Creating a Portfolio

by Bob Kling Department of Art Indianola High School

Purpose of your portfolio

Purpose of your portfolio acceptance to college or art school

Purpose of your portfolio acceptance to college or art school college scholarship

Purpose of your portfolio acceptance to college or art school college scholarship art employment

Self-Portrait by Brett Miller acrylic on canvas

A portfolio gives you an opportunity to show what you can do! Self-Portrait by Brett Miller acrylic on canvas

Reese s by Meredith Howard acrylic on canvas

Drawings by Ben Burzette White charcoal on black paper

Sunset by Wendy Baldwin acrylic on canvas

Self-Portrait by Chelsey Wadle acrylic on canvas

A portfolio gives you the opportunity to show yourself and your work at its best! Self-Portrait by Chelsey Wadle acrylic on canvas

Self-Portrait by Brooke Davis acrylic on canvas

A portfolio gives others an insight to your hopes, desires and dreams. Self-Portrait by Brooke Davis acrylic on canvas

acrylic on canvas by Stacy Prough

Viewing your portfolio should be a treat! acrylic on canvas by Stacy Prough

If you know what you can do...

... and you want a future in art...

preparing a portfolio is your best bet!

Where do I start???

What path should I take?

Let s unlock the secrets to preparing a portfolio!

WHERE DO I BEGIN?

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in:

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)?

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career -a career in art history or museum work

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career -a career in art history or museum work -commercial art, graphic design or Web design

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career -a career in art history or museum work -commercial art, graphic design or Web design -fashion or interior design

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career -a career in art history or museum work -commercial art, graphic design or Web design -fashion or interior design -medical illustration

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career -a career in art history or museum work -commercial art, graphic design or Web design -fashion or interior design -medical illustration -art therapy

Research the schools You need to begin researching different schools. Are you interested in: -a fine arts career in studio work (painting, sculpture, etc.)? -a teaching career -a career in art history or museum work -commercial art, graphic design or Web design -fashion or interior design -medical illustration -art therapy -photography

Each of these careers requires specific training. If you have a general idea of the area in which you wish to specialize, begin by researching schools that offer programs in your area of specialization.

The I.H.S. Art Department has an extensive collection of files on art schools from around the country. You are welcome to look through the files and take information with you.

Be sure to check the Web! Our Art Department Web page also lists hundreds of links to art schools: I.H. S. Art Dept. Web site: http://www.indianola.k12.ia.us/high/art

You may not know at this time, what area of art in which you wish to specialize. All you know is, you want art as a career. This is very common and you shouldn t worry.

If this is you, then look for a school with a good program in many studio areas. You will be exposed to courses and processes in which you have never tried and will have time to decide on an area of specialization later.

The biggest decision you must first make is between a 2-year school and a 4-year school. A 2-year school will offer an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) while a 4-year school will offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree. A B.F.A. degree requires more coursework than a B.A.

2-Year Schools Typically, the only art programs offered in a 2-year degree school are in commercial art, graphic design, fashion, interior design, multi-media and gaming design.

For many years, 2-year schools offering these programs did a much better job in training than the 4-year colleges. They provided the actual hands-on training that was desired by art directors doing the hiring while the 4-year schools studied more of the theory. Over the last several years, that has changed.

The 4-year schools do an excellent job in both theory and hands-on training. You need to decide what is best for you. A 2-year school will be composed of all art courses and will include a business English and a business math course. A 4-year school will require a set of core general education courses in addition to your art courses.

If you re looking at a 2-year program, there are two schools in Iowa which offer excellent programs in commercial art and graphic design: Des Moines Area Community College and Hawkeye Tech. in Waterloo. Hawkeye tech also has an excellent program in professional photography.

There are other excellent 2-year schools across the U.S. which offer great programs: We have had students graduate from The Colorado Art Institute, which belongs to a consortium of 21 art schools across the country. We have also had students attend The Creative Center in Omaha.

The Art Institute Online Arlington, VA Washington, D.C. Atlanta Boston Burnaby Charlotte Chicago Dallas Denver Fort Lauderdale Houston Los Angeles Orange County Miami Minneapolis New York Phoenix Pittsburgh Portland San Diego San Francisco Schaumburg Seattle Tampa Toronto Vancouver York These are the locations of the Art Institutes For more information, check out their Web sites by logging onto the Art Institutes at: http://aii.edu/home.asp

4-Year Schools Some art careers can only be attained through graduation from a 4-year college, university or art school. The difference between a 4-year college or university offering an art major and a 4-year art school, is the art school will relate more of your academic core courses to art.

Indianola High School graduates have attended some of the most prestigious art schools in America including The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, The Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Rhode Island School of Design.

When high school students first begin their search for a college or school, they are most likely attracted to those in far-off places with slick color brochures of palm trees, beaches and tropical paradise campuses.

But these schools may not be for you. There are hundreds of top quality art schools, colleges and universities that can meet your needs.

Our students have become successful painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, designers and educators by attending many private and public colleges and universities.

Our students have graduated from many public and private colleges, including: Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, Northwest Missouri State, DMMC, Central College, Simpson College, Coe College and dozens of colleges outside the midwest.

Our art graduates includes students who are now professional educators teaching at major universities; practicing artists who make a living as sculptors, painters, potters, photographers, architects, archeologists and designers; and commercial artists and Web designers working for major corporations.

There s no magic trick to finding a school that s right for you!

You need to find a school that will meet your educational needs and your pocketbook!

