10 Tips to a Killer College Portfolio 😤

Can y'all believe that I've actually been managing two videos a week for an entire MONTH??? //faints I love creating all this content for you guys and I can't tell you how glad I am that they've been helping you on your artistic journey. I hate to be a nag over the summer and talk so much about college but holy shit tHIS IS THE TIME TO GET THINGS DONE. Take my word for it, I've had to do this shit twice. OTL
Leave your tips and tricks down below! I'm making vids every Wednesday and Sunday so I'll see you all this weekend. Have a great day!!

[@sillygooseenergy]

Everyone here like "I'm only in middle school but I'm already getting ready" and I'm here like "OH IM A SENIOR I NEED TO DO LIFE THINGS" Edit: so guys I was accepted to college 👀

[@kriniarts]

same! I wasn't planning on really going to college then all of a sudden I got this rush of inspiration in September. Now I have to rush my portfolio

[@Kittywolf1777]

Same with me!!! Good luck y’all 😭💖💖💖💖

[@born2ra1n49]

i started to look into college things in 5th grade i changed what i want to do about 5 times just starting 7th grade and im doing reserch for me and my friend he asked me too just now he says we arent friends yet just because i knew his secret in his 3rd grade tallent shoe preformance wow im basically telling my whole life story

[@star3323]

I'm becoming a senior next year,(( hopefully)). I'm just trying to get started on it now never too early 😅

[@pwqwpu]

Im in 8th grade 👁️👄👁️

[@brizaurellyn4312]

how does someone has the time to make portfolios, i feel like i'm always running out of time whenever i try to draw

[@SoloDust]

maybe dont take advanced academic classes? thats what takes up a lot of my time 😔

[@hotsauceanimations8906]

1: Do your drawings have backgrounds? 2: Take a look at your composition (don’t center it in the middle) 3: Do you have a lightsoursce? (Strong light source intense shadow) 4: Need to show a range of mediums 5: Human figure (draw the human form) 6: Enough personal work/ show your personal work (have a voice) 7: Engaging still lifes (interesting subject matter) 8: Different textures for your still lifes 9: Color 10: Show a huge range of talent and skill

[@liam3814]

Thank you

[@gabbymangadraws2088]

Thanks man 👍

[@TyeArtisik]

Thanks

[@captiNinjah]

Things I learned while making my portfolio for college applications. Always ask yourself if you've pushed your work as far as you could. Its okay to start over a piece, the time it takes is worth the effort. Failure is an option, giving up is not. Mistakes happen and great lessons can be learned from them. don't be afraid of a medium you haven't tried before or a subject you've never attempted before. Just practice. Coffee can be a friend or an enemy Use wisely lol.

[@artprof]

All very wise advice!!!

[@kaylee6357]

Omg coffees definitely my enemy. Makes my hand shake wayyy to much.

[@felesluna]

i want to like this comment but i wont coz its at 69 likes :"D

[@bunni5825]

Im still only 14 so I might make practice portfolios just for myself to get use to it so I'll be prepared for college lel thank you so much love your videos

[@ALN1ER]

Even though it's kinda late, you could go to a art high school!

[@vets5078]

I mean its not too late they would only be around 15 by now potentially

[@neomisworld6620]

omg Same

[@okthatsfine694]

@@ALN1ER omg i was watching these vids for that very reason. Im hoping to get in next year. Wish me luck!

[@ALN1ER]

@@okthatsfine694 good luck!! I'm sure you'll do great!

[@rosieposie9731]

I'm 16 so all this will come in handy with me. My art teacher doesn't really like my art but my mom posts my stuff on her Facebook and a lot of tattoo artists want me to be their apprentice when I turn 18. Going to an art school and actually getting accepted would be a dream..

[@a.a.6318]

You got this!!

