<p>I am currently setting up my portfolio for undergraduate architecture schools I am applying to. I decided to make a video out of the portfolio I have so far. I was wondering if any of you could give feedback, comments, advice, concerns, etc for the works I have done throughout the years. </p>
<p>Most of the works are from 3D model design programs like Google Sketchup and Revit but I have also reserved room for many of the drawings I have done.</p>
<p>Schools I am applying to:
-Cornell
-University of Southern California (USC)
-Syracuse
-Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
-Rennselaer
-UCLA
-UC Berkeley
And possibly a few more.</p>
<p>One thing I would say is that at least when I applied last year, when I looked at the requirements and suggestions they specifically asked not to include pieces from autoCAD and etc. They like to see drawings (NOT related to architecture) and creativity rather than things from autoCAD, revit, etc. I’d say throw a couple (as in max. 2-3) in there, but make sure most of your portfolio is of non-architecture related drawings that demonstrate creativity and spatial intelligence. Good luck!!</p>
<p>BTW, why isn’t carnegie mellon on that list?! ;)</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. Though I wouldn’t say just because something is designed Revit or Sketchup does not mean that it isn’t CREATIVE :S. I still see your point though because I noticed that too; however, I thought they were only referring to working drawings, dimensioning, etc.</p>
<p>If non-architecture related drawings are the case then I guess I will have to focus on other ways to make up my portfolio. Speaking of that, how would you consider the drawings I have on the latter half of the video?</p>
<p>To get an idea of what schools want, start with uber-art focused schools (say, RISD) and see what they want. The RISD bicycle has befuddled many a budding artist, let’s put it that way. Google Images for RISD bicycle and you’ll see. RISD asks for a few very specific ones. </p>
<p>Some schools specify number and type or even give you little ‘assignment’ type categories like observational drawings, a fruit, a chair, or some other what-not. Yet others may ask for a self portrait…</p>
<p>I’d say from the portfolios I have seen maybe 10% of the content is design related (Sketchit, Revit, and the like). Some can include photographs or 3D objects like ceramic and sculptures, or even paintings, but the meat of the portfolio is generally drawings. </p>
<p>Keep in mind also that some schools may want a few (school specific) originals done in certain dimensions and even certain paper, others are easier and ask for digital images or reproductions. There’s some serious work involved in photographing drawings or other art work and plenty of sites that offer suggestions or services to do so.</p>
<p>The drawings at the end of your video were good, but video is not a convenient way to see still art - perhaps if you scan and post in a picture site they may be viewed easier?</p>
<p>For schools like Cornell and USC, the requirements are pretty basic and straightforward. Both just want digital copies of any work (USC gives the option of uploading a video along with 15-20 works. Cornell requires 15-20 works and freehand drawings are required).</p>
<p>I’m a visual artist, not an architecture student, but I thought I might offer some advice. </p>
<p>First of all, I love all of your architecture pieces. Perspective seems to be good, I enjoy the simplicity of your drawings. My favorite is “pedestrian city”. It seems like you have a good sense of design. </p>
<p>Now, your fine arts pieces could be expanded on. My suggestion would be to experiment with different mediums and loosen up a bit. I would try working in indian or walnut ink or with an acrylic wash. You can dilute these with water and wash the page with them or grab a brush and paint with these and they do well in the sketchbook. Try out different techniques such as gesture. You seem to work well with crosshatching, so practice with that. When you draw with graphite, I would avoid smudging with fingers/paper stumps and try working with lines and line weight instead. Some of your work has excess negative space and I would avoid this. </p>
<p>If you have any questions for me just ask! I’m also applying to Cornell but for fine arts (:</p>