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Submit an Impressive Portfolio

Courtesy of Watkins College of Art, Design & Film

Your art is your life. That's why you are thinking about attending an art college and turning your passion for art into a rewarding, life-long career. So as you stress out over your SAT scores, remember that applying to an art school also means submitting an impressive portfolio as part of the admissions process.

A strong portfolio could lead to not only admission into the school of your choice, but also numerous scholarship opportunities.

Get It Together

Different art schools might require your portfolio to consist of different things, so check with the schools that you're interested in for their specific requirements. But one thing that all of them can agree on is that your portfolio should represent your best personal work, as well as show basic foundational skills and use of concepts.

Recent work is usually the best representation of where you are as an artist. Your portfolio should consist of drawings completed in graphite, charcoal or colored pencil. Remember that any drawing in your portfolio should be drawn from life and not from two-dimensional sources such as photographs.

It's best to have a variety of drawings including still life, figure drawing and gesture sketches. Remember that drawings should not only reflect how well you can render but how well you can “see” the 3-D forms in front of you and process it onto a 2-D surface.

While basic drawing and painting skills are important to show, we also want to see a variety of mediums to show that you are willing and able to try new things and be successful. Also, it's important to let your personal voice show through as an artist, so don’t be afraid of expression through experimentation. Using a strong concept in your work can make all the difference in your portfolio.

You'ill notice that when you do use a concept, your work is able to communicate on a much higher level. Using strong concepts also helps your work carry substance and substance is the key to being a successful artist. When choosing pieces for your portfolio don’t overlook your sketchbook. Your sketchbook is where you really let yourself go and you are free from the confines of class assignments. The big secret is: we can tell. The treasures in your sketchbook are usually more interesting than your finished assignments for class. They let us see who you really are and what you have to say about the world around you, so look it over and get some feedback about what gems might lay in hiding.

Get Feedback

Preparing a portfolio can be a daunting task and getting feedback from people you know might not always be the best option. That's why you should make it a priority to look for constructive critique outside of your classroom. Try to visit the campuses of schools that you're interested in and get a portfolio review when you visit.

Another great option is to attend a National Portfolio Day in a city near you. National Portfolio Days are hosted by art schools around the country and are great opportunities for you to get constructive feedback on your work while gathering information about colleges you're interested in. At Portfolio Day you can meet with representatives from colleges accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design to review your artwork, discuss their programs and answer questions about professional careers in art.

Although it can be a daunting and somewhat frightening idea, getting a portfolio review can sometimes turn your world around for the better --- so take the chance. National Portfolio Day is not only for seniors. Juniors and even sophomores are encouraged to attend so that they can get a head start on a strong portfolio. Remember that art is subjective and everyone might have a different opinion about your work.

Take advice with a grain of salt and know that portfolio day is not a competition -- only a tool to help you have the best portfolio possible.

This article courtesy of Watkins College of Art, Design & Film. Watkins, located in Nashville, Tenn., offers bachelor's degrees in film, interior design, photography, graphic design, and fine arts.