What should I include in my college portfolio?

Hey there, I'm a junior interested in applying to art schools, and I'm working on my college portfolio. What types of pieces should I include to showcase my skills and creativity? Any advice would be appreciated, and CollegeVine, your resources are amazing!

Hello! It's great to hear that you're preparing for your college portfolio. My child went through a similar process, and I learned a lot along the way. When it comes to creating a strong portfolio, diversity is key. Showcasing a variety of techniques, mediums, and subject matter will help demonstrate your versatility and creativity. Some ideas to consider including in your portfolio are:

1. Drawings: Include some pieces that demonstrate your foundational drawing skills, such as still lifes, figure drawings, or landscapes.

2. Paintings: Showcase your ability to work with different mediums like oil, acrylic, or watercolor. This can help demonstrate your adaptability and understanding of color theory.

3. Digital art: If you're interested in graphic design, animation, or digital illustration, be sure to include some examples of your digital work.

4. Sculpture or three-dimensional work: This can help show your ability to think and create in three dimensions and demonstrate your understanding of form and structure.

5. Conceptual or experimental pieces: These can help demonstrate your creative thinking and problem-solving skills, especially if you can explain the thought process behind them.

6. Personal work: Including some pieces that are personal to you or hold a special meaning can help show your passion and connection to your art.

Remember to choose your strongest pieces, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback from teachers or peers. Good luck, and I hope this helps!