How I did it: I received the portfolio requirements back in September, I think at the University Fair. To polish my skills, I took some art lessons with my friends where I introduced myself to paint. It wasn't a lesson, but an opportunity to draw/paint in peace and with some guidance. It didn't take long to come up with some ideas but they kept changing and changing. Then I bought the art supplies I thought I would need.

At first, I wasn't too motivated for this task and I kept ignoring it. Plus I didn't have a whole lot of time to work on it because schoolwork still got in the way so I whenever I could, I would keep my weekends free, if not only for a few hours. Still, I ended up doing most of my work during the last week and had to stay up late a lot.

I realized I needed a lot of time because even when you finish a piece, you still may need to change it... or sometimes even scrap it completely. Some of my ideas didn't work out on paper, and some ideas weren't appealing to my art teacher, so it was a long journey.

In the end, I think I did an okay display of skills. It may not be the best... but I hope it's good enough for the university to accept me! ;_;

Lessons & tips:

• Carefully read the instructions given to you if there are any. Don't be afraid to contact them if you have questions.
• Don't procrastinate! You need a lot of time.
• Get someone to critic your work. Especially when you're doing a conceptual piece and you need the viewer to understand what you're presenting. Try to have them look at it when you're halfway done.
• Set out a schedule and plan your pieces beforehand.
• If you're a beginner painter, go for some decent brushes and practice before starting the portfolio piece!

Resources:

• Art supplies (paint, pencil, pastels, paper, scissors, paper, ruler, etc.)
• Flat surface
• Art teacher
  (critic)
• Friends & family (moral support/nagging)
• University pamphlet

Mar 23, 09:18PM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers