I am going to be a Junior in high school this September and was wondering when I should start building a graphic design portfolio and what to include in it such as assignments. What do colleges look for?
I would keep everything you do!!! You can pick all the best as you go and add them to your portfolio as you go. If you later decide you don’t want one of your works in your portfolio any longer you can always replace it with a new one – but you can’t go back if you don’t keep any.
You can organize by chronology, or subject matter, et cetera.
But the best way to go is to start as soon as you have a finished project.
(note) Don’t only put your assignments into your portfolio, but also put in any of your own original works as well – things done on your free time.
You can never have to much to show……….
August 30th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
The best bet is to save everything that you do and put it all together by categories. (I’m not into graphic design, so I don’t know what categories/types there are). However, keeping all of your work, at the beginning/ middle of your senior year, talk with your teachers. Show them all the work you have (if you have a specific graphic arts teacher, then you would obviously talk to them about it). He/she can talk with you about what to keep or take out of it. But it’s best to show the variety of the stuff you can do/have done. I’d start now!
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August 30th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
Start as early as possible. In fact, it would have been nice if you had started a little earlier than now.
Certain colleges look for certain things.
Even going in for design, its nice to show off painting/drawing skills if possible.
Show off how well you can use color in a piece, and placement of items to create a good effect.
Oh, and adding typography designs to your portfolio is a plus. I got sooooo many comments from college reps about how awesome it was that I had font sketches/finished fonts in my portfolio and no one else did.
Most colleges will ask for about 20-40 pieces, including a sketchbook. Remember to only choose your best pieces! Don’t add crappy things just to get to the limit.
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Personal experience. Went to an art high school.
August 30th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
I would keep everything you do!!! You can pick all the best as you go and add them to your portfolio as you go. If you later decide you don’t want one of your works in your portfolio any longer you can always replace it with a new one – but you can’t go back if you don’t keep any.
You can organize by chronology, or subject matter, et cetera.
But the best way to go is to start as soon as you have a finished project.
(note) Don’t only put your assignments into your portfolio, but also put in any of your own original works as well – things done on your free time.
You can never have to much to show……….
References :
August 30th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I’m currently at design school majoring in graphics/typography and all of my tutors say that the best thing to do is keep everything. When it comes times to submit your portfolio go through everything with your teacher. Don’t pick things that are the latest but show a range of things from early on right thru to present. The assessors will want to see development of your skills. And make sure you have plenty of drawings. THey love that. Its all about drawing…good luck with your submission!!
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August 30th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
START NOW! the more range the better
colleges look for sophistication and variety. and obviously, talent
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