[@grimjunkiez]

"Do something strange and interesting" Me an intellectual: hot wheel car on a sprite bottle :)

[@pinkpusheenpaws]

im planning on a stack of my plushies and my aries unicorno in a box. ill call these pieces "the leaning tower of plush" and "free her" 😌

[@deathandroses3861]

Based and a true thinker

[@kraftykatia5297]

Can't tell you how helpful this was. I'm working on my portfolio right now. I'm trying to add stuff to it but I don't really know what I'm doing since I've never had a traditional art class except in elementary school 😅 the tip about backgrounds was something I didn't know and is extra helpful since a lot of my stuff doesn't have backgrounds

[@goretti3528]

Oh my gosh I feel you. I'm going through the same stress right now of working on a portfolio and I'm honestly overwhelmed by the work load especially since I haven't started yet and I feel that there is still so much that I need to learn but at this moment I'm trying to make a plan of what I want to include and how to go about everything. I hope you figure everything out too and good luck!!!

[@scribblemeeps]

Even though it’s been a year since this comment was made I’m now in that same situation....

[@subuhifatima7449]

@@goretti3528 hey ! how did it go?? did you get accepted in college ???

[@notsew008]

I'll be applying for an art institute this December and for some of my personal work in my portfolio I wanted to showcase some character designs, but I thought that if I just showcased a character that I wrote it wouldn't have much meaning and the instructor wouldn't have any real knowledge or connection with the character, so I decided to do some fantasy designs of Ancient Greek heros from myth, that way they already know the character. This would show my personal interest in character work and my appreciation of greek myths. this could be done with any character from a well known book series but I think it'll look especially good with characters from classic literature. Failing that, desiging a character specifically for your portfolio could also work.

[@ShadyPanda]

I would also suggest doing work with Typography as this starts to become more important than some pieces of artwork in college, especially if you're doing graphic design. You may also want to create some type of booklet/brochure, logo designs (show how it looks on products as well), animations, infographics, photography, web design, and video work as well to add to an online portfolio.

[@bidiza3051]

I remember when I submitted my portfolio (starting sophomore at art school in like 2 weeks ✌🏻) I had almost all personal work. Now I don't think that's always the best way to go, but I had spent a good 5 years beforehand practicing shape/color/form/line so I felt confident that it would get me into the schools I was applying too. I got into 3/4 and got a full ride to one of them and then at least 1/2 off at the others, so it worked out for me. But I truly recommend making a few pieces that really show your strengths. I'm personally a fan of color and also understand color theory well, so most of my pieces were fully rendered and had interesting/limited color pallets to show my range. Also I think showing your passions is important. People can really tell when you're making art just to do so and when you make it because you are driven and passionate about the subject/design. Even if it's a still life (which can be very boring) spice it up! Make it fun for yourself, use only your favorite color for all of the values and tones, put in your favorite glass vase from your house, etc. just make it a little enjoyable.

[@superjoseivanable]

im not gonna lie I've been having some panic attacks over portfolios and not having that confidence in my art. Your video inspired me and made me realize how I can better myself.

[@tvishapatel169]

Hey, believe in yourself okay, I get it, it can be a super stressful, but something I have realised is that stress really affects my creativity flow in a bad way, and no body can be u only u can be u , that’s a gift we all have , so do you , and I hope you get better and I wish u the best of luck ❤️

[@sebastianvarela5658]

Oh boy I’ll be watching this channel for the next year! There are some GOLD tips in here! I love it thank you so much for your help!!!

[@bubblegurl798]

thank you so much Biana, this was a wake up call for me to actually start working hard and grinding out more art for applications soon. i’ve been putting it off because i had no idea where to start but watching this made me realize it’s not so bad and all i gotta do is just make art!! love your videos always ♥️

[@sydneydevilla6971]

By far the best portfolio advice I have ever found. Thank you so much for having so many points. I never even thought of some of these! I was getting a little concerned, but then you listed things I actually do have. So thanks again!!

