<p>I have a 9th grade daughter who is possibly interested in architecture. How does one go about assembling a portfolio and when does one begin the process? She has no art classes now, so where does the material come from? Please advise me!</p>
<p>I think that most students begin to take their portfolios seriously in their junior year, although some students will start earlier and some (like my son!) will wait until senior year. Because the portfolio is intended to show a student’s best work to prospective colleges, most of the work in it will probably be very recent (from the junior and senior years) as that is the work that is most likely to show maturity and technical proficiency, although exceptional pieces from earlier years can also be included.</p>
<p>In order to start the process, I would encourage your daughter to start taking at least some basic drawing classes now. If there are no art classes available in her high school (or they do not fit into her academic schedule), you can look into non-credit classes sponsored by a local university or community college, your city’s parks and recreation department, or local museum. There may also be private art schools or tutors available in your area. As she gets older, you may also want to consider a pre-college summer program such as those sponsored by RISD, Parsons, CMU, SAIC, etc. Not only will these classes give her a foundation to build on, she may also learn that she hates to draw and doesn’t want to be an architect after all!</p>
<p>You should also know that there are many very good architecture schools that do not require portfolios for admission.</p>
<p>Thanks worried_mom! We do have that time schedule problem, so maybe some outside art classes would be a good idea. Also, I was totally unaware that not all architecture schools require portfolios. Arch seems so different from other majors, from the entrance requirements to the degree path, that the process is a little intimidating. There’s definitely a learning curve!</p>
<p>Also consider other media. I believe architecture departments are looking for creativity, the ability to observe, communicate, and think in 3 dimensions. This can also be shown with sculpture, fashion creations, furniture, etc. Photography can add nicely to an architecture portfolio. Some schools even suggested a sample of creative writing would be considered. Nearly every school highly discouraged CAD or drafting samples.</p>
<p>Does anybody know a website where I can look sample portfolios?</p>
<p>Following on what kj stated ^^^</p>
<p>One thing that students should keep in mind is that architecture school rewards the ability to think conceptually. The best designers in architecture school are not the ones who can copy another archtiect’s work–but rather those that can design their own forms based on a fresh look at various concepts. Admissions officers will look for that ability in the applicants–in any media form.</p>
<p>For example, if a CAD rendering is tied into a conceptual artwork idea–then it will be appreciated. Construction drawings, because they are the anti-thesis of conceptual art, do not give the admissions officers any idea of the student’s ability to design. Likewise, life-drawings do not give any indication of a student’s ability to design–though a supremely fascile hand will be appreciated.</p>
<p>Future architecture students taking art courses should try to work from a conceptual basis if possible.</p>
<p>For inspiration, don’t look at other portfolios. Go on the websites of some of the best art and architecture schools in the country and look at the student work.</p>
<p>Thanks, I will try that!</p>
<p>Trust me when I tell you this: the earlier you child can start on their portfolio, the better. I have seen kids start as early as their sophomore year. Certainly, it shouldn’t be started later than the first month of their Junior year.</p>
<p>Although my D spent a lot of time preparing her portfolio, she ended up applying to and getting accepted to a couple architecture schools that did not require a portfolio because she liked the schools better. The one school that required a portfolio now appears to be her last choice for reasons having nothing to do with a portfolio. Unfortunately the time and money in extra art classes and production of the portfolio was already spent long before she made that decision. Live and learn.</p>
<p>However, she really enjoyed her classes at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago last year. BTW: SAIC has a excellent summer residential and commuter program for high school students. I highly recommend it.</p>
<p>i agree with cheers. there is quite a number of students in my class who have had no art experience but demonstrated creative strength and ability to think conceptually in their portfolios. architecture school isn’t art school so they’re not looking for people who can sketch realistic birds or people (though it wouldn’t hurt to add them in, include other stuff as well)</p>