What do students need for an industrial design portfolio?

Most industrial design programs want to see a student's ability to draw the fine details that they see. They also want to see designs develop from sketches to actual 3D prototypes. Some schools have specific portfolio requirements, so be sure to review each program's requirements. Some schools also ask for sketchbook work, so keep your sketchbook filled with ideas.

What do admissions consider for industrial design students?

Industrial design majors are found in both art and engineering programs, so portfolio expectations vary depending on whether the school offers a BFA or a BDes degree. BFA programs often place greater emphasis on aesthetics and creativity, while BDes programs tend to focus more on conceptual thinking and design process.

Do students include 3D built work in their portfolios?

Yes. Industrial design is a three-dimensional discipline, and students are often expected to build physical prototypes. Many successful models are made from inexpensive materials such as cardboard, wire, paper, and other readily available supplies. Photographs of these prototypes are an important part of a strong portfolio.

Industrial Design

Zachary, attending University of Southern California, Iovine & Young Academy

Maithilli, attending Carnegie Mellon University

Build the Future 〰️

Turn Sketches into Product! 〰️

Combine Art & Engineering! 〰️

Make Sustainability Stylish 〰️

Shape the World Around You 〰️

Design your Future 〰️

Think Outside the Box (or Redesign it!) 〰️

Build the Future 〰️ Turn Sketches into Product! 〰️ Combine Art & Engineering! 〰️ Make Sustainability Stylish 〰️ Shape the World Around You 〰️ Design your Future 〰️ Think Outside the Box (or Redesign it!) 〰️

What does an Industrial Design portfolio look like?

We help students interested in industrial design learn how to draw what they want to create and then help them build 3D prototypes to bring their ideas to life Whether they are interested in product design, transportation design, sustainable design, or other forms of 3D design we work with them to show colleges their unique voice and creative ideas.

Most industrial design programs want to see a student’s ability to draw the fine details that they see. They will want to see designs iterate from sketches to actual 3D prototypes and we help students from start to finish. Some schools have specific portfolio requirements so be sure to check them. Some schools ask for sketchbook art so make sure to keep your sketchbook flowing with ideas.
Industrial design majors tend to be found in either art programs or engineering programs, and as a result the portfolio requirements vary depending on whether a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) or BDes (Bachelors of Design) is offered. BFA programs are more interested in the aesthetic, creative aspect of a portfolio while BDes programs are more interested in the conceptual and design elements of a portfolio.
Yes! Industrial design is a 3D major where students will be required to build what they design. Many models can be built using items found at home such as cardboard, wire, thin paper, and small building materials. Your local recycling center is a fantastic resource for materials to construct built prototypes.

Creative Majors and Careers for Industrial Design

Furniture Design - Specialize in creating custom, innovative furniture pieces that balance form and function. Furniture Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Decorator, Custom Fabricator

Industrial Design - Focus on creating functional, ergonomic, and visually appealing products for everyday use. Product Designer, Furniture Designer, Automotive Designer, User Experience (UX) Designer

Lighting Design - Study the use of light as a design element to enhance spaces, events, or performances. Lighting Designer, Architectural Lighting Specialist, Theater Lighting Designer, Event Designer

Package Design - Learn to design functional, visually appealing, and sustainable packaging that protects products, communicates brand identity, and minimizes environmental impact.
Packaging Designer, Brand Designer, Product Developer, Structural Packaging Engineer

Sustainable Design - Learn to create eco-friendly designs that minimize environmental impact while maximizing functionality. Closed-Loop Design Specialist (Reduce! Recycle! Reuse!), Environmental Engineer, LEED Specialist, Urban Designer

Transportation Design - Focus on designing vehicles and systems for land, air, or sea, combining aesthetics and engineering. Automotive Designer, Aerospace Designer, Yacht Designer, Mobility Specialist

Tiered pendant lamp by ARTriculate student Sarah: three stacked cubes with intricate geometric cutouts that cast warm patterned shadows on the surrounding walls.

Sarah, 12th grade

Meet our Industrial Design Coaches

Abigail Zola

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Kerr Cirilo

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Laura McFaden

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