5 answers
Nin
Student
Downey, California
1
Question
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Portfolio Help
How do I develop a collection of my own art to showcase in a portfolio? I am trying to get into the drawing/painting program at my school, but I'm not sure what type of work to put into my portfolio.
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5 answers
Ellen Rosenthal
Retired Art Teacher
239
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Nin,
You don't say what grade you are in school, but here are some things to think about.
Your art portfolio should be an ongoing project; whenever you complete an artwork that you feel really good about and that you feel represents your best efforts, or shows the direction you want your artwork to take, put it in a physical portfolio and take some digital photos of it. (You might want to start an online portfolio too). Everyone once in a while, you should go through and edit your portfolio. The idea is, that as your skills and ideas improve, you remove some of your older and less accomplished work. You might think about keeping 5-10 pieces on an ongoing basis.
You probably want a variety of artworks in your portfolio that shows your versatility and willingness to try new materials and approaches. If you took art this past year, you should already have a a variety of artworks to put in your portfolio. Since you mentioned drawing and painting, that could mean drawings and paintings in different materials. For example, drawings in pencil, color pencils, ink/markers, and even digital computer generated ones. For paintings, acrylic, watercolor, or computer generated. You might also think about work that has a variety of subject matter, such as drawing and painting from life, or from your imagination, or just abstract designs. These are just some general ideas, I understand you can only show the artworks that you have learned in school, so don't worry if you don't have too much variety in terms of materials and imagery.
A word of warning: if you like drawing "Anime" or "Disney" or other style of cartoon drawing, that is fine, but be sure to include other drawings from life, or of figures that are your own invention. Art teachers see a lot of cartoon figures, and we respect the skill and effort it takes to draw them, but what we REALLY like to see are your original designs and ideas.
Usually teachers also like to see how you generate your ideas, so be sure to include some sketches, even doodles, that show how you arrived at your finished artwork. Maybe include photos from your sketchbook. If you do any brainstorming by writing things down, or reflections on your atwork, include those. If you work from photographs, include the photograph, so they will know how you used the photograph--direct copying is often frowned on, but if the photo was an inspiration, a starting point, or gave you ideas, that is fine.
Don't worry if an artwork is not "perfect", at your level teachers are not expecting perfection, but they like to see someone who is serious about working toward improving their art to tell a story, send a message, express an emotion, or just show something that interests you, and so on. If you are admitted into their program, the teachers will work with you on developing your skills and imagery.
Depending on the deadline, when you get back to school next Fall, show some of your artwork to your art teacher, and tell him or her that you want to apply for the art program. They should have some advice on what the requirements are for the portfolio to get admitted into the art program. Be sure to follow what they say! Please don't be afraid to talk to an art teacher about your work! We love seeing students work and hearing about their plans.
Best wishes; I hope this helps!
You don't say what grade you are in school, but here are some things to think about.
Your art portfolio should be an ongoing project; whenever you complete an artwork that you feel really good about and that you feel represents your best efforts, or shows the direction you want your artwork to take, put it in a physical portfolio and take some digital photos of it. (You might want to start an online portfolio too). Everyone once in a while, you should go through and edit your portfolio. The idea is, that as your skills and ideas improve, you remove some of your older and less accomplished work. You might think about keeping 5-10 pieces on an ongoing basis.
You probably want a variety of artworks in your portfolio that shows your versatility and willingness to try new materials and approaches. If you took art this past year, you should already have a a variety of artworks to put in your portfolio. Since you mentioned drawing and painting, that could mean drawings and paintings in different materials. For example, drawings in pencil, color pencils, ink/markers, and even digital computer generated ones. For paintings, acrylic, watercolor, or computer generated. You might also think about work that has a variety of subject matter, such as drawing and painting from life, or from your imagination, or just abstract designs. These are just some general ideas, I understand you can only show the artworks that you have learned in school, so don't worry if you don't have too much variety in terms of materials and imagery.
A word of warning: if you like drawing "Anime" or "Disney" or other style of cartoon drawing, that is fine, but be sure to include other drawings from life, or of figures that are your own invention. Art teachers see a lot of cartoon figures, and we respect the skill and effort it takes to draw them, but what we REALLY like to see are your original designs and ideas.
