What should I include in my college art portfolio? I’m not sure where to start.

Question

What should I include in my application art portfolio for college or art school?

Answer 1

Good question- this is by far the most stressful and important part of applying to an art program.

As an art professor, I'm always looking to see if a student has a strong foundation while also being open to experimentation. If an application asks for 20 examples of work. It would be good to include 10 images of work you did for a class that shows your technical skills (Intro to Drawing, Basic Design, Photo I, ETC.). The other 10 images can also be something done in class but showcase more creative freedom. Maybe it was a self driven project where you could decide on technique, medium and concept.

What you include should be largely influenced by the specific program. Take a look at the type of work their students produce. If it's a school that largely favors abstract work, it might be unlikely they'll choose someone who focuses on hyper realistic portraits.

Feel free to reach out and schedule a session with me to go over your portfolio and goals!

Answer 2

It totally depends on the program

youre applying to. Dont apply somewhere if the graduates of that program make work you cant connect with. Find somewhere with a program you like and then make

your absolute best work. Be yourself. Put lots of time in. Finish things.

Answer 3

What the other answers are missing in their responses are that your portfolio should follow the "common theme" of your application. Let's say your college application revolves around education, perhaps include pieces that reflect some of those ideas, but really get detailed in your descriptions about why and how those pieces convey those concepts to you; doesn't have to be super on the nose, but perhaps something more nuanced. Hoped this helped! Message me if you have any more questions. (:

Answer 4

Hello,

Creating your art portfolio can feel like a big task, but with focus and intention, you can make something that truly reflects your talent and potential.

Aim to include 10 to 20 pieces that show both range and depth. Use a variety of media (drawing, painting, digital, sculpture), but also include several works that dive deeper into a personal theme or concept. Schools want to see both technical skill and creative voice.

Strong foundational work—especially observational drawing—is a must. Even experimental programs like CalArts and Parsons value solid draftsmanship. Include original pieces that express who you are and avoid work that copies popular characters or styles.

If you’re applying to schools like RISD, SAIC, Pratt, or MICA, tailor your portfolio to match what they value. Add short notes or captions if they help explain your process or thinking. And remember: quality matters more than quantity. Clean, well-lit photos are essential.

You don’t have to be perfect—just authentic and committed to growth. You've got this.

Take Care,

Dr. Christal-Joy Turner

College Counselor | Art Portfolio Advisor

Answer 5

You’re not alone—this is one of the most common questions! A strong portfolio isn’t just about showing technical skill—it’s about showing you. I help students select the right pieces, develop new work if needed, and organize everything to reflect your creativity, range, and voice. We’ll talk about what schools look for, how to structure your portfolio, and how to make it stand out—even if you feel unsure now. I’ve successfully guided students into top art and design programs including RISD, SCAD, CalArts, Ringling, the New York School of Design, and other leading colleges across the U.S. Let's work together to get your portfolio in top shape so you can apply the schools you dream of attending!