[@BubaTreaii]

Aaa oh my goodness! Im literally just about to make a portfolio and went onto youtube for advice. First in my subscription box. Tysm lmao

[@normalemus5117]

this was so helpful , i am auditioning for a highschool and i was stressing out about what the professors would expect or like and honestly ,,, i learned new stuff like the background part that you said , thank you soo muchhh

[@f.s.9833]

Man, I love the way you talk. No bullshit, straight to the point. Down to earth ;) subscribed

[@classygirl8968]

This has helped me so so much, as I have to post a practice one for January for my university/ when needing to look for future work experience. Thank you ever so dearly!!

[@nebluas]

thank you so much for the advice!! it's been extremely helpful i can't thank you enough for this video

[@frogvibe8261]

I swtg this might be the most helpful vid around the topic i have watched and its eye opening! Thanks!

[@CHICKENGOD-vf5xy]

Thank you thank you thank you thank you. I'm a senior and I'm nervous about my portfolio. This is so so helpful. This is really gonna help me know what I need to add into my art.

[@clover814]

Gosh you are such a life saver 😍😍 I'm just starting my portfolio and i'm a senior (yikes 😂😂)

[@karolinamoreno6667]

Tessa Fey same

[@tiffany5934]

me too. i have like a month to make 20 pieces fml

[@ImvuObsessed]

Tessa Fey same

[@Fearless11on12to13]

Tiffany Tan I’m literally scared to make one and I’m like trying to convince my parents to let me take a gap year to figure out my shit

[@00knco]

same omg, i’m like a week away from deadlines and still working on it

[@dididouglas8659]

The timing of your videos are 👌👌 are you still in school?? How do you get time?

[@timewoods]

Thank you this helps a lot! I’m 13 and I’m going to a arts high school next year and I need to put together a portfolio! I need 24 pieces in about 12 days,, and I was running out of things to including so this helps bunches!!

[@opsidiann5131]

Thank you! thank you! thank you! Ive been struggling with what to do with my portfilio, since i failed it the first time. I really appreciate your input!

[@noahweaver35]

Thank you, this has really pulled me out of a rut that I have been in, because I am stressed about getting my portfolio together to transfer into a the very competitive art program in my college

[@aarondeer5719]

Omg, i am so thankful that I found this video, as a 13 y.o. I have just one year to finish my portfolio and I had no idea what to do, but I have some visions now, thanks ^^

[@miaoverton4559]

Try painting on mirrors with acrylic paint! You can scratch back the bits so show small parts of the mirror. I used this technique for my silver lining concept, I painted a clouds scene and scraped back the edges of the clouds to demonstrate the silver lining.

[@artemis23833]

Thanx for making these kinds of videos they really help!

[@audreynaiva8735]

I had mostly personal work... I did a series of lino cut mixed media monoprints. I barely had any still lives and no figures except for a few faces in my personal series. I got into all my colleges and I got at least 1/2 scholarship at most. (I also had a high gpa and test scores which helped too).

[@guppyfishbein2984]

Your personal work is probably really amazing then!

[@ItsRoseForYou]

My girl Biana's at it with the summer uploads! :D

[@vuhanne]

I'm on confusion about my feeling right now.. my grades are not really bad nor good.. but I really want to go to this college, like this super famous college in my country...so my last hope is on my portfolio, but the thing is I have to send only 4 of my works.. and two of them have to be still life and perspective drawing.. I never go to art school so my knowledge about art is on danger haha (?) And then, time flies.. I found this channel.. you are the real MVP.. Thanks for your kindness to share these informative education 😭 God bless youu (I will work hard for my portfolio, wish me luck lol)

[@novalee8447]

You are a SAINT for making this video 😪🙌

[@kieroisdabest928]

Making my portfolio now going to uni next year 😣😣. So thank you 😊

[@kieroisdabest928]

I don't know if you have done this or not but have you done a video showing us your portfolio

[@heyvalid]

Good luck king kae! What unis are you applying to? And what kind of art do you do?

[@shaniaturk6627]

Thankyou so much for this video!!! Such a good help!!

