When I was graduating from high school (about 10 years ago) I struggled to choose whether to go to university for music or visual art. I chose music, and now wish I had chosen art. I’m in the process of getting back into art now, and would love any advice anyone may have.
I’m currently taking some pre-diploma courses at the Ontario College of Art, and would like to enroll in the degree program sometime in the next couple of years. I haven’t worked on a proper portfolio since high school, and without the advice of my brilliant high school art teacher, I’m feeling a bit lost.
Does anybody have any info on putting together a great portfolio for the purpose of applying to art school? (Preferably specifically for OCAD) I’ve read the guidelines on the school website, but would like something more detailed. I would love any recommendations of websites, books to read, seminars that are helpful, etc.
Glad to help. (crack knuckles)
(graduate with a degree in Fine art/ Sculpture)
Allright. The first thing that you need to do is to remember to show a diverse portfolio. I’m not sure what your media is but at any rate you will need to explore different styles and executions within that media. Nobody wants to see the same style and subject over and over.
Show your BEST WORK. I cannot stress that one enough. Unless a lower grade piece really has some sort of charm for you, don’t include it. When you apply a portfolio you are showcasing your entire talent and potential.
MAKE GOOD SLIDES. Or take good pictures. Use natural lighting and NO FLASH. Flash will wask out all the colors and natural shadows in your work. Even paintings have a slight three dimensional quality that is best shown using natural light. Go and buy a FULL SPECTRUM BULB for your lights and use a directional light. (like a big desk lamp) Use a good camera. I reccomend using an SLR ( no point and shoot). If that seems too technical, pay someone to do it for you.
If your media is Digital Art, Make certain that everything is working properly with your presentation and CD. The same applies if you are going to placing your pictures onto CD. Use a Good quality CD.
Make your accompannying information CLEAR AND CONCISE.
Past the above obvious, I’d try to arrange my work so that it showcases my development as an artist. Start with the worst of the best so to speak. End with the best of the best. Arrange the rest so that it shows a progression, but doesn’t stay monotonous.
The ultra Obvious: Make sure you include everything that is required, forms letters etc. Send it Return Reciept in the mail so that you KNOW it’s going to get there. Make certain everything is neat, clean, and as free of typos etc as possible.
If you’ve done all these things then it’s in the hands of the gods from there out. (you might want to send some bribe money too. jk )
Hope that was helpful, if you’d like to discuss it in more detail re: your particular media or style post a reply.
Hey! Thanks a lot!! I really appreciate your help.
It’s illustration (for advertising or children’s books particularly) that really interests me. The media I am most familiar with right now would be drawing (pencil, ink, conte, pastel, whatever), acrylic painting, and collage. I hope over the next couple of years, as I prepare to apply to the degree program, to learn more about photography and computer-based techniques.
Your info has been really, really helpful, thanks again!!
Illustration eh? Well good luck to you. The only other piece of advice that I could offer would be to showcase a LOT of different styles. The best illustrators are known for their signature “look” while being able to move from style to style. Good luck in art school!
Yes variety. You should show you are visually curious and willing to experiment to some extent. Many illustrators have good basic observational drawing skills as well. Showing potential with a capacity to change and be influenced by what the course may throw at you so they see you would benefit from it…
You may be interested in children’s books but keep your options open.
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