Portfolio Requirements For Art and Design Subjects

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Tips and advice from a former university senior lecturer on Art & Design student portfolios

It's interview time for many applicants and students at Universities and Art Colleges across the UK. This is a nerve-wracking time and many of you will be preparing your portfolios in the run-up to your interview - hoping to wow the course team and secure a place on your selected course.

I have met with, and interviewed, hundreds of students in the UK and internationally, all looking to be offered a place on their selected degree or MA. I know what should be in your portfolio and am about to share my 5 top tips from an interviewer’s perspective.

Portfolio Requirements For Art + Design Subjects

If you are preparing your portfolio or starting to think about it for the following academic year, here are my 5 top tips to help you get ready and build the perfect portfolio for application to University or Art school.

1. Show off your best work

Most creative Universities and art Colleges are looking for talented students who are inspired and ready to further their skills, it's that simple. The best way to show off your skills and interests is in the portfolio so fill it with your most creative, best work, and work that reflects you as an Artist/Designer.

Select 15-20 of the best pieces of work you have, you will likely only have time and need to show 10-15. Include mixed medium and a variety of topics if you are applying for a foundation course or first year (and don’t have course subject-specific examples of work, i.e interior design projects or images).

When selecting work, ask yourself:

  • Who is the portfolio for and will you be there in person to talk through it?

  • What have they asked to see, if they have?

  • What are your strengths?

  • What are your best projects/creations?

  • How best can you visually communicate them?

  • How best can you verbally communicate them?

The academic (teacher) looking at your portfolio will be looking to see what subject (topic) and medium (pen, punk, paint, etc) you have experience with, and how you have produced your work. They may ask you how long each piece took and why you created them so be ready with responses to these questions.

What to include:

  • Drawings and sketches (show variety and narrative, include different techniques)

  • A sketchbook or particular pages from a sketchbook (lay the book open and take a well-lit photo from above)

  • Still life and observation drawings (unfinished work is fine, often more interesting)

  • Paintings (watercolours, acrylic, oil, mixed medium - include your best work only)

  • Ink and pencil drawings/pastel work

  • Digital images (poster designs, branding projects)

  • Photography

  • 3D work, models, and sculptures (these will likely be too large to bring so take some very clear, well-lit photographs and try to show scale by photographing with a pen or pencil in the shot but not distracting)

2. Text, but to the point

If you wish to support your portfolio images with a short explanation, that’s fine but keep it short - less is more. Try not to distract from your work. Summarise the narrative (story) behind your work in one or two sentences - (title, medium, explanation of work)

3. Create a direction/focus

Focus the direction of your portfolio on the subject you are applying for (architecture, interior design, etc). Show key pieces that highlight your interest and knowledge/expertise so far:

  • ARCHITECTURE - focus on buildings, materials, forms, models, perspectives, sketches, etc

  • FASHION - figure drawing, model sketches, designs, samples of material, and so on

  • GRAPHICS - branding, logos, typography, posters, photography, etc

4. A physical/electronic submission of a Portfolio

There are many different ways of submitting your portfolio, this will depend on whether you are attending the interview or not. Make sure to check how what is required of you.

If you will be attending an interview then we suggest making life a little easier and carrying a small A3 portfolio in a protective folder (we know many of your pieces may be larger but A3 is your friend). A3 is a good size to carry around and present on a desk or table. It’s easy to store, cheaper to print if replicating and way more user-friendly when moving around.

If you live abroad, or will not be attending an interview, you will be asked to submit your portfolio electronically. You can email a PDF, use Dropbox or we recommend using the website wetransfer.com - it will transfer a large file without compromising the size and lets you know when it’s been delivered, and opened. 

It’s also a good idea to start creating an online portfolio so look into Behance or create your own site on a platform like Squarespace 

5. The interview

Since your grades likely got you an interview, the academic interviewing you will use your portfolio to base their decision on. No pressure.

