Tom Rollett

CONTENTS
What is a portfolio for? Getting started

Arranging your portfolio Preparing to present Likely questions Summary

Personal Statement* Questions

WHAT IS A PORTFOLIO FOR?

Your portfolio is a window into your personal practice. Three key areas: Your technical ability

Your contextual understanding

The evolution of your ideas

GETTING STARTED
Read the prospectus Visit the website (www.nuca.ac.uk) Come to an Open Day

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Photograph large works Photograph work in context
Tailor your work to the specific course

Include a range of work around your subject area

SKETCHBOOKS
...one of the most interesting parts of your portfolio
Bring a few

Show idea development Contextualised work

Logical lay out

INFORMATION FOR FILM, ANIMATION AND GAMES

Additional skills

Presentation Method
2-5 minute film excerpts

Usually presented in folders with leaves or pull outs

Intuitive design

Photography boxes

Make sure your portfolio complements your work and does not look clumsy!

THE BASICS
Put your name on your portfolio Be clear Be consistent Be practical Be logical Be sensitive

GOING INTO THE DETAIL

Include 20 to 30 pieces of your strongest work Choose work you feel confident talking about

Demonstrate that you can be experimental and are prepared to push yourself
Drawing skills How do you want the panel to read your portfolio?

THE FINER DETAIL

Are plastic sleeves appropriate? Include work that you created outside of school/ college Ask tutors, friends and family to look at it with fresh eyes

The work should speak for itself so let the viewer look through it before you discuss your ideas

PREPARING TO PRESENT YOUR WORK

At NUCA the interviewer is looking to bring out the best in you and your work, not to intimidate you or catch you out It is our chance to find out more about your enthusiasm and knowledge for your subject

The interview is a two-way process

THE INTERVIEW
Projects that have been important to you Current interests, influences, materials
Who inspires you and why? Galleries, exhibitions or festivals The strengths of your work and areas you hope to improve What informs your creative decisions?

MOST LIKELY DIRECT QUESTIONS:

Why have you chosen this University?
What do you like about this particular course? What motivates/ inspires / informs your practice? What are your ambitions? Do you have any questions for us? (always have some on standby).

Be aware that you are not the finished article and that you are keen to learn and develop your skills further

Dont shy away from a question or put yourself down

Be positive and optimistic

SUMMARY
Put your name on your portfolio! Choose work that you are confident talking about

Tailor work to each individual course

Be proud of your work and let your creativity speak for itself

Why do you want to study this AVOID particular subject?

Additional interests and commitments Emotional statements
From a young age I was born to create

Descriptions of your work (resources and themes)

Industry research

Long quotes Waffling! (be concise)

Who/what inspires you?

Exhibitions/ Showcases

What do you want to be?

QUESTIONS?

If you still have any additional questions or require subject specific advice please contact: Tom Rollett at t.rollett@nuca.ac.uk or call 01603 610561