I have 12 pieces… the problem is is that I don’t have all of the physical work with me ( I was thinking of just showing them digitally), and a few pieces are works in progress. A major problem is that it’s all in graphite… except two gesture drawings which are in charcoal. I had started my portfolio late so I don’t have many pieces, and I haven’t had access to many other mediums. I’m very nervous about this because of my lack of diversity… but is that okay? A representative from VCU had once told me that I shouldn’t put work in my portfolio JUST for the diversity, to ONLY put my best work, even if it’s all similar, however, I see many other portfolios, and they’re very very diverse. So how concerned should I be?
Also, what types of questions do they ask you? What are good questions to ask them? What’re your experiences? Thank you!
What year school are you in? What type art do you want to do ultimately? Why don’t you have the physical drawings?
Got a sketch book to show? A good flip through a sketch book tells a lot.
NPD is like a college job fair. You check out colleges and they check out you. If you have a portfolio with you it is easier for them to see your style and give you pointers to flush out your portfolio for college apps. They will tell you if you have potential and where to put your efforts. If all you have is digital then use that but be totally ready–don’t expect anybody to come to you because you cant find a spare electric socket.
I would NOT be concerned that you only have graphite/charcoal drawings. But do put in your best work only. That being said, bring your sketchbook too. You never know what can catch the fancy of the viewer.
No anime. Of any type.
Drawing from life is great. And paramount. No anything from photographs.
Quick sketch is fine too versus completed pieces. Do not angst over this.
Questions:
Them: What do you want to do with your art? Major? Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation etc
.Often times there are different lines for different prospective majors Try to pick the right line from the get-go (they can be long). The portfolio recommendations can vary depending on what you want to do.
How long have you been doing this? Since I was born, last year, etc.
What type of training have you had?
You: What do I need in my portfolio to meet your standards (for a particular major)? They’ll tell you without you asking.
Then: Pick up all info you can on FINANCES, scholarships, career services etc from different schools you are interested in. Meet other students and just soak it all in.
DO NOT get a complex viewing others portfolios–some have won a ton of awards etc…and it in NO way has anything to do with you. You can admire the work but DO NOT compare yourself to anybody and think of it as competition.
Attending an NPD before submitting your application portfolio will definitely give you a leg up in the admissions process. Students receive valuable advice on their work, learn what their schools of interest like to see in a portfolio, and even get a good feel for whether and how much the school likes their work (a school that is very excited will definitely let you know. A school that isn’t as enthusiastic will still give you great advice on your work). There is no downside because they are not going to make an admission decision at that time (although depending on the school, they may on occasion approve someone’s portfolio for admission and/or scholarship consideration right on the spot. It’s been known to happen). As for the art schools, they invest a TON of time on the road during the fall to attend these events precisely because they know that they often find potential future students who will be a great fit for their school. It’s a win-win.
If you are a junior or sophomore just keep in mind that you are “practicing” for your senior year. Presenting your work and hearing critical feedback can be a daunting experience if you are not used to it so it’s good to practice if you can get it (and VERY good practice for art school crits). However, if you are already a senior, then no worries because a LOT of the kids there are going to be in the same boat as you. Use the time with each school to really hear what they have to say. Use their advice to put the finishing touches on your work - you will probably have a few more months before application deadlines because many of those aren’t till after the start of the new calendar year. (Early Action might be sooner).
You will not regret taking the time to visit an NPD.
My S, a current junior at an Art school, went to PD each of his sophomore, junior and senior years. The above posters are correct. He got great feedback on how to improve his work - more drawing from life, include the background space, etc. His early portfolios consisted mostly of sketches and colored pencil drawings in a sketch book. From these PD days he was able to find out about summer programs for HS students and I believe they were instrumental in getting him scholarship money to SAIC for two summers. As a senior, I believe his attendance at PD showed how committed he was to being an artist, and again helped him get some VERY nice scholarship offers - w/o visiting most of the campuses he applied to.
My S also did not know what to ask - other than, “what kind of majors do you have?” Fortunately the representatives from the schools had a lot to say, and THEY asked lots of questions. This made S become more practiced and thoughtful about why he does what he does and explaining how he does it. Good Luck.