Student Portfolio Guide
Portfolio Guidelines (UK Students)
These guidelines are intended to assist you when compiling a visual portfolio of work ready for interview for one of Birmingham Institute of Art and Design’s (BIAD) programmes. Each of our courses is unique and has its own application and interview process. Please refer to course pages for further information. You will be contacted before being called for interview with further guidance and information relating to the day. The following is a basic set of principles that may be applied when organising visual work for interview:
A portfolio should showcase experience and ability.
Examples of ideas generation and the creative development are as essential as finished pieces of work, so too is evidence of experimentation and risk taking.
A portfolio can include paintings, drawings, photographs, three-dimensional work, time based work and anything else relevant to the area of practice. Try and include evidence of one piece of contextual studies, this may be a good talking point during the interview session.
A portfolio can include work that was done as part of a course, as part of work experience or even in recreational time.
Work should be ordered so that it is easy to navigate. Consider the possibility of not being present when the portfolio is first reviewed.
Be consistent with the style of labeling and mounting work.
A good motto is to prepare to be judged by the worst piece of work. This should help with editing. The portfolio should contain a selection of work representative of the individual not everything they have ever done.
If submitting digital work ensure that the file sizes aren’t too large and that files are in a user friendly format. If intending to show digital work during the interview ensure there is a means to show it.
Evidence of drawing ability is extremely valuable, this could be life drawing, observational work, or mark making exercises.
Three dimensional work can be included in the portfolio, however If restricted by size or weight photographic documentation is a good alternative.
If photographing a three dimensional object try to depict a sense ofscale, texture, material, colour and context. Always aim to save and print at a minimum of 300 dpi.
Sketchbooks or notebooks are a great way of providing evidence of research and are useful in showing ideas development/ process. Bookmarking pages can help on the day of interview.
…and finally, be prepared! Always practice talking through the portfolio with a friend/tutor/family member. Consider the ideas/skills that each piece of work demonstrates and how this may be relevant to the area of application e.g. use of colour drawing ability, 3D realisation skills
Digital Portfolio Guidelines (International and EU students)
BIAD accepts direct applications from International Students and applications through UCAS for EU students. In both cases you are able to send your visual portfolio digitally in support of your application if you are unable to attend an interview.
These guidelines are intended to assist you when compiling a digital portfolio of work ready for application to one of our courses. Each of our courses is unique and has its own application process. The following is a basic set of principles that may be applied when organising visual work:
A portfolio should showcase experience and ability.
Examples of ideas generation and the creative development are as essential as finished pieces of work, so too is evidence of experimentation and risk taking.
A digital portfolio can include images of paintings, drawings, photographs, three-dimensional work, time based work and anything else relevant to the area of practice including reference to any noteable contextual studies.
The portfolio can include work that was done as part of a course, aspart of work experience or even in recreational time.
Work should be ordered so that it is easy to navigate.
A good motto is to prepare to be judged by the worst piece of work. This should help with editing. The portfolio should contain a selection of work representative of the individual not everything they have ever done.
Images demonstrating drawing ability are extremely valuable, this could be life drawing, observational work, or mark making exercises.
Images of Three dimensional works can be included in the portfolio, when photographing a three dimensional object try to depict a sense of scale, texture, material, colour and context.
Images of Sketchbook pages or notebooks are a great way of providingevidence of research and are useful in showing ideas development/ process.
…finally, consider the ideas/skills that each piece of work demonstrates and how this may be relevant to the area of application e.g. use of colour drawing ability, 3D realisation skills.
Digital Formats
Below are the four digital formats of portfolio we accept.
Uploading System in either PDF or Powerpoint format
Include a minimum of 12 images and a statement about the work, including your name and the course you have applied for. Moving image work may be included but should be in either QuickTime or MPEG format.
Online Portfolios
We accept portfolios created on blogger.com. Go to the site and create a profile. Upload a minimum of 12 images and a statement about the work including yourname and the course you have applied for. Moving image pieces can also be embedded in the blog.
Email Porfolio
The file size must be below 2MB and must be generated as a Powerpoint or PDF. Include a minimum of 12 images and a statement about the work including your name and the course you have applied for.
Portfolios on a CD
Ensure files are mac and pc friendly, organise files logically, ideally in a powerpoint presentation. Include a minimum of 12 images and a statement about the workincluding your name and the course you have applied for. Moving image work may be included but should be in either QuickTime or MPEG format.