Depending upon your area of specialization, some programs require more than four years such as architecture, art therapy and medical illustration.

There are three main things to remember when you begin your search:

There are three main things to remember when you begin your search: -does the school offer the quality program I want?

There are three main things to remember when you begin your search: -does the school offer the quality program I want? -can I afford to attend?

There are three main things to remember when you begin your search: -does the school offer the quality program I want? -can I afford to attend? -will I be happy there?

After narrowing your search down to several schools, you need to call and make arrangements to visit the school. I have had many students with their heart set on a specific school, only to come back disappointed after their visit.

When visiting the school, you want to be able to visit the art studios and facilities and meet faculty members in addition to visiting the rest of the campus. Find out what scholarships are available and their portfolio requirements.

Once you have your school selection narrowed down, you need to prepare your portfolio based upon the specific school s requirements.

How do I show my work? If you are preparing your portfolio for a scholarship or admittance to a specific school, contact the school for their portfolio requirements. They differ from school to school. Some schools want to see your actual work, some require a slide portfolio and some may accept digital images on a disk.

What kind of portfolio should I have? The actual portfolio is a portable folder that carries your work in an organized manner. It should be large enough to accommodate your largest pieces and be able to hold 15 to 20 works. You could buy one or custom make your own.

Although there are many types of portfolios available to purchase, you could also make your own using cardboard. Remember, a portfolio is something to carry your work. The actual portfolio is your work itself.

How do I select the work? Schools only want to see your best work. They also want to see a variety of media, images and concepts. They want to see your originality, creativity and expertise. Some schools may also require a specific media, process or concept. If commercial art is your area of specialization, they may require a graphic design. Some schools may require a landscape or mixed media.

What kind of work should I include? You should include a variety of work in a variety of media. A variety shows your many experiences. Schools want to see your area of expertise but also a broad range of media and concepts.

Should I include 3-dimensional pieces? Yes, especially if they are of quality. A flat 2-d portfolio does not lend itself to 3-d pieces. If you are not able to take the actual 3-d artwork, then you should consider quality photographs of your 3-d work to include in your portfolio. A slide portfolio is the best solution for 3-d work.

Is there anything else I should include? I always recommend including your sketchbook. Some schools will definitely want to see it while others may not. Include it so it is available. Consider it as one more way to impress your interviewers. I also recommend a simple resume. It is one more way of convincing your interviewers of your desire for success.

What if I am applying to more than one school? First, find out which ones require a portfolio. Next, check the dates for their portfolio review days. Arrange your visits in series so you can take your portfolio with you. Avoid mailing your portfolio. It is too expensive and not safe for your work. If you cannot visit the school personally, you will need to send a slide portfolio if slides are acceptable for the school.

What if I need to prepare a slide portfolio? If you need to prepare a slide portfolio, the school in which you are applying will have specific requirements for labeling. YOU WILL NEED: 1. a good quality 35 mm SLR (single lens reflex) camera 2. a camera tripod 3. photo lights if natural light is not available 4. shutter release cable 5. Echtachrome color slide film 6. slide labels

How do I Photograph 2-D work? Find a well-lighted, neutral, light-colored wall to hang your drawing or painting. If the work is framed under glass, remove the glass to prevent glare. Hang the work. Adjust the camera on the tripod at the height even with the work. Try to adjust the camera and tripod so the work fills the viewfinder. You want slides of the work, not the frame, wall or other distractions. If the work is not in proportion to the viewfinder, you may have to include the frame and part of the wall. Do it so as little of the wall shows as possible. Don t crop of part of the work!

How do I Photograph 3-D work? It will be necessary to take around three views of 3- dimensional work so it can be viewed from several angles. It is important that the background does not detract from the work. If it is a small piece, use a roll of neutral paper for the background. Tack the paper to the wall and gently curve it on to a flat table. Take care not to crumple the paper since folds and wrinkles in paper will be picked up by the light. Sculpture by Sara Schuster

A neutral background will help to show off the work rather than compete with it.

You will need to work with your art teachers to help you prepare your slide portfolio. When you photograph your work, you need to make several originals. It is extremely important that your slides are the highest quality possible. Poor slides will not do justice to your work.

Can I submit a digital portfolio? Only if it is allowed by the school. Although most schools still prefer the actual work or a slide portfolio, more and more schools are allowing a digital portfolio, especially schools specializing in graphic design, digital imaging and mult-media.

Should I mat all the work in my portfolio? Not necessarily, but all of your work should be neatly trimmed and free of smudges. Matting or mounting your work on mat board will present it better and will help protect your work. Remember, do whatever is necessary to best present your work.

Where do I begin? Begin by consulting me, your art teacher. We will establish a time when you can bring all of your artwork you have created over the last few years. You will arrange your work and together, we will narrow your work down to the best pieces. Please bring with you, any portfolio requirements from specific schools.

Portfolio Days Many schools schedule a portfolio day when they examine your portfolio for acceptance into the school. Some of these schools will allow juniors to go through their portfolio day as a practice for their senior year.

Some of our country s big time schools such as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, have regional portfolio days in Des Moines or Kansas City. Our students have attended portfolio days at the Des Moines Art Center, the Kansas City Art Institute and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

You need to contact these schools early in the year to find out the dates of their portfolio days.

Your art teachers and counselors will work with you to help you target your search and your plans for your future.

Feel free to contact any of us to help you with your future plans.

Aim high! There s no limit to your future!

It s just the beginning!