Portfolio development:

How should your portfolio be presented?

Try to make it as clean and organized as possible. It is always important to protect your work, but be sure the type of packing you select is easy to handle and does not interfere with the viewing of the artwork. Drawings that have been rolled up are difficult for the jurors to handle and view. If you wish, you may wrap your pieces in acetate, but it is not required. Many students like to attach flaps of paper over their work to protect it. Avoid loose sheets of paper between pieces. We recommend that you mat or mount your pieces to protect them, but it is not required.

If you choose to mat or mount your artwork, use only neutral gray tones, black, or white. Never include framed pieces or three-dimensional work. Always use spray fixative on any pieces that could smudge. Be certain paintings are completely dry before you place them in your portfolio. Take care in keeping everything neat. Be sure each piece is labeled with your name, address, and high school.

Submitting slides

You may also submit your portfolio in slide form. Here are some important things to remember:

• Slides can be taken indoors or outdoors. It is necessary to match film type to the lighting situation.
• Avoid unnecessary clutter in the background. Use a black, white, or neutral ground, rather than a complex surface that will be distracting.
• The artwork should occupy as much of the slide image as possible.
• The lens/face of the camera should always be exactly parallel to the two-dimensional image that is being photographed.
• When you photograph three-dimensional work, the same background and lighting considerations should be applied. Multiple views of one three-dimensional piece are acceptable and will still constitute one portfolio entry.
• Be sure to label each slide with your full name and any information you want to share about the piece (size, medium, title, year completed).
• A slide portfolio should be presented in a standard 8.5" x 11" slide sleeve. These can be purchased at any photo or camera supply store.

Digital work

Digital portfolios are also accepted. Here are some important things to remember:

• CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and floppy disks are each acceptable ways of submitting digital work.
• Artwork should be placed in PowerPoint, Flash, or QuickTime (this also applies to movies and animation shorts.)
• Include titles and dimensions directly on the piece if you think the viewer will not have a sense of size and medium.
• Clearly label your disk by including your name, address and phone number.