Create a Stronger Portfolio with Drawing

What is Drawing? And is it necessary for a portfolio?

I am applying for a course in Architecture/Fashion Design, do I still need to include drawing?

A portfolio for art school admissions is incomplete without a few drawing projects. Whether they are gesture drawings, on the spot sketches or fully rendered drawings, most art and design schools require you to have a certain level of drawing skills. Drawing from life, interior spaces, still life, landscape or portraits are some of the projects that can be included. You should create original work and not from secondary sources such as photographic or internet images.

Your drawings help the admission staff get an idea of your competency in recording shape, tone, proportion, texture, perspective, space and form. Your drawings do not have to be mechanical, rather create them with expressive marks and gestural qualities that capture the essence of the subject.

Sometimes students wonder what subject would be most appropriate to include in a portfolio and where they can find that perfect subject matter.

Let me assure you that your subject matter can be found all around you – your hands, your feet, a corner of your room, a messy drawer, your dressing table – anything as long as it is done from primary sources, it is original and relevant to you or the stream you are applying to. You can choose to work in any medium, such as charcoal, graphite, pen and ink or paint or a combination of one of more of these.

Remember DO NOT draw cartoons, tattoos, or copies of other artists works.

Portfolios that display versatility, creativity and skill in different realms of drawing are more likely to catch the eye of the admissions officer and get you into the college of your dreams. So get hold of your drawing supplies and get set to impress the admissions committee.

Here are a few examples of drawings from student portfolios.