Preparing a Portfolio

 A portfolio is a selection of your artwork that represents the variety and quality of your capabilities as an artist.

It is important to an art college because it exemplifies who you are as an artist. It also gives a sense of your passion and work ethic in relation to your art. The work should demonstrate knowledge and versatility of media and subject matter, combined with an understanding of color, composition and design.

The portfolio should include a minimum of 15 pieces of recent work. You may add more work if desired, including current sketchbooks and journals. Drawings and photographs do not have to be matted or framed. However, a strong visual representation of your abilities is essential to ensure the more accurate assessment and the best results for you. Remember that decisions made in choosing what to include in your portfolio are important ones.

What is a portfolio review?

The completion of KCAI's portfolio review is an essential part of the admissions process. An applicant's portfolio must be reviewed by one of our counselors and possibly a designated studio faculty member. The portfolio may be submitted for review in a number of ways:

• An applicant may have a portfolio review during a visit to KCAI. In this case, original work is preferred. Rather than bringing in oversized pieces or 3-D work, digital images or color slides showing more than one view and details (if appropriate) are preferred.
• The applicant may have a portfolio review at a National Portfolio Day Association event.
• The applicant may have a portfolio review if a KCAI Admissions counselor visits his/her school.
• A portfolio review also can be conducted by mailing or e-mailing your work to the admissions office in the form of CDs, DVDs or slides. Do not send originals. 

How do I document my portfolio?

Image requirements: Start by using a digital camera or 35 mm film camera with a tripod to insure a steady camera and a timed setting or cable release. Even if you do not own a camera and tripod, you will be well advised to rent equipment or arrange with a professional photographer to take them for you.

If you want to shoot with an artificial light source, place the two light stands on either side of the piece at an angle of 45 degrees. Keep the stands at equal distances from the work, approximately twice the distance as the camera is placed from the piece. Start with your largest piece first, fill the frame in the viewfinder and continue down to the smallest to insure correct light exposure.

• For digital media, JPEG format is preferred but files in any universal audio, video, graphic or Web format are acceptable. Presentation formats such as PowerPoint or QuickTime Video are not required for digital images.
• If images are compiled in video, slide show or presentation format, individual still JPEG images must also be included.
• Individual files must not be any larger than 1MB each. Images should not exceed 1100 wide or 800 tall at 72-90 DPI.
• Time-based work or performance pieces may be submitted in video format or as QuickTime files on a CD or DVD.
• For slides number them and put your name on each slide. Place a dot in the upper left hand corner of each slide to determine top and direction. Enclose slides in a clear plastic slide file page and make sure your name is clearly visible.

Choosing and labeling images

When you have selected the images you believe are the best, on a separate piece of paper, write a description of the size of the piece, media used in the work, and date completed. Number the descriptions to correspond to the correct images/slides. Put your name and address on the description sheet.

Have several duplicate copies of your best images (CDs or slides) made. There is always the possibility of loss or damage, and this will insure that you always have replacements available. Also, the same selection of slides may be sent to more than one college for application and scholarship entry. Since colleges often retain these images, you should allow for a complete set for each purpose. Always reserve a master copy for yourself. 

Download KCAI's application for admissions

Ready to apply? Download the application for the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. Download the letter of recommendation form.