Art portfolios for non-art majors?

<p>Hopefully this is in the right forum and you guys won't laugh me right off the boards. : )</p>

<p>I'm an amateur digital painter and web designer. While my skills in either aren't phenomenal and I'm definitely not good enough to pursue design as a living, I have some talent and art is something I do for pleasure. Problem is, I haven't taken any art classes at my school.</p>

<p>I'd still like to show the colleges that I'm applying to that I do have productive hobbies, though. What I'm considering doing is putting together a web portfolio, but I'm unclear on: a) where I would put this in my application; and b) if colleges even care about this stuff. Would any of you be able to provide some advice here?</p>

<p>Depending on the school you are applying to, you can submit an arts supplement. Or, you can provide the URL for your website in the “Additional Information” section of the application.</p>

<p>When my S applied, he created a website showcasing his musical activities. He does not plan to major in music, but he does hope to continue participating in it as an EC.</p>

<p>Most applicants have outside interests and the colleges are fully cognizant about this. Unless your hobby/skill/EC is of superlative quality, colleges don’t need/want supplements. The average file reader is not a subject matter expert so at best, would only glance at it and move on. For those with superlative skills (national level honors, Carnegie Hall, published author, serious science research, etc.), where its demonstration could be a boost, those supplements are sent to college faculty for comments.</p>

<p>From your description of your portfolio, it seems to be a solid collection that shows an important part of who you are in a creative sense. But it won’t be of use to the pedestrian admissions officer.</p>

<p>I think it entirely depends on the school you are applying to. My S’s ED school had this language about the arts supplement: </p>

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<p>Another school where he applied had this language:</p>

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<p>So he sent it to the first school, and not the second, because while he plans to continue participating in his music, he does not plan to major or minor in it.</p>

<p>And I agree with T26E4 - do not submit one if you are not confident in your ability/skill. The purpose is to persuade the school to offer you admission.</p>

<p>a) where I would put this in my application;
It depends on the college you’re applying to. As college_query said above, you might have a separate section to add your art supplement. However, colleges like the UC’s and University of Washington do not receive art supplements, even if you are applying as an art major (except for UCLA).
b) if colleges even care about this stuff.
As the people said above, colleges usually don’t care about portfolios unless you’re applying as an art major. If you want to prove that you have some artistic talents, then the best way would be to win some art contests. Even if you have a great portfolio, colleges usually don’t care about it unless you gained some recognition through your work.
Good luck!</p>

<p>If your talent is not exceptional, best to leave it off.</p>