[@eyynanass9850]

Oh my gaad The paper towels thing is soo truuueee! I'm not living alone, but i do the shopping for my parents and dang that thing is so confusing

[@kupacabras]

I'm a senior in the Philippines right now and I got accepted to SCAD pretty early but I'm trying to get a portfolio together to scrounge up some scholarships (art schOOL IS SO EXPENSIVE IM SJCNFJDJFK). I found your videos just a few days ago and they've been super helpful and motivational! School's been horrible recently but your channel has got me revved up to get working (when I finally have a bit of time lmao)! So thank you!!

[@montanasullivan5207]

Thank you so much this video was so helpful for someone trying to get into an art school. Also your so cute!

[@TJRockPL]

“Hit the god damn bell icon” idk how she said that with such attitude yet I loved it 😂😂😂

[@furrha5935]

i have to go to college next year and im still bad at art i have literally no artworks and even though i draw a lot i end up hating them and throwing them away. I really really really really really want to go to art school. But at this rate... i dont think i can... im so hopeless

[@alexandrasumegi6046]

Could you recommend some other interesting/unusual still life ideas? The ones you've mentioned are fantastic!

[@artprof]

Paint a lobster, awesome colors and sooooo fun!

[@aislingmck2125]

im going through the whole portfolio process by myself and im super stressed, i live in a pretty isolated area, my school doesn’t offer art as a subject and iv had no formal art education. im scared that i don’t have a huge variety of mediums and that my observation work is very lacking. i have no clue how to improve my form studies without taking classes (which aren’t available) and im literally thinking of just abandoning the idea of going to art school altogether even though it’s the only thing I can see myself studying. If anyone has any advice it’d be much appreciated

[@cece7900]

I'm honestly in the same position the only college in my country doesn't even offer a sensible program for art so I have to apply to a school out of the country. I'm honestly so scared because I don't have the same level of education in art as compared to others. I don't know if I'm good enough but I know that I like art. I don't know if I'm going to college as yet because I've been stuck thinking about all the things I'm not good at and how I might fail.

[@zoesp4459]

hey. what's up? did you enter?

[@bearsubs]

I didn't take gcse art which sucks and ive only realised that I need art so I am taking it in college, I was silly and tried to get a fast track to a course in uni, I put in a lot of hard work but was really inexperienced, but im glad that they told me that I haven't had enough experience with my portfolio and art, and im glad that they didn't say no your art is rubbish, I know art shouldn't be decided if its good or not, I do hope that im going to improve because I think my art is okay right now

[@notyourunnie3842]

hi and thanks for this video. this tips help me a lot from doing any mistakes because I'm preparing for my art portfolio right now. But I have a question, if blank background were not allowed in our portfolio, what about our human figures sketches ? is it need background too? I'm sorry if this questions sounds confusing but I hope you can answer me. Again, thanks for this tips! ❤️

[@shithead-pf8hn]

You have...um how do i say this...saved my life. Thank you so much

[@emifujii3145]

I can draw and make 2D pieces, but my question is can you include non drawing/paintings such as sculptures, photography, jewelry making...?

[@adaircarey9539]

Every time I passed this video I kept seeing “Ten Tips to a Kitten College Portfolio”

[@aralisji]

Do you have any advice for professional portfolios? For when you're setting up a website and/or looking for job in the illustration industry. It would be super helpful!

[@mallbratgirl_3005]

I don’t need a portfolio for anything in particular, but I throw away most of my art so I have nothing to show for all time spent on art which really makes me feel like a fraud... so I’m gonna try to form a portfolio for myself to actually build up the pieces I have.

[@hatcheese2270]

psa if u are applying to parsons do NOT submit still lives unless they have meaning or are somehow really interesting

[@briarrose8631]

Thank you. I've been out of school for alittle while so I'm alittle rusty.

[@clarissahigginbotham2498]

For graphic design and illustrations collection are really nice so are series. It shows you know unity. But don't make that your whole portfolio.

