With several blogs having been made about artists who are applying to art universities/colleges, and my own experiences with art school and portfolios, I've compiled a list of (hopefully) helpful tips. If you have had any experience with making a portfolio or applying to an Art University feel free to comment and share any helpful tips you might know!

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SIX TIPS ON MAKING AND PRESENTING A PORTFOLIO

1. Know what is required of you. Some schools have a very strict outline for what they want you to include in your portfolio, others will give you more free-range. It is important to always remain within the limitations set for you by the school(s) to which you are applying!

Example: When I applied to my program, I was limited to 15 pieces + a sketchbook. They were testing me to see if I could a) be able to produce at least 15 original pieces AND b) be able to choose the pieces most applicable to my area of study.

2. Gear your Portfolio to your Desired Program. If you are applying to a photography program, it would be a very poor choice to have a portfolio made up of drawings and paintings. However you do not want to limit yourself, showing experimentation and a willingness to try new things will reflect well on you.

Example: I watched a girl's application be rejected because she was applying to an architecture program and failed to include building layouts/illustrations or general architectural studies in her portfolio.

3. Variety. Being able to show you can work in and have experimented with a variety of media as well as a range of subject matter is an important part of your portfolio.

Example: I applied to a Material Arts and Design program, meaning I make things in metal. However, my portfolio included drawings, metal sculpture and glass sculpture, to name a few. Even if the pieces weren't my best work, they showed my willingness to move beyond the limitations of my Metalworking focus.

4. Current is best. Even if you think the work you did five years ago is better than the work you are producing now, avoid including it in your portfolio. Your portfolio should be a current showcase of the art you are producing now.

Example: All the work in my portfolio had to be no older than three years, but I did take previous concepts and rework them, developing them farther and improving on the old techniques.

5. 100% You. Avoid including work in your portfolio that features copyrighted logos, characters, ex. I would strongly advise checking your school's regulations on copyrighted imagery in portfolios. Some schools will frown upon this, so to be safe, it is best to make sure everything in your portfolio is yours and yours alone.

Example: A fellow I had been chatting to after our portfolio interviews explained he'd gotten a warning for having a picture that was "too fanartsy". Again, check with your school and any policies they might have.

6. Be ready to defend your art. If you are not a confident public speaker, practice! You need to be able to answer questions about your art and explain why and how you made it. Having art that speaks for itself is great, but you have to be able to articulate as well.

Example: There is no better way of making yourself look like an idiot than by fumbling your way through what should be a simply yes/no question. If you aren't comfortable, practice; talk about your art with friends or family, get them to ask you questions!

Hopefully that helps, and again, if you are an art student or a working artist who has compiled a portfolio, share your experienced, I'd love to hear from you!