some stuff about why I like art and how I got involved in it/ what interested me to start making art/ etc.... Is that what should be included? Any advice or suggestions on what else can be written about in the PS?
I am not asking you to tell me what to write, I just want some advice on what to write about...
Appreciate your insights. And thanx for the input on the UAL thing! I guess I'll just have to come over and check out all the places
Appreciate your insights. And thanx for the input on the UAL thing! I guess I'll just have to come over and check out all the places
Original post by talkingparrod
Reapplying doesn't affect your chances as far as i know - I seem to remember someone asking at the open day I went to.
And if anything you'd be better off because you have the experience from last time to learn from.
I'll link you to my flickr too x
And if anything you'd be better off because you have the experience from last time to learn from.
I'll link you to my flickr too x
Hiyaa congrads on getting in
could u please send a link of ur flikr as well please )Original post by talkingparrod
Advice based on my successful application (for the 4 yr BA) staring 2011
For the benefit of any 2012 applicants (you poor, ****-on souls)
1. Portfolio Inspection
Book online, but ignore the time you book - the times are just to stagger the arrival - there was a large queue (that moved pretty quickly) on the day I went. The drop off isn't at the main slade HQ either, so watch out for that.
The 'strict' 15kg weight limit isn't strict at all - a man walks down the queue to check that each portfolio is light enough to lift.
You will be given a receipt with your number that tells you to return strictly AFTER 4.15 - I rocked up at half 2 and picked mine up (some people at that time hadn't had theirs inspected by that time though)
2. Interview
First of all - well done if you get this far - it's no mean feat in itself.
What did they ask?
a. After a brief introduction (to 3 tutors - each was from a different specialism) I was asked to choose a piece of work and talk to them about it: which I duly did. This part of the interview lasted half of the 20 minute total.
In this time each tutor would interrupt/chip in to my discussion and ask about what i'd said if they had anything to say. I felt that there was a tendency towards a 'final' piece. Eg. they wanted to know how work would be presented (i.e. how would you exhibit this piece?). The feeling I get is that they want to know how you take an idea to completion. So the ideas, the concepts behind your work are important, but the way you realized them (or how you think about their realization) is just as important.
The feel of the interview wasn't particularly formal - your objective as an applicant is to get into a 'group crit' situation: show them that you are a tutor-able and thoughtful individual.
b. I was then asked 3 set questions -
-why slade?
-why the 4 yr BA (as opposed to the BFA)
-what are you reading/have you read?
I tried not to dwell on the obvious (good reputation and location) and told them why I preferred the 4 yr course.
It's not a bad idea to ask them some questions (about studio space/who are the visiting tutors in the coming term?)
c. One tutor took a photo of me with a piece of the work - so that they would remember a face when deciding on who to take I presume.
At this point i pulled a cheesy grin and put my thumb up. I said to them 'why the hell did I do that!?' which garnered a laugh. It's probably not a bad thing making them laugh - you'll stick in their mind (the same could be said for crazy art school hair, but that's another issue all together)
So that's what to expect (I can't imagine the system would change much over the coming years). Don't hesitate to ask more advice, but please don't clog up the feed with which member of ****ing girls aloud you think is the hottest.
For the benefit of any 2012 applicants (you poor, ****-on souls)
1. Portfolio Inspection
Book online, but ignore the time you book - the times are just to stagger the arrival - there was a large queue (that moved pretty quickly) on the day I went. The drop off isn't at the main slade HQ either, so watch out for that.
The 'strict' 15kg weight limit isn't strict at all - a man walks down the queue to check that each portfolio is light enough to lift.
You will be given a receipt with your number that tells you to return strictly AFTER 4.15 - I rocked up at half 2 and picked mine up (some people at that time hadn't had theirs inspected by that time though)
2. Interview
First of all - well done if you get this far - it's no mean feat in itself.
What did they ask?
a. After a brief introduction (to 3 tutors - each was from a different specialism) I was asked to choose a piece of work and talk to them about it: which I duly did. This part of the interview lasted half of the 20 minute total.