Obviously, your grades, previous experience, internships, awards, etc are an important part of the application process but the portfolio is key - it can even raise your chances of an offer sometimes.

In the interview, you will be asked to present your portfolio. Go through it slowly and calmly, explaining the following:

  • What each piece is and what the story behind it/brief was

  • If it was a school piece or independent work

  • What inspired/motivated you

  • Why you used the medium (paint, ink, clay)

Yes, it’s a nerve-racking experience,

Yes, you’ll likely have to do it a few times.

Yes, you’ll get used to it.

Be proud of your work.

Final note: Remember, the school you’re applying to has given you an interview because they want to meet you and see your work, so show it off. Try to enjoy the experience. Ask them questions too. This is the next 3+ years of your life and you want to make sure you’re on the right track, at the right school, and learning from the right people.

Good luck for your Art & Design portfolio and application

29 Ways To Stay Creative

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29 Ways To Stay Creative

It is so true, we creatives love our lists and we tend to love things like coffee, singing in the shower, breaking rules, taking risks, and going somewhere now. We also love working with others, discussing our ideas with like-minded people, and collaborating. All too often my students feel their ideas are too precious to share or get feedback on, they don't want to present them too early in a project for fear of someone copying and they are hesitant to approach others and collaborate.

This is a reminder for them, for young designers, and creative entrepreneurs alike - stay as creative as you possibly can and have fun with it!! 

 

29 ways to stay creative

  1. Make lists

  2. Carry a notebook everywhere

  3. Try 'free writing'

  4. Get away from the computer

  5. Stop beating yourself up

  6. Take breaks

  7. Sing in the shower

  8. Drink coffee

  9. Listen to new music

  10. Be open

  11. Surround yourself with creative people

  12. Get feedback

  13. Collaborate

  14. Don't give up...

  15. Practice, practice, practice

  16. Allow yourself to make mistakes

  17. Go somewhere new

  18. Count your blessings

  19. Get lots of rest

  20. Take risks

  21. Break the rules

  22. Don't force it

  23. Read a page of the dictionary

  24. Create a framework

  25. Stop trying to be someone else's 'perfect'

  26. Write ideas down

  27. Clean your workspace

  28. Have fun

  29. Finish something!!

What ways do you like to stay creative?

The General Design & Inspiration Booklist

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The General Design + Inspiration Booklist

This is my 'coffee table' selection of books that I love to sit down and have a flick through with a hot cup of coffee under a cozy blanket on the sofa. When I have a new project or are looking for inspiration, I love to sit and flick through books, get ideas and it always helps me feel re-motivated. Some of the lists below are books from my university days and others more recent, some you might have read or heard of, and others are well worth looking up.

  1. Kate Spade. (2013) Things We Love: Twenty Years of Inspiration, Intriguing Bits and Other Curiosities, Kate Spade New York

  2. Amoruso, S. (2014) #GIRLBOSS, Portfolio Penguin

  3. Becker, H. (2011) Decorate: 1000 professional design ideas for every room in the house, Jacqui Small LLP

  4. Bowkett, S. (2013) Archi-Doodle: An Architects Activity Book, Laurence King

  5. Frederick, M. (2007) 101 Things I Learnt in Architecture School, MIT Press

  6. Schumacher E F. (1988) Small Is Beautiful, Abacus

  7. Banham, O. (1980) Theory And Design In The First Machine Age, MIT Press

  8. Wilson, R. (2010) Soulpancakes: Chew on Life's Big Questions, Hyperion Books

What are some books you’d recommend?

Interior Architecture: Recommended Magazines and Journals

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Interior Architecture: Recommended Magazines + Journals

Working as an academic, I wrote courses, project briefs, helped lead tutorial groups, and supported final year students in their dissertation and final major projects. In order to do this, I had to be up to date on the current trends, technologies, building projects, and research. I spent a lot of time online and in the library reading up and watching documentaries, skimming journals, and following competitions. 

