Lecturer helping a young student with their work in an art classroom.

Advice on Preparing Your Portfolio

As part of the application process, you may need to submit a portfolio of your work. A portfolio is a collection of your work that you feel represents your talents, skills and passion. We have put together some advice on preparing a portfolio.

Planning

When applying for a course, check to see if you need to submit a portfolio as part of the application process. This information should be available on the course page on the website but if you are unsure you can contact the Course Information team by emailing courseinfo@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

This means you will be able to start planning for your portfolio to make sure it's in good shape for when you hit submit.

Include a variety of work 

In your portfolio you should include a variety of different pieces of work to demonstrate your creative potential. This might include drawings, pieces of writing, paintings, sketches and videos. Your portfolio should demonstrate your skills and also your potential. You can also include some background that demonstrates the process, research and context of your work.

Show your passion

Your portfolio is another opportunity to show your passion for the subject area you are applying for, along with your application and personal statement. The work in your portfolio should demonstrate your technical skills, and also your passion for the subject. Keep this in mind when selecting pieces to submit in your portfolio.

Check the guidance 

When submitting your portfolio there will be specific guidance you should follow around what to include and how to submit. This will vary from course to course. When you are asked to submit your portfolio you will receive all the information you need in order to do this. 

The School of Art and Design

Portfolio guidance for the courses in The School of Art and Design are in the link below. This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses.

Art and Design Application Process & Portfolio