How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Art School

Show your passion, creative thinking, and potential to succeed at OCAD University.

Your portfolio is a collection of work that represents your individual creative and technical experiences and accomplishments. It should be a visual representation of who you are. You need to demonstrate that you are a visual communicator and that you are well-equipped to succeed at OCAD University.

When it comes to your portfolio, some of the most important features OCAD U looks for are skill, passion, curiosity, and your ability to think creatively.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is one of the most important tools for an artist or designer. It is a collection of your best art or design work that showcases your creativity, thinking, and skills. You can use it to apply for programs, jobs, grants, gallery spaces, and more.

Your portfolio may be one of your first points of contact with a potential client, institution, or funding body, so it is your chance to make an impression. Don’t fret: every creative has stressed over their portfolio. Something to keep in mind is that your portfolio will never truly be complete. As your work changes and you evolve as a creative, so will your portfolio.

Key elements to include in your portfolio

• Statement of intent: Explain your interest in the program you have applied to, as well as what inspires or influences the work you do.
• Process work: Show your sketchbook, process, and concept development skills as part of your portfolio.
• Finished work: Include eight to 10 examples of your finished original work. Be sure to show some work that is directly related to the program you are applying to.
• Descriptions: In no more than 50 words per finished piece, explain the process, method, media, concept, and purpose of each piece.

Finished work versus process work

Finished work reflects who you are and the work you are doing. Your selections should show relevant work, technical skill, exploration, and, of course, your best pieces.

Process work is another essential component of your portfolio. This is where OCAD U learns about the journey behind your work and how you moved from point A to point B. Your process is a visual way to explain your thinking and how you work. Everyone works differently, and OCAD U is interested in learning about your individual approach.

Build a portfolio that is unique to you

At OCAD University, there is no perfect recipe for a portfolio. Your work tells the university who you are as an artist, so your portfolio should be unique to you. Use these tips as guidelines while you create, select, and organize your work.

General tips for your portfolio submission

• Generate interest and excitement with the first piece in your submission.
• Leave a lasting impression with the final piece in your submission.
• Remember that your most recent work, completed within the past two years, best demonstrates your current skill level.
• Include work that directly relates to the program you are applying to.
• Include work in 2D, 3D, time-based, lens-based, new genres, digital, or traditional media. All forms of work are acceptable.
• Demonstrate a variety of your skills and approaches to art, design, and media.
• Demonstrate your ability to work with a wide range of techniques, materials, and subject matter.
• Include examples of drawing from direct observation, such as figure drawing, still life, interiors, and landscapes.
• Explain why you selected each work for your portfolio, what it means to you, and what you were trying to achieve.
• Reference the research and preparation you completed for your final work.
• Include your process work or sketchbook as a multiple-page PDF or a brief video.
• Ensure that photographs of your work are well-lit and use plain backgrounds.
• Include multiple images when required for 3D work, a series, or site-specific work.
• Research OCAD U ahead of time to show your interest in and commitment to studying there.

Ready to submit your portfolio to OCAD U?

Review OCAD University’s full submission details before sending your portfolio. We can’t wait to see your work!