Portfolio for art and design courses at college?

[Ineedcoffeenow]

I’m not sure I’m putting this in the right place….

We’re in Scotland and DD (15) is in her last year of secondary. For context—I believe she’s autistic (there’s definitely something that isn’t right. But we’ve been waiting years for her to see someone). She’s been diagnosed with dyslexia, which makes school hard for her.

A nyway, she’s a great artist and absolutely loves drawing. She wants to do an art course at college. They require a portfolio when applying. So, my question is how do you do a portfolio? Is is lots of different styles to show breadth? Or stay with what you’re good at? How many pieces? Is there anything that a college would definitely expect to see? Anything that definitely shouldn’t be included? Thanks!

My son did one for entry for an art course for 6th form. They gave some guidance and asked for about 20 pieces. We chose his best pieces but also work which showed his interests and that he could work in different media. If they haven’t given you a limit then you should have enough scope to include work to show her technical proficiency but also stuff that shows inventiveness and her different interests.
We went to a Uni open day and they said they like it when interests and personality come through and it’s probably not dissimilar for college.

@Pottingup that’s great, thank you. She has a very distinctive style that she draws 90% of the time so im guessing she’ll need to have other styles in the portfolio. Nice point about their personalities coming through. I definitely think that’s true of DDs art. We’re a good way off applying so have a bit of tkmr( should hopefully start sept 2025.)

One problem that I don’t think anyone can help with…the college requires a 85% attendance rate. DD is hovering around that. She misses school due to her poor mental health. She doesn’t cope with the school environment well at all. I’m hoping the college would look favourably upon her with the fact that it’s not just her deciding not to attend. If only we could get an assessment from CAMHS it might help with all this. She tends to get to school but then ring up in a panic attack/ completely overwhelmed. She completely shuts down and can’t speak I can’t leave her in that state so will collect her. Anyway, there’s that to have to think about for college.

I’m really sorry the panic attacks sound horrible and must be so scary for her and for you. Have you spoken to her GP to see if there’s anything they can offer? I think propranolol can be prescribed for teens and it can be really effective for controlling the symptoms of panic attacks.

@Ineedcoffeenow My DD did a portfolio for university but she had done both art and photography A levels so had a body of work that was very varied.

In your case, look for guidance on what they want to see. Often this might be 10 best pieces but I strongly suggest some breadth. In addition consider media used, and why, what or who inspired the work and what issues she encountered whilst producing the work and how she overcame them. Make notes for each piece. DD had to photograph some of hers as one place wanted the portfolio on Flickr. Do check how they want it presented and is there an interview too? If there is, dc should be able to talk about their work on the lines I’ve outlined above.