Top portfolio tips for applying to Kingston School of Art

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Now if you’re applying to any of the creative courses here at KSA chances are you’ve been asked or you are aware that you’ll have to submit a portfolio. This may be scary to you but it doesn’t have to be! Below I’ve listed a couple of tips to soothe any potential anxieties.

Be experimental!
The creative courses here at KSA want to nurture your growth as a creative and one way to get there is experimentation. Proving in your portfolio that you’re already confident in experimenting is a great way to show that you’re willing to push yourself throughout your course! Whether it’s experimentation through style or material, showing off the versatility of your work is not only impressive but a great way to stand out and put yourself forward as a great candidate!

Be confident!
Whether it’s art, graphic design or fashion, your creations are probably super personal to you! Putting forward a portfolio that’s going to be judged can be super daunting but there’s a couple of things to remember. When reviewing your portfolio you’re art isn’t being judged on the quality but whether or not your work is compatible with the course and teaching offered by the uni and if your portfolio doesn’t get you a spot that definitely doesn’t define it’s worth! Being confident in the work you put forward and remaining confident despite the result is so important in the long run!

Ask for help!
Whether you’re coming straight from A-levels or you’ve chosen to do a foundation, one of my biggest pieces of advice would be to get a second opinion! Whether it’s a teacher, technician or even a friend in the same position, getting some advice never hurts. Sometimes reading portfolio requirements can be overwhelming, and important details can get lost if you’re stressed. So asking someone to look over the requirements and your portfolio can mean you’re putting your best foot forward!

Pop any questions or advice below if you have any :smile:

-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

(edited 11 months ago)

Reply 1

piyalb

3

I have a few questions if you don't mind! when I talk about an artwork, should I keep it as concise as possible? or can I get a bit more wordy? Also if I'm not mistaken, the artist statement is to be sent separately if I'm not wrong? or am I to include it within the portfolio itself? and should I avoid cramming multiple artworks into a single page? I'm so sorry for badgering you with so many questions, we didn't really work with portfolios as much at my previous uni and I am a bit intimidated by the whole process as a result :')

Reply 2

Kingston Yasmin

OP

9

Original post

by piyalb

I have a few questions if you don't mind! when I talk about an artwork, should I keep it as concise as possible? or can I get a bit more wordy? Also if I'm not mistaken, the artist statement is to be sent separately if I'm not wrong? or am I to include it within the portfolio itself? and should I avoid cramming multiple artworks into a single page? I'm so sorry for badgering you with so many questions, we didn't really work with portfolios as much at my previous uni and I am a bit intimidated by the whole process as a result :')

Hey @piyalb

Thanks for replying with some questions- I am happy to help!

First of all, definitely don't panic about this process! Overall it is a showcase of your work, your story behind this and what you are interested in to show lecturers.

I would personally recommend letting the visuals speak more than the words. There is a fine line between explaining your work and being to copy heavy- which I struggle with a lot! I would say to keep it concise, so that what is read makes sense for what images you are pairing the copy with while not waffling.

Another recommendation is to spread out images and not to cram them. Big visuals and minimal copy is more enjoyable/easy to read in a portfolio.

I would definitely check what the brief is asking for, but if you are unclear I would say to add the artist statement separately.

Please let me know if you have any more questions :smile:

-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

Reply 3

piyalb

3

Original post

by Kingston Yasmin

Hey @piyalb
Thanks for replying with some questions- I am happy to help!
First of all, definitely don't panic about this process! Overall it is a showcase of your work, your story behind this and what you are interested in to show lecturers.
I would personally recommend letting the visuals speak more than the words. There is a fine line between explaining your work and being to copy heavy- which I struggle with a lot! I would say to keep it concise, so that what is read makes sense for what images you are pairing the copy with while not waffling.
Another recommendation is to spread out images and not to cram them. Big visuals and minimal copy is more enjoyable/easy to read in a portfolio.
I would definitely check what the brief is asking for, but if you are unclear I would say to add the artist statement separately.
Please let me know if you have any more questions :smile:

-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

Thank you so much! this was really helpful, I think I completely understand what you are saying in regards to the written part of the portfolio, I think I have a lot of concising to do.....but I'm still a little confused with visual side of things, I think getting some kind of a visual example would be really helpful, because it feels like I'm going around in circles with my presentation at the moment :frown:

Reply 4

Kingston Yasmin

OP

9

Original post

by piyalb

Thank you so much! this was really helpful, I think I completely understand what you are saying in regards to the written part of the portfolio, I think I have a lot of concising to do.....but I'm still a little confused with visual side of things, I think getting some kind of a visual example would be really helpful, because it feels like I'm going around in circles with my presentation at the moment :frown:

Hey @piyalb

Happy this helped! I would advise to search on Google/Pinterest/Tik Tok for the visual side of the presentation. There you would be able to see a few examples and templates to get inspiration from.

I hope you found this useful :smile:

-Yasmin (Kingston Rep)

Reply 5

piyalb

3

I did! and I feel a lot better now all thanks to you! just one last question, is it frowned upon if applicants use canva to make their portfolios? for some additional context, I am applying for fine arts!

Reply 6

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

13

Original post

by piyalb

I did! and I feel a lot better now all thanks to you! just one last question, is it frowned upon if applicants use canva to make their portfolios? for some additional context, I am applying for fine arts!

Hi @piyalb

I answered your question over on another thread, here the link:
Animation Uni Portfolio help - The Student Room

Hope this helps :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 7

piyalb

3

Original post

by Kingston Grace

Hi @piyalb
I answered your question over on another thread, here the link:
Animation Uni Portfolio help - The Student Room
Hope this helps :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Just had a look at it! thank you so much, I appreciate it a lot!

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