VISUAL ARTS: What makes a strong portfolio?

Visual arts portfolios typically require 10-15 pieces of artwork. The portfolio can contain work in a variety of media but all pieces need to reflect the personality and authenticity of the artist’s voice. We work with students to create compelling and technically strong work and then help them curate their art to satisfy the guidelines of each school. Students are coached to photograph their work and write short descriptions of each piece that inform the reviewer of the process and motivation behind creating the piece. Coaches work with students to craft their artist statement that serves as the guiding narrative connecting their work. We look at how the work comes together as a whole, how it is documented, and how it will be viewed by admissions committees so it represents your student clearly.

FILM: What makes a strong creative supplement?

Film creative supplements vary by school and often include multiple short prompt responses as well as submission of a short film (sometimes directed to a specific prompt). All written and visual work must highlight the student’s ability to be a compelling storyteller. Students might be asked to tell a story in as few as 150 words, requiring a well conceived plot and excellent writing skills. Films might be as short as two minutes without dialogue. The shorter the space allowed, the more challenging to tell a story. Students applying to film programs may be required to submit 20 different written prompt responses and films ranging from two minutes to five minutes. It’s an intense experience with tight and early deadlines.

PERFORMING ARTS: What makes a strong creative supplement?

ARTriculate works with both actors and production design (costume designers, prop designers, set designers, sound/light designers and directors) to help them prepare their creative supplement. Each art form has their specific creative requirements and we help students prepare their audition monologues and portfolios to meet the requirements for each program. Often this includes auditions (for both actors and production design students), monologues, head shots, and resumes. We help students understand what is expected, how to prepare their materials, and how to present themselves with clarity and confidence throughout the audition process. Performing arts applications are often due early and may be a multi-stage process requiring prescreens, application submissions, and auditions. There are many moving pieces and we work with your student to make sure they know all the requirements and their due dates.

ARTIST STATEMENT: What makes a strong artist statement?

A strong artist statement explains your art, what influenced it, how and why it was created, what it means, and where you want to go with it. It serves as the guiding narrative that connects the work in your portfolio or audition material with your voice and aspirations. The statement helps the admissions committee understand your ideas, process, and how your work has developed over time. It’s a short but integral part of the creative supplement that requires thought to craft.

Creative Supplements.

Your portfolio, film and audition tell your story.

Schools have many, varied creative supplements. Many require additional writing, have specific portfolio guidelines, and request short personal videos.

We make sure your student knows the requirements, prepares them, and submits them on time.

Two panel concept art by ARTriculate student Eden: a grayscale sketch and a finished digital painting of a figure lying down playing a glowing screen, rendered with vibrant pink and purple light and a glitch effect.

Get help with your portfolio or audition materials

Eden submitted this sketch and digital drawing to receive some fantastic acceptances.

“We felt that this experience was definitely worth the investment. We didn’t even know where to begin to get the portfolio process started. Lisa and Abigail worked well with Izzy. They were encouraging and got her to create more pieces for the portfolio to make it stronger. We really couldn’t have done this without ARTiculate. ”

— Mary, parent of BFA Film student

“Florence was wonderful! She jumped in and helped our daughter through each step of the process. Narrowing down schools, portfolio, essays, and interviews. We appreciated that the service had an arts focus. Our daughter was accepted to 9/12 schools where she applied and received merit/scholarship offers from most. Florence helped her choose her ideal school and she can’t wait to attend the Theatre School at DePaul! ”

— Natalie, parent of BFA Theatre student

Whether your student is applying to a BFA program or wants to augment their application with artistic supplemental materials, we work with them to read the prompts and requirements and select their best work to respond. If additional work is needed, we build it into the application timeline so it gets done.

For most visual arts BFA programs students are expected to submit 12-20 pieces of art together with short descriptions and usually an artist statement. For most film programs students must tell stories, often as a response to a prompt, and submit a two to five minute film. For most performing arts programs students must submit two short monologues and write an artist statement. Often programs require different submissions and it’s a lot to keep track of. Additionally, many film and performing arts programs have earlier deadlines then those required for regular decision.

We support students throughout the process and provide critique based on years of experience with what creates a strong portfolio, audition, or film submission. We’ve helped students just like you successfully apply to some of the best art and design, conservatories, and film programs in the country.

Have questions? How we take the anxiety out of creative supplements.

Visual arts portfolios typically require 10-15 pieces of artwork. The portfolio can contain work in a variety of media but all pieces need to reflect the personality and authenticity of the artist’s voice.
We work with students to create compelling and technically strong work and then help them curate their art to satisfy the guidelines of each school. Students are coached to photograph their work and write short descriptions of each piece that inform the reviewer of the process and motivation behind creating the piece.
Coaches work with students to craft their artist statement that serves as the guiding narrative connecting their work.
We look at how the work comes together as a whole, how it is documented, and how it will be viewed by admissions committees so it represents your student clearly.
More details are in this blog Submitting Visual Arts Portfolios.
Film creative supplements vary by school and often include multiple short prompt responses as well as submission of a short film (sometimes directed to a specific prompt). All written and visual work must highlight the student’s ability to be a compelling storyteller.
Students might be asked to tell a story in as few as 150 words, requiring a well conceived plot and excellent writing skills. Films might be as short as two minutes without dialogue. The shorter the space allowed, the more challenging to tell a story.
Students applying to film programs may be required to submit 20 different written prompt responses and films ranging from two minutes to five minutes. It’s an intense experience with tight and early deadlines.
More information is in this blog on Applying to Film Programs.
ARTriculate works with both actors and production design (costume designers, prop designers, set designers, sound/light designers and directors) to help them prepare their creative supplement. Each art form has their specific creative requirements and we help students prepare their audition monologues and portfolios to meet the requirements for each program.
Often this includes auditions (for both actors and production design students), monologues, head shots, and resumes.
We help students understand what is expected, how to prepare their materials, and how to present themselves with clarity and confidence throughout the audition process.
Performing arts applications are often due early and may be a multi-stage process requiring prescreens, application submissions, and auditions. There are many moving pieces and we work with your student to make sure they know all the requirements and their due dates.
A strong artist statement explains your art, what influenced it, how and why it was created, what it means, and where you want to go with it.
It serves as the guiding narrative that connects the work in your portfolio or audition material with your voice and aspirations. The statement helps the admissions committee understand your ideas, process, and how your work has developed over time.
It’s a short but integral part of the creative supplement that requires thought to craft.
More information is in this blog on Artists Statements.