Portfolio development tips

A portfolio is a critical part of the admissions process. When preparing your portfolio think of your audience, your strengths, and what youíre trying to express to the viewer.

1. Know your audience

Some institutions are interested in seeing specific forms of artwork. Others are only interested in variety and less on individual style or technique. Therefore, it is important for you to truly know what viewers are interested in seeing.

CCAD is interested in seeing your strengths. We want to see what your good at and what your passionate aboutófrom video and photography to painting and drawing.

2. Showcase your strengths

Itís important for an artist to identify their strengths. In order to do so you may need to place all of your work out on a table, be honest with yourself, and find your voice. 

Artists can often identify that voice immediately. However there are times when a second opinion is necessary. Look to an art instructor, other artists, and family for feedback. Family should be included despite their knowledge of art and design. Often as an artist you'll be asked to or choose to create artwork intended to be viewed and appreciated by non-artist. Get in to the habit of having non-artists review your work. They often offer an unbiased and honest critique.

3. Focus, variety, and quality

Approach the construction of your portfolio in a very strategic way. Focus, variety, and skill allow you to do just that.

• Focus refers to that area of art that you excel in. If your most outstanding work is photographic then use it as your focus. If you only produce photographic work then your focus may be select black and white examples. Your focus could be figure drawings, abstractions, black and white photographs, etc. Of the 10–15 examples that you submit approximately 7–11 should show your focus.
• Variety shows the viewer that you are not a one-dimensional artist. Present a variety of subject matter, technique, or style in your portfolio. If your portfolio is mostly comprised of drawings, adding a printmaking piece, a stenciled example, or oil pastel would express variety.
• Quality or 'wow' pieces are very important. Find your two best pieces the two that would cause a viewers jaw to drop. Once you find those two amazing pieces be sure to place one at the beginning of your portfolio and the second at the end. You need to grab the viewers' attention as soon as they see the first page of your book. You also want to leave the viewer with a great last impression.

For more information on developing a portfolio, please contact the admissions office toll free at 1.877.997.CCAD or request a catalog.