<p>This is my senior year, and I became interested in Graphic Design LITERALLY mere weeks ago. I've always had a love of art, but have never taken any formal art classes. I've no idea where to start with my 'portfolio'. I'm home schooled; I get good grade (3.9 GPA); My SAT score total as 1860 (my lowest was math); and I really don't have any one thing that I am really, really good at, or that I'm intensely interested in, which is making my college major decision very difficult. If someone could shed some light as to what is expected, it's be a weight off my shoulders!!</p>
<p>As an afterthought- do I need a portfolio to submit an early application? I have received a VIP early admission’s app to Drexel…what are their standard procedures?</p>
<p>You’ll have to ask individual schools what they want to see in a portfolio – or if they even require a portfolio at all, as each school has their own admission procedures and rules. Some schools are very specific as to the number and types of of pieces they want to see and even the format of the portfolio (slides, CDs, etc.), while others have just general guidelines.</p>
<p>If you search the CC archives, you will find some useful hints about preparing portfolios, but remember that these will be general in nature and will not apply to every school.</p>
<p>With no formal training you will be at a serious disadvantage when applying to schools that require portfolios, because you will be competing against students who do have that kind of arts exposure. But do not give up hope, as there are many schools that do NOT require portfolios for admission. </p>
<p>If you have had no formal art classes, you should consider taking one as soon as possible. Find out what is available in your area – art classes are frequently offered by community colleges, private art schools or teachers, museums, or even parks & recreation departments. You should make sure that you are willing to sit through formal art classes, which are very different from just drawing on your own.</p>
<p>Right now I would advise you to look for colleges and universities that offer a broad variety of majors, including graphic design and similar art/design majors, where you don’t need to commit to a particular major when applying. That will give you some time to try out some different majors and perhaps strengthen your artistic talents if that’s what you want to pursue.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Start your portfolio as others have suggested - with the basics and fundamentals. Also, follow the recommendations of admissions departments. </p>
<p>I’m not sure what your understanding of graphic design is, because it is not Photoshop, and it is not InDesign, etc. These are merely tools. Designers make information accessible to people, visually. Think of it as “information design” first and foremost. </p>
<p>If you want to know much more about graphic design, start by reviewing the content of the web site below. If you find the work to be inspiring, you’re heading in the right direction.</p>
<p>[History</a> of Graphic Design 2009](<a href=“http://www.designhistory.org/]History”>http://www.designhistory.org/)</p>
<p>And here are some more links to try: [Design</a> Web Links](<a href=“http://www.designhistory.org/weblinks.html]Design”>http://www.designhistory.org/weblinks.html)</p>