In this time each tutor would interrupt/chip in to my discussion and ask about what i'd said if they had anything to say. I felt that there was a tendency towards a 'final' piece. Eg. they wanted to know how work would be presented (i.e. how would you exhibit this piece?). The feeling I get is that they want to know how you take an idea to completion. So the ideas, the concepts behind your work are important, but the way you realized them (or how you think about their realization) is just as important.
The feel of the interview wasn't particularly formal - your objective as an applicant is to get into a 'group crit' situation: show them that you are a tutor-able and thoughtful individual.
b. I was then asked 3 set questions -
-why slade?
-why the 4 yr BA (as opposed to the BFA)
-what are you reading/have you read?
I tried not to dwell on the obvious (good reputation and location) and told them why I preferred the 4 yr course.
It's not a bad idea to ask them some questions (about studio space/who are the visiting tutors in the coming term?)
c. One tutor took a photo of me with a piece of the work - so that they would remember a face when deciding on who to take I presume.
At this point i pulled a cheesy grin and put my thumb up. I said to them 'why the hell did I do that!?' which garnered a laugh. It's probably not a bad thing making them laugh - you'll stick in their mind (the same could be said for crazy art school hair, but that's another issue all together)
So that's what to expect (I can't imagine the system would change much over the coming years). Don't hesitate to ask more advice, but please don't clog up the feed with which member of ****ing girls aloud you think is the hottest.
Hi, could u please send me the link to see your portfolio? I am going to apply for the slade and don't know where to start my portfolio. Many thanks!
Original post by i-like-pie
Hey, I'm at the slade now. I know how melted your brains must be from the whole application/portfolio stuff so hope I can help a bit.
In your portfolio, they don't necessarily expect anything from you. I'd include works that you feel are your strongest and would feel most confident talking about if you got an interview. It's good to see the spectrum of your work and how all the different pieces have some relevance to each other. I can't stress enough how important it is to photograph 3D/installations/sculptures/larger pieces in good lighting and documented well from a few different angles. Always include their dimensions if you're showing documented work. Stuff that is still in progress and unfinished shouldn't be ruled out; it gives you an avenue to talk about how you work and show the tutors your stages of development. If you work in sketchbooks and they're relevant, then put them in. I photographed a few significant double-pages of my sketchbooks and put them in, and put one or two a4 ones in too. Don't be tempted to pad out your portfolio with 'fillers'. By this I mean don't just put 'average' work in for the sake of bulking it up; there is just no point. I had a few sketches and plans of early stages of work, can't say whether they "like" this or not but as I said before, it just shows how you work as an artist. Just a heads up, every year the tutors comment on the amount of Jenny Saville-style work people put in their portfolios. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing, but they do see lots of it.
So yeah, you can ask me other stuff, not sure if i'll be much help but i'll try! Good luck everyone who's applying and i'll maybe see a couple of you there next year!
In your portfolio, they don't necessarily expect anything from you. I'd include works that you feel are your strongest and would feel most confident talking about if you got an interview. It's good to see the spectrum of your work and how all the different pieces have some relevance to each other. I can't stress enough how important it is to photograph 3D/installations/sculptures/larger pieces in good lighting and documented well from a few different angles. Always include their dimensions if you're showing documented work. Stuff that is still in progress and unfinished shouldn't be ruled out; it gives you an avenue to talk about how you work and show the tutors your stages of development. If you work in sketchbooks and they're relevant, then put them in. I photographed a few significant double-pages of my sketchbooks and put them in, and put one or two a4 ones in too. Don't be tempted to pad out your portfolio with 'fillers'. By this I mean don't just put 'average' work in for the sake of bulking it up; there is just no point. I had a few sketches and plans of early stages of work, can't say whether they "like" this or not but as I said before, it just shows how you work as an artist. Just a heads up, every year the tutors comment on the amount of Jenny Saville-style work people put in their portfolios. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing, but they do see lots of it.
So yeah, you can ask me other stuff, not sure if i'll be much help but i'll try! Good luck everyone who's applying and i'll maybe see a couple of you there next year!
