<p>Hi everyone! I know there might not be loads of people on CC who will be able to help me out, but I thought some general feedback from anyone would be really helpful (:</p>
<p>So these are what I'm thinking about submitting for my applications. I may change out something for a more sculptural metal piece I'm working on (if I finish in time) that involves some cool geometric forms and a sinked copper bowl. </p>
<p>The only thing that's missing as of now are the four observational drawings, but i'm working to get those uploaded in a day or two so just look out for those. (I'm also hoping the painting studies would help supplement the drawings, am I right on that one?) </p>
<p>I'm applying to Cornell ED, CMU (possibly VCU, possibly Syracuse)
Also Georgia, Clemson and Winthrop</p>
<p>I've had a range of responses to my work, someone from Watkins said I was in shape to get scholarships, KCAI wasn't quite as enthused, but still gave fairly positive feedback.</p>
<p>I've also had an interview/review with a Cornell Alum, and she helped me pick out pieces to include in my portfolio. </p>
<p>But I have changed some things around since then, and any feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of my portfolio would be wonderful! Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Hey Newberry! I took a quick look at what you have and overall I think your graphic design work is good and your metal work is even better. The golden earring you have is definitely interestingly shaped and I think my Spatial Dynamics teacher would like the design. I actually think its better sitting on its own than when you wore it, but I’m no metalsmithing major. If you have that other piece and you think its good, put it in.</p>
<p>That being said, I would take out the gear painting. I will be honest–it is not your best work. There are some perspective problems with them that if you want to you can change. Just look at some gear reference and try to get the angles of the planes of the gear correctly. I hope I explained that well. If not I have no problem re-explaining it. I do think that the ear one is the best painting there, but I would discourage drawing single body parts, or even the figure at all. For your observational drawings I would recommend you do still-lifes. They are far more easily perfected and you can put a lot of them into an interesting composition. </p>
<p>Putting that aside I think you have been rather successful in every medium you ar showing here, and I would focus on honing your vision. If you can show a school exactly what you want to do there through your portfolio they will love you more for it.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your comments! Graphic design and metals are my two favorite areas, and I’m glad that those came across well in my portfolio. I would have to agree with the perspective of the gear painting (I’ve never really excelled at perspective haha) and I actually remember I have a great set of pine cone studies that I might switch out instead. </p>
<p>For my drawings, however, my interviewer said that Cornell loves to see figure drawing, so I may go half and half on that one. Drawing might be my weakest area but hopefully I’ll be able to pull something off that looks good and is accurately rendered…</p>
<p>Thanks again for your feedback! I should be getting some drawing uploaded soon today (:</p>
<p>Well if you want to do some figure drawing, I’d recommend signing up for a class. Try a variety of times for poses–long poses, gestures, 30 to 2 hr drawings, and try to get the entire figure down. Put in the hands and the feet, and if the pose is longer than 10 mins you’ll need at least suggestions of the face. If working in charcoal or conte be aware of the variety of mark, and make sure you get the gist of the figure in by the first minute and edit from there. Pick up an anatomy book and there are some great ones that are free online. Balance is key and reviewers dislike seeing floating figures–make sure your person is inhabiting an environment. </p>
<p>And don’t worry. If a reviewer even sees a naked person in your portfolio they will already be impressed by the fact you had the dedication to go out and take a class. Even if you don’t, if you give them four beautifully rendered still lifes, they won’t complain.</p>
<p>If you upload photos it might take me some time because RISD is kicking my butt, but I will be sure to look at them for you.</p>
<p>I actually go to an arts high school, and we have a class dedicated to figure drawing. Last year was our foundations year and this year is a lot more focused but I won’t have enough time to have well rendered figure drawings through class by my ED deadline (Oct 31st), unfortunately. I’ve been trying a lot on my own when I have time. Luckily my roommate is a dancer so that’s helpful when we don’t have a model in class that week :)</p>
<p>Once again, thanks so much for all the suggestions! That’s so cool that you go to RISD! One of my friends that graduated last year goes there now. Do you know Logan Helmers? I think she’s going by Adele now.</p>