<p>i'm not applying to any art schools, but since my main EC is art, i've decided to put together a portfolio/resume/supplement, but i'm a bit confused. so i have some questions--much appreciated if someone could help!</p>
<p>portfolios:
1. is less actually more in this case? i'll probably only end up submitting 12-15 pieces out of the recommended 20, which is what some schools set as the limit.
2. are drawings from photographs discouraged? i have some photograph-based pieces because i simply don't have the subject that i want to draw.
3. should there be a "theme"? (i.e. portraiture, all watercolor, etc)
4. should it be arranged from weakest to strongest, or by category? (i.e. figure drawings grouped together, then still life... etc)</p>
<p>resumes:
i simply don't have much to put on here. i'm talented (if i may say so myself), but outside of my private lessons which i've done for ~7 years now, there isn't much else to say. i've never done any workshops or anything, but i have had installments in professional juried exhibitions and galleries. will i be looked down upon for this?</p>
<p>This is the advice we were given. It worked.</p>
<ol>
<li>Don’t include anything but your best and most recent work. It needn’t all be fully polished and complete. A sketch can show the ability to render line cleanly, and details can show careful attentiveness to detail. However, if you include studies or details, label them as such and preferably juxtapose the finished piece.<br></li>
<li>Drawings from direct observation show the ability to render 3-D into 2-D. Drawings from photographs don’t. Drawings from imagination don’t either, but may show creativity. Life-drawing of human figure, self-portrait (from mirror), landscape, still-life, architectural/perspective are all good to include.<br></li>
<li>A series is great if you have a good one, but a theme isn’t necessary and only your best pieces should be included. If all your good work is in one medium, that’s fine. Do not include a piece that isn’t your best work just to show versatility. </li>
<li>Do NOT include anything weak! Put eye-catching work first, because the first pieces may be all the admissions/scholarship committee looks at. You’re composing a visual application essay. You need to hook, reel them in, and leave them wanting more. </li>
</ol>
<p>*Go to National Portfolio Day(s) and get feedback on your work from as many people as possible. Look for what they pay attention to. Ask for advice.
*Show the capacity to work large scale, and to use the elements and principles of art.
*Pay attention to your presentation; it shows you value and respect your work. Proper labels (Artist, Title of Work, Date, Medium, Dimensions. Location) show you know something about visual arts as an academic subject. Simple mounting on black foam core will photograph well.<br>
*Include your artist’s statement and a list</p>
<p>Be aware that if you include a self-portrait, artists will read it.</p>