Hello, so glad to find this thread. I am going to apply for slade 2 years later, now i am in year 11. I need to start my portfolio now but I have no idea what they like, do you have any photos to show how they should be? I done a lot of paintings but they are not well organised to a portfolio. Do you think getting awards for paintings would be benefical to the application? cause I had a few of that. Do I need to go to London in person for the interview if I get a chance? I am a Hong Kong student. thank you in advance.
i guess this is an old thread.. i'm so excited about applying to the slade. i was wondering what sort of portfolio work do they want.. in terms of independent work (outside college)- cause i purchased an A4 sketchbook recently and i'm trying to fill it up with some work.. but my work is quite abstract (more like Willem De Kooning) so do u think this I could be someone who they'd consider for an offer? bcuz my work is quite flickery!! and can i include some unfinished work (cuz they said they want the portfolios by Feb, and i'll be still working on my coursework at the time???
also i'm worried about my personal statement bcuz the only experience i have is as an assistant photographer- would this matter? how did u feel at the interview? were they quite fussy about the questions and the answers?
aaah i'm so nervoooous!!
and just tell me about the course in general?? and the kind of support u get>
plus can anyone tell me about the accomodation there? cuz i've never lived in london before!!
also i'm worried about my personal statement bcuz the only experience i have is as an assistant photographer- would this matter? how did u feel at the interview? were they quite fussy about the questions and the answers?
aaah i'm so nervoooous!!
and just tell me about the course in general?? and the kind of support u get>
plus can anyone tell me about the accomodation there? cuz i've never lived in london before!!
Hi there, i know this was quite an old post but Im applying to the slade for the 4 year course now and would be very grateful if you could send me a private message to your flickr account too so I can see the sort of standard (which im aware is very high :/)
thanks
thanks
Original post by talkingparrod
For me the portfolio composed of
1. recent/ongoing foundation work
2. older foundation work
3. independent/outside college work
4. drawing
5. sketchbooks/notebooks (2x foundation skbk, 2x foundation notebook, 1x independent sketchbook)
In my case, there was little painting as I work more in installation/photography. The drawing made up about 20% of the folio.
I'll send you a private message to my flickr account irina793
What I should say now that I didn't before is this-
The most important piece of advice I can give is to be yourself. Having e-mailed graduates of the school (they put their addresses on the degree show site - presumably for potential marketing rather than unsolicited questioning from annoying applicants...) this advice rings true. If you aren't what they're looking for - f**'em and move on.
1. recent/ongoing foundation work
2. older foundation work
3. independent/outside college work
4. drawing
5. sketchbooks/notebooks (2x foundation skbk, 2x foundation notebook, 1x independent sketchbook)
In my case, there was little painting as I work more in installation/photography. The drawing made up about 20% of the folio.
I'll send you a private message to my flickr account irina793
What I should say now that I didn't before is this-
The most important piece of advice I can give is to be yourself. Having e-mailed graduates of the school (they put their addresses on the degree show site - presumably for potential marketing rather than unsolicited questioning from annoying applicants...) this advice rings true. If you aren't what they're looking for - f**'em and move on.
Original post by talkingparrod
I'll send you a private message to my flickr account irina793
Hi, if you still have your portfolio online I would love to see it. I'm applying this year and don't know what I should include.
Thanks
Anyone here got an interview? I just got the email today yay! I submitted a CD portfolio and I'm rather quite surprised they want to meet me, haven't done any foundation. In fact I used to paint and draw on my own, only a few months back I asked an art teacher to see my works and teach me a bit.
yay! I submitted a CD portfolio and I'm rather quite surprised they want to meet me, haven't done any foundation. In fact I used to paint and draw on my own, only a few months back I asked an art teacher to see my works and teach me a bit.Original post by talkingparrod
I'll send you a private message to my flickr account irina793
I'll send you a private message to my flickr account irina793
hey, could you pm me your flickr account as well?
(edited 9 years ago)
Hulloo , getting in on this feed rather late, but could I possibly get in on the portfolio link? I'm foundation applying this year, but next years the big Slade application. Frankly, I have no idea where to start on my portfolio so any help would be much appreciated
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