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Applying into Art Schools – How does one build an art portfolio?

Wish to apply into a Art School in Singapore – How to prepare a good art portfolio to enter into the school of your dreams?

Do you wish to enter into local or global art schools like NAFA, LASELLE, SOTA, RMIT or ADM in NTU and do not know how to Prepare Art Portfolio ? Various local and international art schools requires art portfolios as an entry requirement. What is an art portfolio? How do I create a portfolio that can help me to get into the art school of my dreams? Is my portfolio good enough?

These are all common questions passionate art students have in mind. Fret not! We will explain to you how to put your portfolio together, as well as what it takes to make your portfolio attractive to art schools. We will also explain to you the courses you can take with us to build a good portfolio.

Drawing and Sketching Foundational Training
Drawing and Sketching Foundational Training

What is a portfolio?

First of all, what is an art portfolio? According to the University of the Arts London, an art portfolio is basically a collection of your work. It shows how your skills and ideas have developed over a period of time. It should demonstrate your creativity, personality, abilities and commitment as it helps these schools evaluate your potential.

Your portfolio will be a vital part of your application to any art school. In fact, it will be more important than your grades when applying to art schools, because it lets these schools see your techniques – how well you can utilise various different mediums.

The portfolio should show your artistic level, innovative thinking, original ability, artistic passion, etc.

Are you know what an art portfolio

Now that you know what an art portfolio is, you must decide which school and what course you are interested in. Different art schools have different requirements and criteria for portfolios. The content of your portfolio will also differ according to the different courses offered. For example, if you are applying to a film school or animation school, your portfolio will likely be digital and consist mostly of work related to that field.

On the other hand, if you are applying to an fine art school, you may have more sketches and drawings to prepare your art portfolio. The format of your portfolio will also differ according to the school you wish to apply. So bear that in mind and research on what type of portfolio you would want to build for the school of your choice! It is best if you can find examples of portfolios from accepted students. This way, you know how a successful portfolio actually looks like.

portfolio preparation course Singapore
Our portfolio course student with his portfolio work
Student working on a 3D Sculpture

For example, here are the portfolio requirements for the Art, Design and Media course in Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU):

15-20 of your best works, which should reflect your personal interests, experiences and competencies in the arts. All materials submitted should be original work created by the applicant. Work copied from other sources such as magazines, film, work of other artists, will not be considered. Portfolio pieces may represent classroom assignments or independent projects.

Submissions may include, but are not limited to, two-dimensional, three dimensional, and/or time-based work (e.g. games, audio recording, scripts, website, etc.). Preparatory work such as sketches and concept drawings may be included as components of your portfolio.

What do Art Schools look for in a portfolio and how to prepare for it?

Foundational Still Life Painting Practice

When looking at a portfolio, the first thing art schools will usually look out for is the student’s technical mastery. This is perhaps the most obvious trait of all, as it shows directly how skilled you are as an artist. Technical mastery includes being able to apply basic and advanced art principals to your work, create work that shows a high level of attention and detail, and complete projects that are free of sloppiness and mistakes.

Art schools will also look at your versatility and variety to judge

Art schools will also look at your versatility and variety to judge how you prepare your art portfolio. One reason versatility is important is because the ability to create multiple art forms is a sign of a talented artist and one who can apply their skills in multiple ways. It is also rare for an artist to stick exclusively to one art form. For example, artists who work with ceramics or in fashion design often need to be able to draw accurate designs before they begin their work.

Often, they will also look for your own unique style and personality in your works. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago states on its admissions page that the most important thing they look for in an art portfolio is “[W]ork that will give us a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to explore, experiment, and think beyond technical art and design skills.” Your style will be the factor that differentiates you from the others, and can be a plus point in art school applications!

Foundational Training for Drawing and Sketching

How can I improve on my skills to build a decent portfolio?

Of course, you can always practice by yourself to improve your artistic skills. However, we strongly recommend a more systematic approach. At Visual Arts Centre, we provide professional courses which will definitely add memorable pieces to your portfolio. Our courses include Professional Oil Painting, Professional Watercolour Painting, Professional Acrylic Painting as well as Professional Drawing and Sketching. We also have a course that focuses more on portfolio preparation on its own!

In our courses, you will be taught painting and sketching techniques through an academy-school approach, with the guidance of our teachers, who are professionally trained artists. You will be taught observation, form and composition, colour mixing and blending, brushwork and a variety of painting and sketching techniques when you embark on your journey with us. These are all very important skills to have when building an art portfolio.