[@almaalcaraz7083]

Thank you B. 💖

[@subuhifatima7449]

2 minutes into the video and I couldn't help but subscribe!!

[@SebastianSeanCrow]

Your hair looks really cute!

[@irenelopez796]

my portfolio needs 10 pages *help me* edit: i got in

[@pola8687]

Mine needs 20 to 25😆🔫

[@c.butterfly8890]

I’m screwed, my portfolio is do and two days. I don’t know anything about color, or lighting, or any other medium (mostly Ik pencil) 😩😩

[@radspacechild2224]

this video was insanely helpful, Im painting an oil still life of Maggots inside a banana in a pink cake tray

[@yashirisantiago88]

Applying to Calarts this December, still have to get my portfolio finished, thank you so much for this perfectly timed video! Good luck to everyone applying to art schools this year!

[@sage4566]

I need to write all this down

[@zelliecalavita6099]

me rushing to get my last few pieces done in november

[@kavirshop]

Great video,

[@marshmallow9312]

Until now what i seen what a portfolio should be is -still life,self potrait, others potrait , imaginery drawing ,gesture draws etc I was just trying to make ideal portfolio for selection but didn't think anything else My curiosity iss zero so is imaginery I'm stuck for last 6 months and don't have a single peice that is good Being self taught i do feel limited Do you think portfolio should contain variety of personal work (as in subject matter /messages ) or a single thing topic with various artwork Everyone told that don't be stress but my head doesn't think anything even when i am calm things are not working out :(

[@freelandish4957]

Ik there's going to be mostly illustrators and digital design majors here (maybe?) but does anyome have any tips to put in a portfolio for animation? Or if it even matters??

[@goretti3528]

Hi! I'm no professional but I will be studying animation next year and I know for a fact that as an animation student schools want to see that you're able to draw from life. So I would advise you to do a lot of observational drawings whether it be of people, buildings, plants, anything really. Also even though you want to major in animation you still need to show art schools that you're a well rounded artist so the tips discussed in this video definitely apply. I hope this helps!

[@freelandish4957]

@@goretti3528 thank you!

[@limes3458]

im in 8th grade and want to go to a hs that’s “hard as nails to get into” and have until january to learn and set up my portfolio (it’s currently late july) thanks for the help!

[@adreinlobby9826]

This video saved my life tysm

[@omnigummy3906]

I’m planing on going to a art high school so I’m building my portfolio for a fue years in grade 7

[@eves3650]

Wait you can still start you're portfolio even if you aren't in highschool?

[@miar3721]

Im in quarantine 😐 but I’m applying to art school in a few months and I need figure drawings.... lmAo

[@tanguysanchez9687]

Am i the only 28yo weirdo suddenly realising he should be doing art and trying to get back in college ? When i read all those 14yo comments i feel lonely 🤣

[@tvishapatel169]

Hey, tbh it’s awesome that u r doing this , there are even 50 year olds who have changed their career and gone back to art school, this is sort of a turning point in your life with uncertainty and excitement, enjoy it , and I wish u the best of luck !!

[@lololololololaphroggy29]

Ummm do you need a background for life drawings? Could it just be a bit of collage or something like a watercolour wash??

[@mxly8023]

Biana tnx for this video

[@nostopit6283]

This isn't even a college portfolio for me, since I have to do one for high school! I'm trying to get into an Arts high school!

[@robin1307]

no stop it Goodluck, I hope you get in!

[@f.s.9833]

I have a question for you, regarding life models (humans 😅) is it ok to use KZbin videos for that? Because there are some available. I know that a tv is also a 2D thing ...but...

[@Elec.Balloon]

I'm turning 17 and I don't have jack squat.

