Creating a Portfolio to Get Into Art School: A "How To" Guide

While most college-bound students research schools and apply to those that fit their preferences (such as location, programs that match interests and future career paths, those that correspond to academic achievement thus far, etc), art students have the additional daunting task of putting together a flawless art school portfolio - one that showcases the artist's best work, while also displaying the variety of talents and unique skills of the perspective student.

There are many decisions to be made when gathering a portfolio, and Karyn Tufarolo, an admissions counselor at Philadelphia's University of the Arts, has written a detailed article about preparing an admirable portfolio (which is extremely important for art students wishing to get into BFA programs).

Generally, she states the following characteristics that should be included in and noted when preparing a noteworthy portfolio:
1. drawing from observation
2. work in color
3. design work
4. other media
5. requirements for a particular school

To read more about what admissions officers look for, what to expect during the application process, and some of the "dos" and "don'ts" associated with applying to and getting into art school, click here.

Kickstarter

Inventors of every kind know about the trials and tribulations associated with financing their projects. While it is frustrating to be so passionate about an idea - but be roadblocked by the inability to fund its production, I recently came across a resource that may be of some use called Kickstarter.

Kickstarter calls itself a "funding platform for artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, investors, explorers..."

This innovative website, which is based in Brooklyn and was founded by five men residing across the U.S., gives creative people the opportunity to put their ideas out there, get funding, and yet, still maintain 100% ownership and control of their ideas and inventions. Although some aspects of the process are a little daunting - it's all or nothing (i.e. if an artist needs $5,000 in funding and only $4,999 is pledged, that artist gets nothing) - this resource is a novel approach for inventors struggling to find a way to fund their projects.

Current popular projects that have received over 100% funding include: "Designing Obama" (a book of art and design from Obama's campaign), "Robin Writes a Book" (A detective story set halfway between San Francisco and the Internet), "OpenIndie: 100 Pioneering Filmmakers Embrace Modern Cinema" (a project for a user generated film screening website), and "Poorcraft: A Comic Book Guide to Frugal Urban and Suburban Living."

Read more about this exciting resource here.

Friday Nights at the de Young

Artists (and art lovers) around the Bay Area should take advantage of de Young Museum's extended hours and special programs offered on Friday Nights. The museum's eclectic activities include everything from jazz performances to mask making. The programs attract diverse audiences that come together in an artistic and creative atmosphere. Check it out!

Website of opportunities

Right now we all know that the economy has gone down the ... well, you know what. We could all use a little help right now with a grant/residency/etc. to give us a boost in the studio. I came across this website - artdeadlines.com - that is a pretty good survey of all sorts of listings for us artsy folk. You can also receive a newsletter with updates of new opportunities or approaching deadlines...

The Torpedo Factory

If you live in or near Washington, D.C. (or even if you're planning a trip), the Torpedo Factory in old town Alexandria, Virginia is definitely worth a visit. Formerly an actual factory that produced torpedoes, the Torpedo Factory Art Center is home to 82 artist studios, 6 galleries, 2 workshops, and a museum that you can visit. Also, the center offers art classes through The Art League School.

Often it can seem difficult to find a good art scene in the U.S. if you're outside of New York, Chicago, or L.A., but that simply isn't true. You just have to look a little bit to find resources that can help you. While the gallery scene in D.C. isn't as amazing as other cities, there are incredible museums (hello Smithsonian!) that you can take advantage of. Part of being an artist is utilizing your local resources for what you need.

Local galleries

Today while perusing one of my favorite indulgences, ApartmentTherapy, I was reminded of a simple artist resource you can take advantage of, even if you're not living in a big city like New York or L.A. - the local gallery. Most small cities or towns throughout our great country have at least one cultural center or art gallery set up to serve local artists. We often get swept away by larger-than-life ideas of what we want out art to be (in museums, Chelsea galleries, etc.), but sometimes showing our work at the local level is more rewarding, in terms of feedback (not to mention sales).

ApartmentTherapy profiled Austin Art Garage in Texas, which shows the work of emerging artists on a monthly basis. I encourage everyone to look into their neighborhood or local art organizations, galleries, or support programs to find a similar space near you. Not only could you possibly get a chance to exhibit your work close to home, but you may very well find other artists for studio visits, critics or art historians for engaging conversation, and a really great opportunity to see art, in person, on a regular basis.

Art trade: hotel stay?

Berlin is a fabulous place for artists to live, or to visit. Many of my young artist, musician, or writer friends are moving there for cheaper rent and a booming arts scene. There are lots of art museums and galleries in Berlin, as well as other great resources that make it an ideal place to visit, as well.

Now, a hotel in Berlin is offering artists who are "strapped for cash" a trade - artwork for boarding at the hotel. The five-star Hotel Marienband in Auguststrasse is inviting artists to live in a room and use it as a sort of evolving art space.

From the Telegraph:

Susanne Pfeffer, curator of the Kunst-Werke Institute of Contemporary Art, which set up the project, said: "As long as they come from outside Berlin and need a bed for the night, everyone is welcome, though we've got such a long waiting list that we are very careful about picking and choosing our guests."

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