We also provide a Art Immersion 3-Medium Programme, which includes watercolour, acrylic and drawing and sketching. This course will help you to improve on your versatility as we navigate you through the different mediums. In our classes, our teachers encourage you to explore different styles and approaches, so that you can develop your own style. Through our courses, you will be able to churn up many amazing pieces of work to build your portfolio!

We offer 24 and 50 sessions of portfolio building courses, depending on your requirements and skill level. Our teachers will tailor your lessons to your own portfolio needs. Our schedules are also very flexible, and you can come whenever you are free, according to our timings.

What does Visual Arts Centre’s portfolio course includes:

1. Basic Art drawing technique

Drawing sketching, Colouring, includes still life, landscape

Life drawing of plaster cast by our student
Life drawing of plaster cast by our student

3. Selecting your best piece of artwork for your art portfolio:

Having a reputable art portfolio requires your own original work. You will have to use both your creativity and your drawing techniques to craft out your own original artwork. Many art schools wishes you to create an artwork that is aspiring.

Creative works with the usage of acrylic paint on canvases
Creative works with the usage of acrylic paint on canvases
Creative works with the usage of acrylic paint on canvases
Creative works with the usage of acrylic paint on canvases

3. Selecting your best piece of artwork for your art portfolio:

After finishing your artwork, we will teach you how to constantly improve it, making the necessary adjustments before submission. When selecting your best piece of artwork, make sure to remember it is not the quantity that makes up your portfolio but the quality of it.

4. Art theories and answering interview questions:

Learning foundation Art theories and a brief history in Fine Arts as well as how you can use your own artwork to express yourself.

What is the DSA Art Specialty Advancement Program?

If your child wants to enter the ideal middle school with special artistic talents, build up their artistic talents so they can be admitted successfully through the DSA programme, with a good art portfolio. DSA is also known as direct school admission,it aims to promote holistic education by giving participating schools greater flexibility in selecting students while holding to the key principles of transparency and meritocracy. For example, if your child wants to enter an art school, he or she will need a basic requirement such as the art portfolio as their submission for DSA.

Join the Visual arts centre for children’s art courses to lay a solid foundation in drawing from an early age and prepare for further studies.

Drawing and sketching holiday art class for 8 to 12 years old Visual Arts Centre
Portfolio Preparation
Portfolio Preparation

Example of Students who admitted to DSA after attending Visual Arts Centre’s portfolio course

Congratulations to Wan Wan for entering STJI!
Excellent work Juliana on entering SOTA

Our Schedule

VISUAL ART CENTRE DHOBY GHAUT STUDIO

CLASS SCHEDULE

Teen/Adult Class

Kids Class (5-7 YO)

Creative Junior Class (8-9 YO)

MON

11am -
1:15pm

5pm -
7:15pm

5pm -
7:15pm

(Digital/
Manga)*

7:30pm -
9:45pm

(Digital/
Manga)

5pm -
6:30pm

TUE

3:30pm -
5:45pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

3:30pm -
5pm

(KIDS)

4:30pm -
6pm

(KIDS)

3:30pm -
5pm

WED

11am -
1:15pm

1:30pm -
3:45pm

5pm -
7:15pm

7:30pm -
9:45pm

(Chinese Ink
Painting)

5pm -
6:30pm

THU

1pm -
3:15pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

(Digital/
Manga)

7:30pm - 10pm

(Nude Life/ Portrait)

3:30pm -
5pm

FRI

11am -
1:15pm

5pm -
7:15pm

7:30pm -
9:45pm

 

5pm -
6:30pm

SAT

10:30am -
12:45pm

1pm -
3:15pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

6:30pm -
8:45pm

 

SUN

10:30am -
12:45pm

11:15am -
12:45pm

(KIDS)

1pm -
3:15pm

3:30pm -
5:45pm

6pm -
8:15pm

*TO BE ENQUIRED

Call/WhatsApp: +65-6255-0711 E: info@visualartscentre.sg

MacPherson Art Studio

Call/WhatsApp: +65-6255-0711

E: info@visualartscentre.sg

CLASS SCHEDULE

140 Paya Lebar Rd, 03-04 AZ @Paya Lebar Building, S(409015)

Contact us for any enquiries!

Our Location

Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio

Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio​

Address:

10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green,
Singapore 238469

Exit from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station Exit B and turn left, we are there in 30m!

MacPherson Office and Storage

macpherson gallery studio in singapore visual arts centre

Address:

AZ@Paya Lebar, 140 Paya Lebar Road, #03-04,
Singapore 409105

Exit from Macpherson MRT Station Exit A and turn left, we are right across the road, 1 minute walk away!

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Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.