Hey everyone,
I know that all of you are really artsy, so I thought you guys would know something about this. I want to apply to a few art colleges, but they all require a portfolio, which I don't have. Has anyone on here ever put one together? What does it consist of? What do colleges look for? Thanks a million in advance!

ask the college to send you their application and portfolio requirements. usually they send a very specific list of what they want included, and how. all the colleges i thought about applying to required the portfolio to be in slide format. even if you dont have a "real" portfolio, a lot of what they ask for is just simple drawing from observation type stuff, which you can probably pull out of your existing art work. they might ask for you to draw a particular item or assignment, like a self-portrait or a bicycle.

of course, all that is only if admissions requirements havent changed radically in the last few years. i hope i was at least sort of helpful.

stella

oooh, college admissions.....I think I blocked that phase out of my memory by now ;)
Anyways, a portfolio isn't that hard to do. Different schools might have different guidelines, so it's a really good idea to check with the school. I ended up sending one in to all schools I applied to. To do your slides, either do them yourself (if you have minimal camera skills and mostly flat stuff, this isn't hard at all), or get someone to do it for you. since I had a lot of sculpture to photograph, i went to a local art school and was referred to one of their photo students. She did a really good job, and it was waaay cheaper than getting a professional to do it.
If you are taking any art classes right now, it might help to ask your teacher to help you decide which pieces to include in your portfolio. Second opinions are always good :).
Something else you can do is go to a portfolio day at the school, if the place you are applying to is local. That way, you can bring them the actual artwork, talk face to face with the admissions people, and don;t have to bother with slides.
Well, I hope this was helpful, if you have any other questions feel free to ask :)
the uncurably long-winded (sorry gals!!!;-)) Bethgert

Thanks gals! I contacted a few of my top choices and requested that they send me some information about their portfolios. I really appreciate your help. Wish me luck!
Heather