A Guide to Building a Compelling Portfolio for Art and Design Degrees

Showcase Diversity

Demonstrate the breadth of your skills by including a diverse range of artworks. Include pieces that showcase your proficiency in various mediums, styles, and techniques. This not only highlights your versatility but also reveals your willingness to experiment and explore within the realm of art and design.

Tell your Artistic Journey

Accompany each piece in your portfolio with a brief description or artist statement. Share the inspiration behind your work, your creative process, and the concepts you explored. This narrative provides insight into your thought process and allows the admissions committee to understand the context of each piece.

Curate a Cohesive Narrative

While diversity is essential, aim for a cohesive narrative within your portfolio. Consider the overall flow, arranging your pieces in a way that tells a visual story. This could be based on themes, media, or a chronological representation of your artistic development. We recommend being honest and reflecting your own personal development through the works you show, since this most often leads to the most cohesive and compelling narrative in an early portfolio.

Highlight Technical Skill 

Admissions committees appreciate seeing strong technical skills, particularly when applying at the foundation or undergraduate level. Include pieces that showcase your mastery of various techniques, whether it's drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture, or any other medium relevant to your chosen field of study.

Emphasise Conceptual Thinking

Beyond technical proficiency, demonstrate your ability to think conceptually. Include pieces that convey a deeper understanding of your chosen themes or subjects. Art and design programs often seek students who can marry technical skill with thoughtful and innovative conceptualisation.

Include Work from Relevant Projects

If you've participated in specific art or design projects, include relevant pieces from these experiences. This could be work from school assignments, personal projects, or collaborations. It demonstrates your ability to apply your skills in real-world scenarios.

Digital Presentation Matters

If you are submitting a digital portfolio to some or all of the institutions you’re applying to, ensure that you keep presentation in mind. Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organised, easy to navigate, and visually cohesive. High-quality images of your work and a clean layout contribute to a professional and polished presentation.

Seek Feedback

Before finalising your portfolio, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. Fresh perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you refine your selection and presentation. Remember, however, that whilst constructive criticism is an integral part of the artistic process, so is being true to yourself and your development as an artist; the best applicants should try to marry expert advice with what feels right to them as an individual.