Portfolio FAQs

  1. Do all applicants receive a portfolio interview?

    2. All applicants who submit the Applicant Profile, Applicant Questionnaire and pay the $50.00 evaluation fee will be invited to book a portfolio Interview.

  2. What should I show?

    Your portfolio should contain samples of your original work that demonstrate a wide range of ideas and competency with different media and tools. Knowledge of computer software is an asset but not required. A sketchbook or concept/idea book is one of the required pieces. At least three pieces in your portfolio must include an example of word(s) and image(s) that communicate a message.

    Typically, an applicant's portfolio contains their best work from at least 3 of the following areas: Areas 1 to 4 are highly recommended for inclusion in the portfolio.

    1. 2D Design - e.g. print-oriented design, posters, logos, publications, letterheads, yearbook covers and spreads.
    2. Typography - e.g. poetry or words using expressive font and page layout.
    3. Interactive media - e.g. web site design and/or other interactive work.
    4. Motion graphics - e.g. time-based video and/or animation. This is a highly recommended area to be included in your portfolio.
    5. Painting - e.g. representative and/or non-representative in oil, acrylic, watercolour.
    6. Drawing & Illustration - e.g. direct observational, figure drawing, still life in pen & ink, charcoal, pastel, coloured pencil, marker pen, collage.
    7. Photography - e.g. B & W prints, colour prints, hand-tinted prints, digitally manipulated.
    8. 3D Design/Sculpture - e.g. scale models from plan drawings, craft and fiber experiments.

  3. What is the purpose of a sketchbook or concept/idea book?

    4. The sketchbook or concept/idea book is a very important component in your portfolio. It should contain a variety of studies and examples of your media/tools experiments and demonstrate an exploration of visual and annotated ideas, comments and critiques. It should represent the ongoing variety of the things that interest you and the development of your thoughts and ideas.

  4. How many pieces should I show?

    5. Generally a maximum of 10 - 12 pieces that show your best strengths. Two of these pieces should be supported by your design process documentation: research, sketches and alternative ideas that you developed and/or modified to get to the final solution.

  5. Where do these 10-12 pieces come from?

    6. Typically, the applicant selects their pieces to show in their portfolio from school assigned projects, personal interest projects, ideas (sketchbook, concept/idea book, etc.), development / variations of ideas (design process documentation), extra curricular art/design classes and professional work where appropriate.

  6. What is the York/Sheridan Joint Program looking for in a portfolio?

    During your portfolio review and interview, the faculty will be looking for the following:

    1. the breadth and quality of investigation in your work (as demonstrated in idea/concept books, design process documentation and the selected pieces shown),
    2. evidence of the various creative thinking processes employed in your work,
    3. demonstrated visual abilities in your work (colour, composition, perspective, drawing),
    4. technical skill in a diverse range of media and tools used,
    5. communication skills as demonstrated by your ability to discuss your work and thought processes at the interview, and
    6. care in the selection and presentation of your work.

  7. How should I present my work?

    8. Typically, pieces are brought in a multi page portfolio binder not to exceed 16" X 20". Large or cumbersome pieces should be photographed and shown as a print with an indication of size/scale. Computer-based work will be viewed only if you bring your personal laptop computer with exception of web sites that can be viewed on our Apple computers.

  8. How will my portfolio and interview be evaluated?

    Your portfolio score is based upon a 100-point system as follows:

    1. Quality of the work - 50 points,
    2. Ability to embrace process - 20 points,
    3. Ability to articulate the work - 20 points,
    4. Presentation - 10 points,

  9. Any advice for a successful portfolio?

    10. Show only work which reflects your strengths - both creative and technical. Resolve all issues of technology and ease of presentation before coming to the interview.

  10. Any other tips?

    1. Do not include framed pieces in your portfolio - photograph the work.
    2. Do not bring 3D design work to the interview - photograph the work from several different points of view if it is to be included in your portfolio.
    3. Do not bring oversized work to the interview - photograph the work.
    4. Do not include work older than 2 or 3 years - current work best demonstrates your creative and skill level.
    5. Present work flat rather than rolled, mounted or matted.