6/03/2016

A Handy Guide To Creating A Great Art Portfolio

By Betty Edwards


Applying for a prestigious arts school or a university with an esteemed arts program is a great idea if you plan on becoming a professional visual artist. However, a core prerequisite for any student application is the inclusion of a well curated portfolio. And to know the steps you need to complete in order to achieve this goal, you should read the following points below.

Start off by doing thorough research and see what are the required components that applicants need to submit for potential admission. Colleges or universities are seeking individuals who are not just knowledgeable about advanced color theory, but are also able to showcase their talents in unconventional ways. You may then start your planning should you have the information.

Sketching is crucial because this is the basis for many artists who are trying to conceptualize their creations before they execute their vision. Keep a sketchbook ready for when you have immediate moments of creative energy waiting to be noted down. Your sketches will also be useful as reference guides in case you need to make corrections or other edits to certain works.

A good rule of thumb to follow is creating works of art that pertains to your emotional or mental states at the time that you conceptualized the pieces. Look deep inside your mind or your soul to channel your thoughts and emotions into a pure distillation of your talents as a visual artist. People can relate more to you if you truly expose yourself into the work you created.

Alternatively, you could choose to explore ideas or concepts that are outside of your comfort zone. Challenging yourself to push your boundaries and experiment with new perspectives helps to diversify your work and show others that you have the capability to be versatile. Train yourself to think outside of the box, and you may just surprise yourself with what you can do.

While the trait of versatility is greatly appreciated, you should never abandon your true artistic roots and focus on perfecting your signature style. For instance, if you have studied mixed media for a long time, you must hone your skills to show the admissions department that your voice is in that medium. Staying true to who you are is an admirable characteristic.

Possessing a tough skin is necessary as the art world in general can be very brutal with their criticism, especially when there are so many aspiring artists competing for credibility. But do not let any negative opinions crush your dreams or discourage you from pursuing your passions. Stay humble and simply work harder to prove the naysayers wrong.

And in relation to the previous statement, you should be brave and confident enough to defend your artwork when you are called for the applicant interview. It helps to be articulate and assertive when discussing the various elements relating to your pieces. Even if they may have contrasting opinions, they will respect someone who is fully committed to their work.

Preparing yourself for an artistic higher education is a challenge that you could easily achieve when you know the right steps to make it happen. Follow the tips mentioned above to achieve your personal goals. Be confident throughout the whole process and always trust your creative instincts.




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