Portfolio Tips and Tricks

Choosing the art to include in your portfolio can be a challenging and lengthy process. It’s arguably one of the hardest steps in making a digital portfolio. When selecting work to include, evaluate it for several elements and get some second opinions from faculty members, classmates, seniors in your degree program, or from the SLC! Read the points below: do they apply to the pieces you’ve selected? If so, they are probably great to include in your portfolio!

• The piece reflects work that you’d like to continue creating, either due to the style, medium, or methods you used.
• The piece informs your other work or is deeply connected in meaning to other pieces you’ve selected.
• The piece is aesthetically pleasing. While this one might be a no-brainer, it’s important to consider when selecting each piece. This is why it’s also a good idea to get some second opinions, as everyone has a different idea of what is aesthetically pleasing. However, analyzing how well the formal elements and principles are functioning in your art will help you decide if it’s a visually strong piece. Check out the SLC tip sheet on the elements and principles of art for more info!
• The piece adds variety and depth to your portfolio while still showcasing strong development or mastery of a technical skill.

One final note: Always have your portfolio in consideration as you’re assigned creative projects. Think about the type of work you want to have in your portfolio and create it. While you should always follow assignment instructions, don’t make projects just to appease your instructors or classmates; make work that is meaningful to you and that you’re proud to put in your portfolio!