how to create an art portfolio?

hi, does anyone have any tips for starting / creating a portfolio for art? i hope to do a course on design in uni but no idea where to start / how to start. what does a portfolio consist of?? is it just one project? several projects? any idea how i can create something related to the theme of design??

Reply 1

McGinger

Check the individual Uni websites for exactly what they want - and if it is not clear, email the Admissions Team and ask. There are also useful YouTube films from some Unis.

Reply 2

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by j3llyf1sh

Hiya!

Portfolios are looked at, just to give us as a university an idea of your current and relevant skills and it also helps you to confirm that whatever course you have chosen is the right course for you! It is all about showing off your potential!

Universities are incredibly supportive about portfolios and will be happy to help in any way they can. Whether this is contacting us directly or referring to our help pages on our website. I would recommend, doing some research about portfolios and looking at university webpages to see their advice and their recommendations. Overall portfolios should show off skills, personality, interest in the course and more!

On the De Montfort University website, we offer support advice for each individual creative based subject for you to develop and present the best portfolio you can. In addition, we also have videos available on our website as well as our YouTube channel full of advice from staff members and our current students. I have had a very quick look online, and it seems like the lecturers in the videos offer some great, clear advice.

On the website the following subtitles are mentioned with a brief description of how they would like these presented in your portfolio and tips.

•

Drawing and image making

•

Photography and video-based work

•

Sketchbook work

•

Project work

•

Course area advice

•

How to present your work

After having a look online at different university websites, you can always contact the university for advice on creating or submitting your portfolio. Usually, it is the University’s admissions team that help.

Incase you are interested here is De Montfort University Admissions teams contact details

Telephone: (+44) 0116 207 8443 (Phone line opening times Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm)
Email: [email protected]

Finally, I would also recommend visiting universities at their Open Days and finding more out about the courses, speaking to current students and lectures and asking about portfolios.

I hope this helps,
-Maddie, Second year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University

Reply 3

greenplant

Unis wants usually variety of work and techniques.
Give them sketches as well as finalised work and progression of it.
Choose only the best work you think you have.
If it is digital portfolio I recommend either photoshop or Google slides for layout.
Good luck!!

Reply 4

Kingston Zhi En

Official Rep

Original post by j3llyf1sh

Hi there @j3llyf1sh , What areas of design are you interested in? (eg. Fashion, Interiors, Graphic, Fine arts...etc)
Deciding which area of design would be helpful in starting your portfolio 🙂 You may want to begin with research, what are are themes or images that inspire you?
Followed by experimentation and development, this can be sketches, prototypes, paintings that are a response to the research you have done. What are some materials or mediums that are suitable for this project?
Finally, you have your final artwork or product. It's important to curate your artworks/ projects to showcase your creative ability, interests and personal style. 🤗 I hope this helps!

😉Useful Links:
Putting together a Fine Art & History Portfolio
Fashion Portfolio Top Tips

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

(edited 6 months ago)