Haha, I’m scared too.
The reason i got a review was because the college i toured had representatives available afterward. I did it to see if i had what it took to make art my career path, and if this is what they were looking for in portfolio pieces to be accepted into the college. I’ve only done two of these, and i’m not sure if this is how every college/portfolio review will do it, but please don’t be scared.
Bring 10-20 of your best pieces. Sometimes they ask for less. A recent sketchbook may be handy as well. They want to see your style and voice rather how many mediums you can handle, or how fast you can do it. The pieces will be discussed, so hopefully you know about your own work. What mediums were used, what you think about it, why were you inspired to make it. Make sure it’s YOURS. Not drawn off of something someone else did. Drawing from observation is different though, that’s actually really good for your portfolio and i highly recommend some real life studies. Draw from every day life. That guy hogging two tables at your local cafe, a chair that’s seen better days, the random objects on your desk.
Fanart is not really a good idea. It’s not your voice and it’s not what they are looking for. If you really insist it’s one of your strongest works, and nearly unrecognizable to most, go for it. I admit i had one Teen Wolf inspired drawing in the mix, but like i said, unrecognizable, and the focus wasn’t the characters, more so the apparel and theme.
They were models, to be exact; and could have been any other people, and still have the same piece.
I do regret not changing their features, but art teacher beat me to it, and printed.
Most likely, the person reviewing your portfolio will be an alumni from the college you’re wishing to attend, or someone who has successfully made into the art field. They’re not there to tell you your art is bad and you should do something else with your life. They will critique the pieces shown, give you tips on how to improve; recognize your strong and weak points, and talk to you about what to do next.
Even art colleges value academics. Your test scores and GPA are some of the main things they’ll look at for admission acceptance and scholarship rewards. Portfolios are only a plus if they’re being seriously looked at. Schools aren’t looking for Michelangelos. It’s their job to help you become the artist you think you have to be jumping in freshman year. So don’t stay hung up on the portfolio side.
This is what my portfolio looked like. I didn’t have enough time to show it all, and it may be the same for you, so be sure the strongest ones are seen.
Again, i’m not completely sure if this is all true for all reviews, but i still hope it helps. Talk to your counselor or art teacher, hopefully you’re taking an art class now? That’s all i did this year. And most the reason i know this stuff. I have my art teachers number, and i pester her a lot even though i graduated. She helped me calm down and put my portfolio together in the dead of night. But even if you don’t have someone you trust and will guide you, put your work together and just go for it. Get it reviewed, and they’ll want to help you in any way they can.
