These are images from work i did for unit 18 which involved working with site specific briefs.They show the progression of how my ideas developed into the final piece of sculptural work.

I enjoyed this unit because it involved looking at artists such as Andy Goldsworthy who really inspired my initial ideas.It was also good to work in groups as it allowed us to help and support each other.

This unit has involved looking at how to prepare a portfolio for interviews at either higher education or employment we have also looked at interview preparation and writing a c.v I also looked into art courses and employment within the art industry.I have also created a blog which I have put all the information from this unit on to as well as images of my work.Today a blog is important to have when applying for university.

We had a talk from another art tutor who showed us some portfolio work from her students.she explained that work should be mounted carefully on white card by using spray mount.she also emphasised that the portfolio should show a wide variety of work to show your abilities.

The videos we watched were also useful in this unit as they showed that a portfolio should be reflective of your personality and show how your work has developed and progressed. The portfolio should be organised so that the person interviewing you should be able to see that you have understood the units requirements.

We researched art courses in higher education and looked at jobs within art and design.This helped me to realise just how many different and varied courses there were and employment they could leaf to.

We also looked at good and bad c-v's and what was the best way to present these and what to include.

We also watched videos on how to conduct an interview and answered questions on the best techniques.Some of these were common sense such as not having your phone turned on but some were useful.

We also all had to have a mock interview in which we had to present our work through the blog we had done and by showing all are work we had done so far.

I was a bit nervous to start with in the interview but relaxed as i started to talk about my work.

I felt that a strength was that i conducted myself correctly and used the right kind of body language.

In hindsight i could have been better prepared and had questions ready to ask at the end of the interview.

I could improve by being more confident and looking at more of my work before the interview so i would be able to explain it better. If i was to go for a "real" interview i would be prepared by researching more about the course and collage facilities.

Since I have completed this unit I have a better understanding of what to include in a portfolio and how this should be presented.I now know that any 3 dimensional work I have done needed to be photographed to show at interview and I also understand that the portfolio work should show a wide range of my abilities.

Also producing a blog has been really important as most university's will ask to look at work this way so it is good knowledge to have.I now feel much more confident about preparing a portfolio to take to interview and online and have a good understanding of what should be included.

Interview techniques

To perform well at interview the candidate needs to:

• be punctual 
• be organised and prepared with their portfolio 
• be confident with there work in their portfolio
• explain what units you have been working on 
• use positive body language 
• have a well presented CV
• no spelling mistakes 
• wait until asked to be seated 
• positive verbal language 
• dress smart
• phones on silent or switched off 
• good eye contact
• be prepared to answer questions 
• not interrupt the interviewer
• good posture 

 If a candidate was prepared for the interview with portfolio and a well presented CV that will set a good example to the interviewer.

portfolio review
the work i have seen today consisted of graphics work which showed a range of posters,tickets.dvd covers, postcards, direct mail and shoe box designs for a range of campaigns and shows. These included posters for the college fashion show and drama group play to campaigns for mental health and drink drive awareness.


The work was presented in a very professional manner. This helped me when thinking about my own portfolio as it work looks much better when mounted up on white card. The graphics tutor explained that graphics work had to be presented very precisely and the work had to be measured so it would fit exactly in the middle of the card.

There was a wide range of work in the portfolio which showed a variety of media such as, paint, ink, pencil and photoshop was shown. It also gave an insight into what graphics involved such as typeface and illustration. There were no sketch books in the portfolio, the tutor explained that the best work from  sketch books would be used to mount up to show the development of ideas, the worse thing for a portfolio would be a sketch book with white pages and no annotation.

The tutor explained that 'idea generation" was really important thing to show in a portfolio, as this showed how initial ideas had led to the final piece. It was also important for the students to have a good knowledge of art history and the history of typeface and this should be reflected in the portfolio.The idea sheets not only were useful to show how the ideas had been generated but they made the portfolio more interesting and original.

The work was mounted on white card, precisely measured and secured with spray mount. Spray mount was used instead of prit stick as this dried solid so pieces could not be moved.The tutor said a portfolio would cost a minimum of £100, this was because a portfolio would cost £30, each colour print £5 and card £1. It was important that BA students used A1 portfolio and A2 for foundation students.

Any 3d work would be photographed and these would be mounted this was to save transporting bulky items to interviews.

It is very important for students to have an understanding of the units they have studied so the university can see you have been successful in reaching the criteria and you have had knowledge and understanding of the requirements of it.

the purpose of a portfolio

There are a variety of reasons for building a portfolio up. One main reason is that it will help when securing and attending an interview for a higher-level course in art or for employment in the art industry.

The portfolio is important as it presents your work in a professional and mature way. The portfolio is an important record of your achievements so far. It will help to show a college you have applied for the way in which your work has progressed; it shows the journey of your work.

It is important that the portfolio shows a wide range of your work and abilities. It should contain your most successful work, but this does not have to be perfect as long as it shows that you have experimented and developed your ideas.  The work should reflect your own personality, your own creative journey. It should show evidence of range of work, such as paintings, photographs, mixed media and graphics. It should show the hard work that you have achieved and the passion involved in your art.

To the person interviewing it should be memorable, it should be interesting and some pieces should be unique. You should show individuality, commitment, and the ability to evaluate and also it should show potential for you to carry on with your art.

The portfolio should be well prepared and organised so that the viewer can easily read the portfolio. The portfolio can be traditional, in that it can be your original artwork presented in an A3 or A1 portfolio, it can be printed or stored on an online portfolio.

answers to the video

Unit 5 Building an Art and Design Portfolio

Evaluation and reflection on portfolio videos

Video 1 Preparing a Portfolio

What type of drawing is the most important?

Primary drawings like real things, still life

What work could you put into the portfolio?

A wide range of things and select most interesting pictures.

Why is it important to have an organised portfolio?

So it’s easy to read.

What do they say makes a good portfolio?

Student working very hard, in whatever environment and spark of passion.

What should you not put into a portfolio?

Other peoples work, messy pieces of art, Copyright documents

How should you choose your work?

I would chose carefully what pieces of art I would include by looking though all my sketch books and selecting the best pieces i.e the media/ techniques I work the best with.

Why is a range of work good?

It shows what you are capable of doing different techniques, it can show the different styles of work you have covered, show the full ideas and personal passion.

Why is preparation essential for the portfolio?

To show off the best of the Art work and your abilities.

Any other comments?

Video 2 Portfolio Example

What type of work was in the portfolio?

Photographs, Graphic imagines, fine art pictures, Animation,

Did you like the portfolio, can you explain your answer?

I didn’t like the portfolio much because it wasn’t very interesting and has no explanations to how the Artist created their work.

Do you think it could be improved, could you explain how?

Add the techniques used to create the pieces.

Can you name one strength of the work?

I like the Animation pieces.

Any other comments?

Video 3  What should a Portfolio show?

What are client looking for in a portfolio?

Individuality and creativity. 

Why is the sketchbook important for the portfolio?

It shows the process of the individual pieces and can show experimental work.

Why is the order of the portfolio important?

The portfolio needs to flow and show that a lot of thought has gone into the portfolio.

Any other comments?

Video 4 Portfolio day?

What can a portfolio do for you?

Any other comments?

Video 5 Portfolio?

What is a portfolio can you list them?

Any other comments?