The following information offers guidance to students who intend to apply for courses which require a portfolio of work.

Why is a Portfolio Necessary ?

The reason we ask for a portfolio is to give us some indication of your ability, and to allow us to assess creative potential. Although exam results are important, experienced staff can judge these things more accurately from your creative work.

What Should a Portfolio Contain ?

We are looking for examples of your own creative work, completed within the last 3 years. Portfolios are as varied as the students they represent; however, usually a portfolio would contain examples of drawings in a variety of media. Photographs of 3D pieces you have made such as jewellery, sculpture, furniture products or interior design can be included, and we would like to see sketchbooks too. We are happy to accept portfolios in an electronic format, such as a CD rom, and we will also look at websites.

What should the drawings be of ?

Wherever possible, drawings should be from real objects, not your imagination. You may have drawn from architecture, natural form or landscape. If you have done any figure drawing, include some examples.

How should the portfolio be presented ?

Portfolios should be presented in a portfolio case (bought or made). You can also have a digital portfolio and we can also look at websites.

Useful advice to students preparing a portfolio:

Try drawing the same subject matter in a variety of ways, changing scale, composition and media. Also a group of objects together offers more scope than individual items.