I remember getting into SUNY Purchase in February 2021. After getting my acceptance letter, I remember calling my high school art teacher at 7pm, ecstatic that I got into one of my top schools, but dreading the fact that I had to send my portfolio in.
Because my senior year of high school was all remote, I had the opportunity to curate my portfolio. Portfolio curating is one of the most challenging tasks you may do when applying to an art school; you find yourself second-guessing and questioning your abilities. I remember having images and artworks that I did not think would make it into my portfolio. Thankfully, having experienced art teachers and mentors assist me alleviated the stress and pressure I was experiencing.
Alongside curating design, you also take into account showing all your art skills. Currently I am an interdisciplinary artist between Graphic Design and Printmaking, but in my portfolio I included some illustrations, paintings, printmaking work and photographs. This helped demonstrate to the faculty that I’m well-versed in different mediums of art.
One piece of advice that I would give to any incoming art student is to never second-guess yourself. Never let the anxiety get the better of you. Second-guessing only puts your time and energy into things outside of your portfolio curating.
