Art Portfolios for College Applications

The following procedures and suggestions are intended as guidelines for seniors who have done a significant amount of visual art work during their Tallulah Falls School career. It is strongly recommended that all students intending to study visual arts include a portfolio of their best work with the application. Portfolios should highlight a unique talent or skill-set, allowing the applicant to stand out. If chosen and presented carefully, the portfolio can be a strong advantage.

Colleges and universities will judge work on technical mastery and skill, variety and versatility. When creating a portfolio for higher education follow each college or university’s guidelines. Take time to research a college’s specific directions on how to create a portfolio. Tailor the portfolio to the college’s suggestions. Below are instructions and suggestions:

• Save artwork as early as possible.
• Choose strong pieces - the portfolio is only as strong as the weakest piece.
• Each piece should be labeled with the student’s name/grade level.
• Look at pieces as more than a product.
• What process is displayed? (experimentation, use of materials)
• Include independent art, not only art completed in class.
• Use original pieces, not studies (copies) of other’s ideas.
• Remember reviewers look at many of portfolios.
• Show creativity and technical skill.
• Organize and display in a pleasing and formal way.
• Group by medium, subject and technique.
• Store all works digitally.
• Take pictures with a high-resolution camera.
• Develop an artist statement. This speaks to each student's interest and investment in art.
• Half page, single spaced is sufficient.
• Have a mentor check the completed portfolio.
• Update the portfolio as needed.