[@WarCowGaming]

But I haven’t touched acrylic paint

[@malenacor-dova4989]

How many drawings do you have to complete for an art portfolio when trying to go to an art uni/college

[@madisonb8163]

I have a question for anyone that sees this comment: if your portfolio is a mix of traditional and digital, do I HAVE to have them printed somewhere (and if so, would like- Walmart or wherever drug store has that work?) or can I have them in a flashdrive or something (and IF SO- does it need to be something like tif or png?) I have like, a year and so far ive only done one digital piece and I gotta draw my cactus Carl at some point and nO ONE HAS TALKED ABOUT THIS AND I AM DYING RN-

[@mr.rioreeves9163]

I'm a junior and I feel like my art isn't up to par compared to other people who are submitting art from sophomore year of highschool Like full paintings or sculptures I guess they just have an advantage as I'm not wealthy but still

[@lechoixbeautyempire5888]

how many pieces should it consist of ?

[@Liz-ph9xv]

I only have one piece done and I’m halfway done on the second. I have 5 months left. Is that bad progress?

[@shnoly23]

I may be gifted in visual arts and must create a portfolio to determine whether or not I am. I have no idea what to put in it and I have not gotten any information on it yet and I'm panicking although the paper that needs to be signed and sent to the middle school hasn't even been sent yet. edit: never mind it isn't red anymore

[@robotdude1000]

Subbed and notified.. your videos are so incredibly helpful and genuine thank you so much.

[@cherry2979]

I'm a high schooler in Hong Kong... I didn't take art in school but I really want to take art in college. I feel so unconfident bc I feel like everyone who applies for art in college took art in high school and I'm at a really disadvantages pose and I'm constantly doubting my self- worth :(

[@aarono9258]

She looks like Jasmine cephas Jones(Maria from Hamilton) she's really pretty

[@kathynoel4937]

Your video is very very helpful. You should teach art cause you master your subject. Thank you

[@_..-1abby1-.._]

Not me watching this in October....... I’m screwed aren’t I ......

[@neverending446]

Can someone tell me how old u have to be to join art school (srry if its a dumb question)

[@noobantimonitor1014]

a human printer hahahahahahhahaha i am dead

[@1joyskelton]

Oh no I think I need to up my background game... I’m scared now I handed in my portfolio like 2 days ago but I think I’ve got most of the other things.

[@chrysoulamarinou1740]

Great video! That was really helpful! But i have a problem...i don't live in a country where school have art lessons and i don't have the economical benefit to go to a private class... how could i make a portfolio all by my self without an expert's help???

[@meggink9126]

You could maybe go to a portfolio feedback session. I went to one at an open day so maybe some art schools in your area have that too. And for the 'school work' part of your portfolio you could give yourself technical challenges and generally work out of your comfort zone like you would do at school

[@chrysoulamarinou1740]

@@meggink9126 thank you for your answer! I haven't thought of that idea😊

[@artprof]

In some places you might be able to find a local art center, a lot of students often times take adult continuing education classes if their high school programs don't have enough classes.

[@Hello-fp6je]

Dose anybody know any rlly short videos on this I have rlly bad adhd and i find it rlly difficult to focus and take in the info in these vids

[@amskukisu1326]

Literally my first portfolio was in 5th grade! Im not even joking. It was about Egypt

[@clarag.8877]

the university i want to study at wants the portfolios in june. I have one week left and I am afraid.

[@rookgardenj7397]

watching this during covid 19 and seeing all of the paper towels,just like😭

[@태이씨]

I apply to liberal arts colleges, not intending to major in arts, and they require 10 pictures. All I have, are my personal works coz "my still lifes sucks", as you mentioned 😂 Any advices for this situation? Oh, and I am a senior now. P.s. I don't mean I don't have still-lifes, i mean they are somewhere between "oh, damn" and "oh, why she even started"😂

[@megg.6651]

I am an artist who became a high school art teacher later in life. THANK YOU for this video - it is nice to have a young person saying all of the things I have been repeating over and over to my students. *Note - plural of medium is MEDIA

[@muttzoone]

I’m turning 16 in January and I’m honestly shitting myself- I sent in a college application a few weeks ago and I’m scared ;;;;;;

[@rickieblu2598]

it triggered me when i saw the "killer College " lol