Art uni

Nicole.isnt.

What things can I do to make an art application for uni stand out other than my portfolio? I was wanting to start shadowing artists,or even intern at a studio but there isn't anything nearby
So I was wondering what I could do.

Reply 1

Universities Forum Helper, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Nicole.isnt.

Have a read of https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/hive-articles/writing-a-personal-statement-for-art-and-design-courses

You don’t need to do anything that you aren’t interested in - by focusing on things you find interesting or enjoyable you’ll end up with a PS that’s personal to you and gives a clear picture of your creative process and potential

Reply 2

aspalax

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Nicole.isnt.

Hello

First of all - it's cool that you're thinking about this but having work experience is usually not expected of people wanting to study art and design courses. The bulk of your application will be your portfolio - your personal statement is still important, as is getting your grades, but I would anticipate putting the majority of your efforts into your portfolio.

PQ gave some good advice for bolstering your personal statement here, but if you still want to do some work experience, here's some ideas.

- Contact local galleries (even small-scale ones that sell local paintings etc)
- Contact local sellers/artists - they may not be able to help you directly but may be able to point you somewhere that will.
- Try local businesses that might say yes to some new menus or wall murals. Will help if you have previous experience with this and can prove it
- If you think you could sell paintings or print things to sell like stickers, you could try and run a stand at a local craft fair.
- If you can do things like portraiture, you could try and do some commissions of people/pets etc. It might be more difficult to get these though!
- Try advertising agencies and web design companies for graphic design shadowing/work experience.
- Try printing places (the type that print large scale posters and t-shirts etc)
- Try local art shops that might run classes
- Try schools that might allow you to shadow art teachers or assist in art classes

I would expect you will likely need to ask a lot of people and get directed to various places before you find somewhere that will say yes, but I think it would likely be interesting experience and definitely something to talk about in an interview. I would warn against getting too worried about it though and focus on your portfolio/studies if in doubt! :smile: