I am happy to say that as a teen, I attended a portfolio review day, and it left no emotional scars. My students have attended portfolio reviews and events like National Portfolio Day, and most walked away from the day encouraged and excited about artmaking and their futures. I see it as my job to prepare them for the experiences they may encounter during a portfolio review—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I let my students know they aren’t in my safe four walls; they are venturing out to meet with professionals who will critique their work. To examine the roots of the word critique, its meaning can include “to pass judgment (usually unfavorable) on something,” and “to censure, point out defects or faults in.” It does not mean to heap praise upon and stroke egos. I tell students to expect negative commentary and to be emotionally ready to hear it. I also set the scene for my students. For events like National Portfolio Day, I describe to students what it’s like to be a reviewer (lots of time on the road, delayed flights, lost luggage, long lines at the review, lots of mediocre work, etc.) that might put reviewers in a disagreeable state.
Now, more often than not, my students come back excited about the feedback they receive. Most reviewers seem skilled at critiquing teen art. I have also had students come back reporting that reviewers were blunt with them. While none of my students have shed tears, I have heard that no portfolio day is complete without some tears.
So, here is my advice on how to best prepare students for the event. These are sage words of wisdom for teachers, students, and parents. In addition to the advice below, I would urge everyone to look over my relevant previous posts, Portfolio Advice for Students, and our downloadable Student Portfolio Guide.
Curate and Edit
Don’t bring every piece of work you have; be judicious in what you pare your portfolio down to. It is recommended that you limit your portfolio to 20 images or fewer. Don’t show work you believe is weak. Sit down in advance with a trusted advisor for a second set of critical eyes to help pick and choose. Leave close relatives and friends out of the mix. National Portfolio Day suggests bringing 10-12 pieces of art. Bring your sketchbook or representative pages (which can be scanned). Make sure the pieces flow nicely from one to the next. Look at the order of your work and consider if the colors, subject matter, and story flow well.
Stack the Deck
Start strong and end on a strong note so they remember you. Pick some of your best works to lead and end.
Keep it Simple
Ultimately, it’s about the work. Yet, presentation matters, and you want to present yourself as a serious, well-prepared candidate. Curate your work, and make sure it is neat and organized. If your going to art school a sturdy 18×24 portfolio is not a bad investment but an expensive leather portfolio doesn’t make the work inside it any better. As an art teacher, I kept extra red wallet portfolios around to loan out (like this one).
Matting or mounting your work to a standard size can be a nice step, but it’s not necessary. Whatever you do, DO NOT FRAME your work. Framing is inappropriate and will be bulky and heavy, making it harder to see through the glass. Print digital work and quality photographs of 3D work. Some may select to bring a tablet or laptop to display work. I recommend having a file of artwork rather than relying on a web application in case the internet is slow.
It’s Not Just About the Artwork
Your artwork is important, but the interview is about you, too. Reviewers are looking closely at how you present yourself. Are you confident? Can you speak well about your artwork and art-making process? Will you be a fit for their program? You don’t need to dress up, but do dress comfortably and in clean clothes.
Be ready to discuss your artwork thoughtfully and use appropriate vocabulary- remember the elements of art and principles of design?
Have a Plan
Register for the event. And ask, what are your goals? I often encourage juniors to visit to see what the event is all about. I encourage them to pick short lines to gain experience with critiquing. For seniors, prioritize colleges that you might not be able to visit in person. Look over the college list and plan which colleges you want to see. Be familiar with the
Listen, Respond, Ask Why
Do not jabber away explaining each of your artworks unless you are asked to, and even then, keep it pithy. The work must speak for itself. Ask “why?” when receiving feedback on your work. Why do you think this is a strong part of my portfolio? What does it teach you about me as an artist? Remember, a reviewer’s comments are in context to the specific program they represent and will vary.
Take Notes
Note the school and the name of the person doing the review. Each school is different and has specific qualities it seeks in applicants’ work. Thus, each school will provide different commentary, so take notes during the review or immediately after, while it’s fresh in your head.
Be Prepared for Criticism
A portfolio review is not always a compliment fest. At best, it can be a very positive conversation. At worst, it can be a grumpy reviewer with many negative comments. Unprepared students have been known to become defensive and even cry. You are going there for feedback on how to improve your work. Be ready to hear criticism. No one gets through an art school without criticism, and not being able to receive and reflect on criticism means you are not ready for art school. It’s OK to not agree with everything, but it’s not the time to debate it. I am very clear with my student about this. My job is to be encouraging and nurturing. A portfolio reviewer can speak more bluntly than a teacher may.
Eat and Drink
It’s a long day. Eat and drink something before you go, and pack snacks and water.
Thank you notes!
Remember how I told you to take note of the person reviewing you? Now, you will write that person a thank-you note or email. Take time to reflect on a specific point from the interview. “I appreciated your perspective on making more dynamic compositions and have already looked into the specific artists and illustrators you suggested, like Chris Van Allsburg! I loved his work as a child, but I am appreciating his compositions to tell a story now as a future illustrator.”