As a student, this is also important and is a good habit to get into. Over the next few posts, I will be giving you a list of my go-to books, magazines, and journals for you to find, buy and subscribe to. Today we start gently with my best picks for Interior Architecture Magazines and Journals. 

Magazines & Journals

Stay current with design news and get into the right frame of mind at the beginning of a project. There are loads of journals out there, plus it's always interesting to pick up an international one when you're traveling too. I recommend starting with Frame, Wallpaper, ELLE Décor (and looking into possibly taking up a subscription). 

Online Journals & Websites

Aside from this, you can always have a look online at dezeen.com, inhabitat.com, and bdonline.com and there are loads of blogs to follow too. 

Which Design journals do you read?

Etsy and Craft Fairs: My Top 10 Tips For Success

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Etsy + Craft Fairs: My Top 10 Tips For Success

Back from Iceland, and what an amazing summer, I'm ready to get back into the studio and start working towards...dare I say it, Christmas. This year I'm stepping up my game, challenging my confidence, and getting my work out there at local craft fairs. I'm taking part in not one but two local Etsy fairs and will be busy for the next few weeks prepping my prints and products ready for Etsy Autumn & Christmas markets. I'm super excited about them but am also very aware of how much work the previous 'Art in the Park' (image above) took, but meeting other stallholders and, hopefully, lots of you guys make it all worthwhile. So let the planning begin and the creating continue.

craft stall

I'm already excited for this year’s run-up to Christmas and the fairs I'm working towards. I haven't done a lot of local craft fairs but those I have, have been very successful and a lot of fun so I thought I'd share my top tips for setting up and running a stall. If you're thinking about having a stall at a fair, then go for it, what's stopping you?! And, if you have signed up and it's your first time, enjoy it and let me know how it goes.

10 top tips for a successful fair:

  1. Presentation

    First impressions count. Think about your potential customers and their first reaction when they see you and your stall. How do you want to connect with them? How will you make your products stand out? Consider your branding and colour scheme so they know and remember who you are. 

  2. Perfect Products

    Think of your range and its bestsellers, what has previously worked at markets, or in this location. Consider the theme of the fair and the type of visitors it might get. Aim to have your products, with prices and any further information, clearly displayed. You can have all your stock on the table or a small amount displayed and more kept aside, under the table, all packaged up and ready for customers. 

  3. Organization + Finances

    Bring petty cash (lots of change) in a lockable box or container to act as your till, look into a card machine, enquire about wifi, use a money wallet so you can stash cash on you, bring a calculator so you don't have to use your phone all day, notebook and pens to keep track and record sales, and inquiries list for anyone who wishes you to contact them, an inventory of stock and make sure everything is in place for a busy spell on your stall. 

  4. Business cards

    You must use these events to network. This might be for wholesale, commissions, new customers, or new followers on social media. Have business cards on display, leaflets explaining what you offer, and possibly a wholesale info pack giving more information which can be followed up by a call or email if you get their details.

  5. Packaging

    Make sales and packaging easy for yourself so you can help customers quickly and send them happily on their way with a well-packaged product that will not be damaged, shows your branding (especially on the bag they will now be walking around with), and has your contact details on a sticker or business card inside to encourage them to visit your shop or website. 

  6. Hype

    Create a buzz. If you are on social media then get tweeting about your fair. Join or set up a Pinterest group and get pinning the work you will be selling. Talk about it on Facebook and maybe set up an event to invite people to. Announce the event(s) in your newsletter or email your subscribers. Oh, and write a cheeky wee blog post to self-promote. 

  7. Sort out transport

    Rope in a friend/family member to help, that way you can worry about getting your products safely to the fair and setting up the stall, and they can get you there and worry about parking.

  8. Stocktake

    Know what you are taking with you to each fair, especially as you may be doing numerous fairs in a month and be rolling stock over from one fair to the next. It's a good idea to know what worked well, what's left over, and what you might want to run as a special offer/stock clearance. 

