Portfolio Advice

Staffordshire University included within their leaflets, a guide to portfolio interviews. I think that this is quite useful because even though I do not wish to go to University, I will be required to attend portfolio interviews for jobs.

The leaflet explains that the portfolio is a way of showing your aptitude and commitment to the chosen subject, and should show why you should be chosen with the highly competitive environment. The work included needs to be selective and you will need to be able to explain why you have chosen each piece of work. The images do not have to necessarily be ones that you like, but ones that are able to communicate something in an effective or interesting way.

As all university courses and jobs are different, there is not a set style of portfolio. You should make enquiries to the course leader or employer to see what you are going to be interviewed at, to make sure that what you include in your portfolio is relevant.

An ideal size for a portfolio is either A3 or A2, with between fifteen and twenty sleeves. The first sleeve should provide your name and a contents list of what work is included, when it was produced and why. For university interviews you will also be required to provide an example of written work e.g. an essay relating to photography/art. Portfolios should also be supported by sample sketchbooks (2 max.).