YEAR AHEAD FOR ART STUDENTS

1. YEAR AHEAD FOR ART STUDENTS This session will give you: An introduction to the various routes an art student can take An introduction to the application process an introduction to a portfolio overview of how to approach developing a portfolio tips on what to include Nicola Macro

2. Various routes • Further Education • HND and HNCs • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: • - Local college • - College in another area • - Universities • Apprenticeships: • www.notgoingtouni.co.uk • www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship • More info via career appointment with Hazel Revell • SWCHS art courses: • A level Art and Design • A level Art and Textiles • A level Photography • CT Diploma in Art and Design • Higher Education: • Local college • College in another area • Universities We will be focusing on the Further Education and Higher Education area of progression

3. Foundation Diploma • The traditional route for Art students • Not necessarily for students that don’t get grades needed for uni • Offers students the opportunity to explore a range of disciplines before deciding on their specialism for university • Tariff points available from studying the qualification • CRC offers a fantastic course • Our students are favoured by CRC • Presently 3 days a week contact time at CRC • UAL (University of the Arts) awarding body • No fees if studied at local college/centre • Students normally apply direct • You can make as many applications to foundation courses as you wish • Students could apply to both university courses and Foundation courses

4. Application process for foundation • Visit open days to understand course structure and facilities • Application process is normally open from January • Apply direct to college • Make as many applications as you wish • No specific cut off date for application. They can be made as late as summer term (although be aware places maybe limited) • Students will be invited for an interview where they will take their portfolio

5. Degree courses There are hundreds of courses, from broad to specific courses. Here are some examples. • Animation • Architecture • Design Crafts • Design Products • Digital Art • Fine Art • Game Art • Graphic Design • Interior Design • Photography and Video • Product Design • Fashion Design • Footwear Design • Textile Design • Theatre Design • Art conservation

6. Application process for UCAS • Visit open days to understand course structure and facilities • UCAS application starts in 12-13 • Make up to 5 course choices • Applications are sent off in term 1B • Students should avoid sending UCAS application too early to ensure they have suitable work for their portfolio • Students maybe be invited to submit an online portfolio • Students may also be invited for an interview they will need to show their portfolio as well as a drawing or written test on the day

7. Purpose of a portfolio It’s to show centres: • potential • suitability for the course • capabilities and skills • creative interests • And most importantly, to assess whether students have the under-pinning skillsto fulfil the demands of the course • This is why entry requirements can be low. It doesn’t mean they don’t expect high quality work *Thank you to DeMontfort University, Leicester. Some of the portfolio advice comes from a PP put together by them to support art student applications

8. What should it show? What do colleges and universities look for in a portfolio?t do colleges and universities look for in a porfolio? • Idea generation • Idea development • Genuine interest in the subject • Creativity and experimentation Some courses might require: • traditional drawing skills • experience using computers and software • examples of written work to support your design process • Most importantly they are looking for passion and focus about the subject you are interested in studying

9. How to construct a portfolio • Look as if work has been selective • A representative selection of experience • Relevant work • Range of abilities • First and last impression • Rough work and sketchbooks • Quantity of work that reflects quantity of creative subjects studied/achieved • Spend time presenting coursework neatly and creatively • Quality over quantity • Work should be laid out clearly • Logical progression of ideas • Show work in progress as well as finished pieces • Include a range of subjects and media ie 2D, 3D, printmaking, photography, especially observational drawing regardless of course • Sketchbook and sheets in portfolio • Courses will have specific requirements – read guidance sheets carefully Be aware of the different styles, techniques and tools that are applicable to each subject – art and design courses vary a lot! DO YOUR RESEARCH! Some courses require written work in support of your idea generation, others require specific kinds of technique

10. Why is the portfolio important? • Art & Design courses are generally the only ones where an interview takes place before offering you a place • The portfolio is vital to aid the university deciding on suitability for their course • An opportunity to show off art skill • Most times it is the quality of work that gets the place rather than the actual interview

11. Getting it right • No other chance to make a first impression • A well ordered Folio will show candidate in the best light • A portfolio visually communicates ideas and possible potential • Use subject tutor when putting portfolio together – get advice on the work to select. Share any guidance sent from universities on the portfolio/interview criteria

12. An example of a portfolio • Have a wow opening page • You can use plastic sleeve to display 2 A2 sheets • Some universities, colleges prefer work not to be displayed in plastic sleeves • Remember, if possible take actual 3D work so it can be fully appreciated

13. Consider double pages of portfolio • Ensure the pages compliment each other

14. Include work that demonstrates ability to work from direct observation

15. Include large bold pieces of work • Direct observational studies

16. Have boards that show work mounted work presented in an interesting way

17. Include a Critical Studies as they will want to see evidence of illustrated written work

18. Include work not yet resolved, they like to see work in progress

19. Have design ideas to show interviewer how ideas are worked through

20. Remember be selective, student will have to carry the portfolio, sketchbooks and 3D work to and from the interview • No plastic sleeves means less weight • Use card rather than mountboard

21. More advice… • Visit university websites for further advice on their specific portfolio guidance • https://www.leeds-art.ac.uk/study/further-education-courses/foundation-diploma-in-art-design/portfolio-guide-films/ • Feel free to stay at the end of speak to Mr Douglas or myself about any queries