[n8]

What goes into portfolios besides the stuff you have dun? are you supposed to chuk in written stuff about the stuff u done or what??...im just curious as i need a portfolio dun soon and i got pics n stuff but im not sure wot else to put in..

[nova]

i've always heard portfolios should only contain your best work, your most recent work. but i like putting in a few latter pieces (going up chronologically from ok to great) to show how far i've come. variety is also a good thing. all in all, it depends who and what your audience is. if you're going to be speaking about your work directly to your person, don't include a desc. if your not going to be talking to them directly, include a short desc and a medium or something. but don't give 'em more than they need to hear. it's kinda annoying.

i hate to state the obvious, but that's what i have to say.



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* * * ** Nova
!!

[Pigeon]

n8-

I assume you are applying to college with this portfolio. I went through this process. A number of us have, and should give you some good advice.

In general (and I'm quoting from a pamphlet I have) a portfolio "should display competent artistic ability, demonstrate facility and diversity in technique, and reflect the artist's capacity for creative thinking."

Definitely put in only your very best pieces, about 7 to 17. Maybe your instructor or a mentor can help you pick out your best ones. I can give you ideas for specific types of pieces, but that all depends on what you've done, and what you're applying for.

You don't need to include writing with the piece other than your name, address, phone number, and perhaps high school. If you are presenting your portfolio in person, you don't even need those. Portfolio reviewers look at A LOT of portfolios, and don't have time to read through all that crap. But, if you are presenting in person, you SHOULD be able to talk intelligently about each piece.

How you put your portfolio together is important too. Put your best pieces first and last. You can mat or mount your work. Be sure to spray fix any drawings. You can hinge acetate or a sheet of drawing paper to each piece to protect them, but don't place loose papers between the pieces, because this can make viewing portfolios difficult.

One thing you may want to consider is to get feedback on your portfolio before you show it at your college of choice. Parents and neighbors are fine, but find some professionals if you can. Get feedback from your art teacher, an art instructor from the local community college or other college, professional artists. You want to do two things with this preview process. 1) get feedback to make your portfolio stronger. 2) get experience getting critical feedback from a professional stranger. The first time I showed my portfolio to a college I felt crushed by all the critical feedback I got. Be prepared for this, and take the criticism constructively and in a friendly manner. If you're there in person, and you think the reviewer is wrong in his/her assessment, don't be afraid to tell them so, and explain why. They will be impressed by this.

That's all I can think of right now. Probably more than you asked, but I hope it is helpful. If it seems like I'm gearing you to preparing a job portfolio, just think of all the scholarship money a portfolio can get you entering into college. Good luck!

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-Pigeon
http://www.darklight.org/dunakin

[n8]

hehe...thanx a mill ppls...yeah...id show it to my neighbours but they suk..hehe