Portfolio guidelines
Your portfolio doesn’t need to contain every type of work we’ve listed. Of course, you can show a range of styles and skills. Whatever you include, be prepared to talk about the thought processes and influences that played a part in shaping your work, as well as the skills and techniques you used and what you learnt from the creative process.
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Hand drawings (e.g. pencil, pen, pastel)
All hand-drawn submissions should demonstrate your ability to observe and draw in a range of styles, to convey light and shade, volume, texture and perspective.
Extra information for Digital Media applicants:
- Drawings that show the development of original characters, objects and/or environments are desirable (but not essential). These can be realistic or stylised.
- You can include any other examples of drawings used to develop/plan/organise ideas, concepts, information or stories e.g. storyboards, flow boards, diagrams, etc.
Extra information for Branded Fashion applicants:
- Drawings should be at least A4 in size and show a variety of subjects e.g. faces, figures and embellishments such as decorative motifs. Drawings should be realistic to demonstrate your ability to observe and draw in a realistic manner. A small paragraph explaining each drawing should be included.
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Other artwork (including but not limited to paintings, collages, sculptures, storyboards)
All other artwork should demonstrate your creativity and skills in image-making and/or object-making.
Extra information for Branded Fashion applicants:
- Artworks can tell a narrative or can be abstract to reflect a mood or trend. They should demonstrate your ability to lay out disparate elements into a cohesive story. A small paragraph explaining the narrative, the mood and/or process should be included.
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Photographs
These can be black-and-white or colour and must demonstrate your ability to capture a theme or mood. Photographs can tell a narrative or can show abstract subject composition and must demonstrate a high level of aesthetics. A small paragraph explaining the narrative, the mood and/or process, the framing and the reason for the image should be included.
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Digital graphic design workThis includes computer-generated graphic design work, with a variety of content that incorporates text/typography and image elements. A small paragraph describing the software used in the development of the image and the reasons for your choice of typographic approach, composition/arrangement, choice of images and use of colour should be included.
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Any additional material (including experimental and/or unfinished work in progress)
This includes any other original work which demonstrates your creativity and skills. Remember: unfinished work in progress can still indicate your ability to generate creative ideas. So, while your portfolio should include some finished work, not everything you submit has to be finished.
Extra information for Digital Media applicants:
- Evidence of non-visual creative work is welcome (but not essential) e.g. music/audio creation or creative writing. Specific examples of digital media design work relating to the course you are applying to are not required e.g. you do not need to have created 3D animation to apply for the 3D Design and Animation degree. If you have, we’d love to see it; if you haven’t, provide other examples of your creativity instead.
Extra information for Branded Fashion applicants:
- Please do not submit clothing pieces. Instead, provide other examples of your work as mentioned.
- Evidence of non-visual creative work is welcome (but not essential) e.g. music/audio creation or creative writing. Specific examples of digital media design work relating to the course you are applying to are not required e.g. you do not need to have created 3D animation to apply for the 3D Design and Animation degree. If you have, we’d love to see it; if you haven’t, provide other examples of your creativity instead.
- Your understanding of and interest in your chosen field of design
- Your ability to experiment through media, imagery and concept
- Your ability to articulate the impetus for/reasoning behind each portfolio work – that is, the verbal or written articulation of your ideas, influences and concepts
- Evidence of creative thinking/imagination within your visualisations and/or designs
- Originality of ideas, concepts and techniques
My portfolio needs work
If we say your portfolio doesn't meet the criteria, from our perspective that just means it’s not quite there yet. We will advise on how to improve your portfolio and, once you’ve worked on it, we encourage you to reapply. We may also recommend you complete a work/life experience application.
Billy Blue interviews
What to expect
Just like your portfolio, we are looking for you to demonstrate most or all of our interview criteria. Here is what we will assess you on:
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Preparation
Signs we look for:
- Prior educational experience/ability to commit to study
Examples from you:
- Knowledge of course requirements
- Awareness of workload/time required for study
- Consideration to current lifestyle
- Prior achievement to study
- Attendance at an open day
- Reference to specific subjects you are interested in
- Reference to workload management
- Realistic expectations about time needed for study (whether full time or part time)
- Demonstrated success in prior study
- Access to necessary equipment (including internet and computer)
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Expectation
Signs we look for:
- Relevance of the course to student’s desired outcome or career goal
Examples from you:
- Study goals and personal goals discussed
- Articulation of motivation to succeed
- Desire to learn about chosen specialisation
- Desire to formalise current knowledge/interest
- Desire to participate in current industry
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Experience
Signs we look for:
- Existing knowledge of or interest in the area of study
Examples from you:
- Achievement in related formal or informal studies
- Exposure to the area e.g. hobby or interest
- Evidence of knowledge developed through experience
- Ability to articulate motivation for choosing a career path in particular specialist area
- Previous study or personal endeavours within your chosen specialisation
- Attendance at related workshops/expos/exhibitions, etc.
- Voluntary or paid work in design or related industries
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Communication
Signs we look for:
- Communication skills, including ability to navigate the technical environment
Examples from you:
- Ability to articulate thoughts and relate points logically
- Interview performance that reveals interpersonal communication skills in the English language