  9. Keep warm

    A lot of fairs are in old community centres, church halls or industrial buildings so wrap up warm in layers, bring snacks you can nibble on throughout the day and between speaking to customers, and a flask (or two) of tea.

  10. Think of your poor wee feet

    Wear comfy shoes, you will be standing a lot. Bring a mat (of the camping or yoga variety) or square of carpet to stand on - this will help keep you warm if standing on a concrete floor all day and will cushion you too. 

Seljavallalaug Geothermal Algae Pool, Iceland

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I'm going to let you into a little secret, Seljavallalaug, the hidden pool on the south coast of Iceland, and I highly recommend you visit. 

How to get to Seljavallalaug

It is not the most easily reached swimming pool you will ever go to but it's certainly not too challenging to get to. I've listed a few images from the walk below, and maps above, which will hopefully help you find your way. It's a 10-15min walk, pretty easy, the only difficulty is crossing the river but honestly, it's pretty shallow and you are only running the risk of getting wet feet in the icy cold water (maybe bring a spare pair of socks and shoes).

We drove along Highway 1, the main highway ring road filled with sightseeing tourists, waterfalls, volcanos, and much more on the south coast of Iceland. We passed through Selfoss, Hella and Hvolsvöllur on the way from Reykjavik. Head towards Ásólfsskáli and Holt, look out for the Eyjafjallajökull Erupts exhibition (run by a local farmer) on the right and the turning is shortly after on your left, I think it is the second road. Road 242 acts as a loopback onto Highway 1, take this road and drive halfway up. You will see a small track which leads straight up towards the mountains, go up this road and it will take you towards the valley and the newer pool opened in 1990. Park here, and leave your valuables safely in the car, and start walking up through the valley and upriver (image 3) to the old pool for a very special swim. 

After a few minutes, you will reach an open area, like a dry river bed, (image one) walk straight through that and you will come to the river (image two) which you need to cross. We crossed on the stepping stones laid by previous visitors and added some more on our way back. It was fine, no issues but this might be different depending on the weather. From here it's easy, walk a few more minutes along the river’s edge and not up the hill, you will see the pool just around the hillside (image five). 

What’s Seljavallalaug like?

It is basic but it's absolutely adequate for the experience. You can change in the small white building at the end of the pool. It offers three rooms with a bench and some coat hooks. It’s very basic, cold, and often damp so you will want to be in and out quickly. There might be a queue so have a quick check to see if anyone is lurking in the pool keeping warm but ready to jump in front of you in the wait for a free room. There are no showers or toilets so it’s a case of stripping down to your swimming stuff and enjoy the pool before braving the cold when you get out and get changed. You might want to bring a couple of towels to wrap yourself in and maybe a pair of flip-flops if you don't want to walk barefoot around the algae poolside. Other than that, it’s pretty much not been touched since it was built which makes for a very authentic and beautiful experience. 

Swimming at Seljavallalaug

One of the oldest pools in Iceland, built in 1923, this man-made pool was originally built to teach local children how to swim as part of compulsory education from 1927. 25m long and 10m wide, Seljavallalaug was the largest pool in Iceland until 1936. It might look a bit ominously green but trust me, it’s all good and the water is lovely and warm from all that Icelandic geothermal heat. Either jump in at the end by the white wall where it’s deeper than you can stand or use the ladder by the changing rooms and take it slowly. The floor of the pool is obviously going to be slimy, I believe it is cleaned annually by volunteers in the summer, so just get on with swimming in this unique 25m pool...lie back, enjoy the view and warmth of the water, and think of the beauty and health benefits of bathing in algae. 

What a setting, it’s pretty unique. 

An amazing experience and a very special place that not many people either know of or make the effort to find. If you go, please do make a donation to help maintain and preserve Seljavallaug. 

Have you visited Seljavallalaug?