Portfolio requirements
Your portfolio must contain 10 to 15 finished pieces, including 5-7 observational drawings (that is, drawings from real life. For example, still life, portrait, landscape, and figure. No drawings from photos). Beyond that, your options are wide open. Include paintings, prints, photos, graphics, ceramics, furniture, models and jewelry - whatever you like and are good at doing.
Need help?
If you've never taken studio art courses, or if you just aren't prepared to present a portfolio, contact us at 616.451.2787 or 800.676.2787. We're happy to work with you on an individual basis and provide any help you need.
You can also watch this video for helpful hints and suggestions for preparing your portfolio for review.
Presentation tips
We've seen a lot of portfolio presentations over the years. Here's our advice on making a good impression:
- Relax! We're not looking for professional work - we're looking for your best work. We're looking at design quality, color usage, craftsmanship, draftsmanship, composition, and concept development. We're also looking for evidence of the personal qualities that will help you succeed at Kendall - qualities like creativity, motivation, dedication, drive, and enthusiasm.
- Submit your best, most recent pieces.
- Include pieces that you truly enjoy. Your portfolio can show a narrowly focused body of work or a wide range of media.
- We'd prefer to see the work in person, but if it's too large to transport easily, you're welcome to bring in digital images, slides, video, or photos.
- You don't need to frame your work. Matted, mounted, or loose work is just fine with us.
