FOLIO ADVICE

BDes Portfolio Guidance at Gray’s School of Art.

Gray’s School of Art will be offering workshop sessions and folio guidance during the period prior to application. This is your chance to visit Gray’s School of Art, find out more about the courses you are interested in and receive guidance on preparing your folio.

Individual folio guidance sessions will last approximately ½ hour. Sessions can be booked from 9.30am – 4pm. No sessions will take place between 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

Book your place now!

If you would like to come along to any of these events at Gray’s School of Art simply contact Alison Young to book your place by calling (01224) 263648 or by emailing a.young@rgu.ac.uk. Please make sure that you book early.

What do you look for in applicants?

We mainly look for candidates who have a genuine desire to learn about the subject. Enthusiasm, motivation, qualifications and an inquiring attitude are all important.

What should I include in my portfolio?

There’s no specific requirement for content of portfolios. They really serve as a way for us to evaluate how you think and communicate visually. Also how you develop concepts and the range and level of practical skills you have already acquired. Try not to worry too much about it, just bring what you have; talking to you is just as important as the folio itself.

You might want to consider the following areas:

Individuality

• I recommend that you use a ‘visual diary’ to record things that interest you. This could include drawings, photographs and ideas development. A collection of articles that interest you, the recording an exhibition visit etc. The workbook should also reflect an individual’s interest in Design and might include examples of good and bad design. Add notes and annotation about why you like or dislike these examples.

Visualisation

• Evidence of the ability to use drawing to record/develop/communicate information/and to demonstrate some confidence in the selection and use of a range of media including photography.
• Some evidence of technical or detailed drawing is useful but not essential.
• Some evidence of CAD is useful but not essential.

Investigation and Analysis

• Evidence of ability to gather research material (visual or otherwise) in response to a specified brief and (ideally) also in response to the applicant’s own interests.
• Evidence of ability to apply some analysis to this material.

Development of Ideas

• Evidence of ability to develop information/ideas.
• Evidence of ability to resolve basic problems (through 2D and 3D development and experimentation).

I’m worried about my interview is there anything that you can advise?

The term interview is perhaps a little misleading. The ‘appointment’ is an opportunity for you to meet with staff and students and have a look around the Art School and Campus. Staff will take time to review your portfolio while current students show you around and tell how thing’s ‘really are’ on the course. There is an opportunity for you to ask questions afterwards. It’s really nothing to worry about.

What level of grades and subjects are required by school leavers in order to gain acceptance into the course?

We normally expect an applicant to have at least 3 Highers (CCC) including English and any Art & Design, Design & Technology or Computing subject. A Portfolio of work is also required for when you attend the application appointment/school visit