3 answers
Chelsea
Student
Trenton, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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Should a portfolio for art school have a wide range of media, or should it just be what career you want to go into?
For example would it be best to leave it as all drawings, or should I add in some sculptures or ceramics?
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would have a variety of different mediums in your portfolio.
It is said that "Generalist's" rule the world, and specializing in one area may not be helpful, especially if there is a demand for artistic work in other areas than the one you specialize in.
It is said that "Generalist's" rule the world, and specializing in one area may not be helpful, especially if there is a demand for artistic work in other areas than the one you specialize in.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
Hi Chelsea,
It depends on the school's requirements. Although it might be a good idea to present the admission committee all the skills you have in art, you should check your specific program's application requirements. So be attentive not to submit anything that may be considered as unrelated or not necessary.
All the best.
It depends on the school's requirements. Although it might be a good idea to present the admission committee all the skills you have in art, you should check your specific program's application requirements. So be attentive not to submit anything that may be considered as unrelated or not necessary.
All the best.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1882
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Chelsea !
I would be very happy to give you some advice as you continue forward as an artist ! I think the world of art is not only creative and thought provoking, but an amazing, expressive way to communicate to many people.
By all means, yes, include every piece of your work in your portfolio. It should indeed have a wide range of media. By doing that, you will make an outstanding impression by showing your creative range, your abilities and talents and your unique style. If you are a potter as you've mentioned ceramics, or sculpt in clay or other material as well as throw on the potters wheel, take high quality photos of your items and include the photos in your portfolio. If you do performance art presentations, have someone photograph it while you do it and include that in your portfolio, too. The more variety you show, the variety of materials you use will show that you are very creative and versatile.
If one of your works is in some material that you don't plan to market or do a lot in, include that also. Remember to include a seven to eight line brief introduction at the front of your portfolio, also. As you photograph your work, find a photo hosting website to make your collection on line. There may be times when someone, a school or customer may want quick access to your work to evaluate if they would either hire or buy from you. If any of your drawings, sculptures, or ceramic pieces have a show, label that it was shown at what ever gallery and if there's a specific name for the art show, include that in the caption for the photo. You one day may want to get business cards for yourself and include the website of your art for people to access.
Last but not least, if you choose an art school, review their requirements for portfolios because they may have different criteria from school to school.
I hope that this advice is helpful and I wish you the very best as you move forward in such a creative, wonderful field of work !
I would be very happy to give you some advice as you continue forward as an artist ! I think the world of art is not only creative and thought provoking, but an amazing, expressive way to communicate to many people.
By all means, yes, include every piece of your work in your portfolio. It should indeed have a wide range of media. By doing that, you will make an outstanding impression by showing your creative range, your abilities and talents and your unique style. If you are a potter as you've mentioned ceramics, or sculpt in clay or other material as well as throw on the potters wheel, take high quality photos of your items and include the photos in your portfolio. If you do performance art presentations, have someone photograph it while you do it and include that in your portfolio, too. The more variety you show, the variety of materials you use will show that you are very creative and versatile.
If one of your works is in some material that you don't plan to market or do a lot in, include that also. Remember to include a seven to eight line brief introduction at the front of your portfolio, also. As you photograph your work, find a photo hosting website to make your collection on line. There may be times when someone, a school or customer may want quick access to your work to evaluate if they would either hire or buy from you. If any of your drawings, sculptures, or ceramic pieces have a show, label that it was shown at what ever gallery and if there's a specific name for the art show, include that in the caption for the photo. You one day may want to get business cards for yourself and include the website of your art for people to access.
Last but not least, if you choose an art school, review their requirements for portfolios because they may have different criteria from school to school.
I hope that this advice is helpful and I wish you the very best as you move forward in such a creative, wonderful field of work !