Non-Portfolio based art programs as a safety

switters
Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:21:04 +0000

OP-

I highly recommend a portfolio. Your D is a sophomore. I remember from previous post that she might take AP art. I had recommended that she take AP art as a junior, because it will direct her portfolio development in a way that schools like, she will end up with a concentration (some idea that is explored fully) which is what art school portfolio folks like to see. Fall of junior year she can take her stuff to NPD and get feedback. But seriously, I think not having a portfolio if she plans on majoring in art is a bad idea. It will shut out scholarship opportunities, and if she ends up at a LAC, a portfolio is a tremendous plus, its an edge in a otherwise competitive world. My S got into a school that he might not have been competitive for, without the portfolio.

But the thing I wanted to say is this. She will end up with a portfolio. You will be shocked at the amount of growth that occurs in the course of a year. Most colleges ask for 12-20 pieces. If she is taking art classes, AP or precollege or whatever, it will be hard for you to swing a cat and not hit a piece of art she can put in her porfolio. When my S went to art college fair or NPD (I think he may have gone in 10th grade, or possibly beginning of Junior year) he had maybe 5 strong pieces, and a sketchbook that had cool stuff for him to talk about. And those strong pieces were just strong for the time, not even part of his portfolio now. When it came time to apply for college, he had an abundance of work, and had to pick.

My impression is that not submitting a portfolio for someone interested in an art career is not advisable, in part because it will be incredibly easy for her to get one together and schools will wonder why she doesnt have one. Also, MICA has what seems like a really great 5 year BFA/Masters in education program, and they wont give any scholarship money without a portfolio.

Can someone tell me if Im wrong about this. I have only our experience to go by.