Your Art Portfolio

Important to any Artist!

What is an Art Portfolio?

Have you ever created a portfolio? You may have if you have taken an earlier course in art or design. A portfolio is an ongoing and purposeful collection of samples of work you have selected from your design journal, which shows your efforts, progress, achievement, and accomplishments in a given area.

portfolio: a collection of self-selected samples of work from your design journal that shows effort, progress, achievement, and accomplishments over time in a given area

Portfolios have many purposes and can become a life collection of work, if desired. In order to get into any design school or art college, a portfolio of work is a must. A portfolio can also assist you in obtaining employment, because when you take your portfolio to the job interview, the interviewer can quickly see your skill development, creativity, and discipline. A picture is worth a thousand words. The portfolio can clearly show and explain your skills, abilities, creativity, and experiences.

Suppose that, in the very near future, you are planning on seeking employment in the area of design, graphics, computers, or a related area. Several weeks ago you filled an application for part-time work at Y Studio, and now you have been called for an interview. You decide to take your portfolio of work to show the people interviewing you. You will need to tailor the portfolio to meet what you think the needs of Y Studio are and to allow for your skills, creativity, and abilities to be recognized. How do you go about preparing yourself and the portfolio?