Usually teachers also like to see how you generate your ideas, so be sure to include some sketches, even doodles, that show how you arrived at your finished artwork. Maybe include photos from your sketchbook. If you do any brainstorming by writing things down, or reflections on your atwork, include those. If you work from photographs, include the photograph, so they will know how you used the photograph--direct copying is often frowned on, but if the photo was an inspiration, a starting point, or gave you ideas, that is fine.
Don't worry if an artwork is not "perfect", at your level teachers are not expecting perfection, but they like to see someone who is serious about working toward improving their art to tell a story, send a message, express an emotion, or just show something that interests you, and so on. If you are admitted into their program, the teachers will work with you on developing your skills and imagery.
Depending on the deadline, when you get back to school next Fall, show some of your artwork to your art teacher, and tell him or her that you want to apply for the art program. They should have some advice on what the requirements are for the portfolio to get admitted into the art program. Be sure to follow what they say! Please don't be afraid to talk to an art teacher about your work! We love seeing students work and hearing about their plans.
Best wishes; I hope this helps!
Bailey BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
Registered Nurse
76
Answers
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
Your portfolio should have everything that you are truly passionate about. Your portfolio can also show different styles and techniques such as paint vs crayon vs colored pencil. I would showcase everything you are really proud of and the drawings that best represent you. Good luck!
Amanda Nguyen
3
Answers
Orange, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hey!
Your portfolio should be a showcase of all of your best works! You should put in whatever you feel confident in. Dont worry about if you think a piece is "not good enough" to be on your portfolio. You should add whatever you want! Be confident in the choices you make and if you add pieces that you like/feel good about. You should also remember to put in different artworks from different mediums. Its also okay to put in a re-creation art work too! When I say re-creation, an example could be a painting you did in 2016 and you re-did it in 2020. It'll show off your growth and possible style changes
Your portfolio should be a showcase of all of your best works! You should put in whatever you feel confident in. Dont worry about if you think a piece is "not good enough" to be on your portfolio. You should add whatever you want! Be confident in the choices you make and if you add pieces that you like/feel good about. You should also remember to put in different artworks from different mediums. Its also okay to put in a re-creation art work too! When I say re-creation, an example could be a painting you did in 2016 and you re-did it in 2020. It'll show off your growth and possible style changes
Jaden McCreary
Commission Work
6
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jaden’s Answer
Hey Nin!
I myself have recently graduated with a BFA, but have been creating and participating in art/art courses throughout my entire academic career! When I was in highschool, I wanted to get into an advance art court at my school as well, so I gathered about 5 of my best/favorite drawings. Depening on the grade level you are at and the specific course you are trying to apply to, while referring and agreeing to one of the previously mentioned comments, I would say you should put together a small portfolio of 5-10 drawings/paintings of what you think is your best work.
I think gathering a selection of drawings/paintings that best showcase your diverse talent in terms of use of medium or stylistic choice would be great. If these works follow a specific theme, thats even better! I think maybe 5 of your best drawings and 5 of your best paintings would be a nice balance, but if you prefer one more than the other, that is completely acceptable as well. But never be afraid to come up with new work, if you feel necessary!
All in all, just please remember to have fun and to keep creating! I hope this could be of some assistance to you and I hope you hear good news regarding the course!
I myself have recently graduated with a BFA, but have been creating and participating in art/art courses throughout my entire academic career! When I was in highschool, I wanted to get into an advance art court at my school as well, so I gathered about 5 of my best/favorite drawings. Depening on the grade level you are at and the specific course you are trying to apply to, while referring and agreeing to one of the previously mentioned comments, I would say you should put together a small portfolio of 5-10 drawings/paintings of what you think is your best work.
I think gathering a selection of drawings/paintings that best showcase your diverse talent in terms of use of medium or stylistic choice would be great. If these works follow a specific theme, thats even better! I think maybe 5 of your best drawings and 5 of your best paintings would be a nice balance, but if you prefer one more than the other, that is completely acceptable as well. But never be afraid to come up with new work, if you feel necessary!
All in all, just please remember to have fun and to keep creating! I hope this could be of some assistance to you and I hope you hear good news regarding the course!
Priya Mathew
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Art Student
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Nin,
I am still learning myself, but one thing I am doing is putting my all into my art classwork so that I will have good works to choose from for my portfolio. Wishing you a great journey!
I am still learning myself, but one thing I am doing is putting my all into my art classwork so that I will have good works to choose from for my portfolio. Wishing you a great journey!