The portfolio that got me into uni - Graphic Design

Hi there - in this video I share the portfolio that I created when applying to universities in 2018. Good news - it was successful in getting me into Falmouth University!
This video is for anybody who is soon going to be creating a portfolio to apply to creative universities.
I also share some of my portfolio advice and feedback I was given by those who interviewed me.

[@elisavassimon2851]

This portfolio is really freaking amazing!! HOWEVER, for everyone stressing out watching this video: maybe you haven't had the opportunity or the support to grow as a professional in such a young age, maybe you not in school anymore and have to work a boring job to pay you're bills but wants to go to Uni fulfill your dream. Whatever the case is, remember: You are a talented human being, full of UNIQUE ideas that nobody else could have thought about. What matters is that you have visions, you are inspired and you want to create. Go make a portfolio that represents YOU and your experiences on this world. How would you like to change it? What would you like people to see? Show your creativity, your aesthetics taste, your opinions. It's a 100% OK is you don't have any previous Graphic Designer work to show, you all walk a different path and the Universities know that. Hope you all feel better and more encouraged after reading this. And hey Taylor, congratulations!! You did some fu**ing great work there :)))

[@taylorjones3171]

You are so right! This is very wise. I certainly hope that my work helps other people to feel inspired, rather than stressed... it is important to know that I have had a huge amount of support growing up, and also a fair share of luck. Everybody's path will be different.

[@khalibunny11]

omg i needed this. thank u sm ♥

[@Akiravids]

Thank you for the advice , i am making an portfolio for my college and ual submission

[@zkhnart]

This is stressing me out, this looks so good and so professional!! I’m making a portfolio for uni too wanting to do Ba Graphic design!!!! Next year....

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you very much - but do not be discouraged! I really think that any designer can create a good portfolio, if they follow the right process and keep things simple. You should apply, if you can!

[@kenzaelfellah]

You're telling me 18 year olds in high school get so many gigs and have so much time to work on their projects, then end up coming up with this portfolio? I am amazed at what you did, and at the same time I'm about to cry because there's no way I can compete against people like you when applying to college.

[@mesacboy7939]

I'm feeling the exact same way hahah, makes me think I should've prepared all this wayyy earlier in advance... though I only decided on the idea of even pursuing graphic design under a year ago. Good luck, I hope you get accepted by the colleges you want!

[@taylorjones3171]

Kenza, thank you for sharing your thoughts - but please don't be discouraged. My portfolio is not a fair representation of who I am! When I applied to university, I was interviewed before being offered a place. In fact, I know some students here who were not able to show their portfolio, but were accepted just because of their enthusiasm and character. You do not need to 'compete' against me, because there is no competition: there are no 'winners' and 'losers'. If you apply, but do not get accepted, it is not the end - and you should not let somebody else tell you what you can or cannot do! Some are simply not compatible with the path they are taking right now.

[@mesacboy7939]

@@taylorjones3171 I know the reply wasn't directed towards me but thank you regardless, that makes me personally feel a little better lol

[@valeriyapetrova2724]

SAME GIRL

[@gisemeza4749]

omg this is so professional, it makes me want to try harder in my future portfolio, thanks!

[@taylorjones3171]

Aw thank you!! :)

[@tadiwahwingwiri]

The amount of passion in your portfolio is jaw dropping honestly

[@taylorjones3171]

Wow, that’s real kind of you to say, thanks :))

[@elaniebieldt2532]

Thank you for this video, it was really helpful to see what a graphic design portfolio (that was successful!) looks like. Coming from an illustration background, I've struggled to know what to put into my graphic design portfolio, since it's not just about drawings and art anymore. This was very insightful, you have a great way of explaining everything and you are clear and to the point. Thank you!

[@laurab5458]

This is the first time really, where someone showed off a Portfolio like this and I absolutely love it. My teaxhers always told me to not show off what you can do, and rather show what you cant. It gave me a feeling of insecurity since what if my portfolio is too good?? You seem to stand behind your work. Good luck for the future!

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you so much, for your kind comment. Your teachers are quite smart - it is wise to know and show your weaknesses!

[@twesterman]

Nice portfolio! You have a very good eye when it comes to choosing the right colour schemes!

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you! I hope you found it helpful :)

[@heyitsalex1426]

How the heck did you manage to do all this while you were at school

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi Alex :) please bear in mind that I was studying Maths, English and Politics... so for me, coming home and doing a little graphic design was like an escape from study! It was not really ‘work’ at all, compared to the essays I was supposed to be writing...

[@Akiravids]

Thank you sooo much for the advice , i am working on a portfolio right now for college submission and ual submission for the 10th of this month

[@rediateengda3661]

One of best video I ever seen in KZbin I give you my personal Oscar for you

[@qb-h792]

Thank you! You honestly don’t know how helpful this is!

[@taylorjones3171]

You’re welcome! I’m glad it helps - if you have any questions, feel free to contact me [e-mail]

[@qb-h792]

Taylor Jones Thank you! Will do.

[@aayushidoshi1115]

I finally found a good portfolio to look at! Thankyou!

[@juliewoohoogirl6616]

Really great job done! Thanks a lot for sharing!

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you, that's really kind :)

[@zereashetova3011]

Stunning! Thanks for sharing.

[@taylorjones3171]

You are so welcome!

[@user-zs4sq6ut1o]

It was nice tips. Thank you for making this video!

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you for taking a look!

[@Gloomysushiroll]

I've still got about over a year before ive got to like apply to art schools and im SO terrified. Portfolios sound so scary. Its one of the only things that can make me feel effectively nauseous

[@taylorjones3171]

That is a shame... there is no reason for you to fear. As I get older, I realise how many opportunities are hidden all around me. I am quite confident that I could be in the same place (or even a better place) than I am now without even going to art school. So the portfolio is not that important - it does not define who you are, or what you are allowed to do!

[@nathalietsanova5100]

What a professional portfolio! I wish we had as many opportunities in my country for participation in design... I'm graduating next year and I want to apply for wdka but I still have no idea from where to start my portfolio...

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you, that's very kind of you! In which country do you live? I am confident that any designer should be able to put together a portfolio for university in only a couple of weeks... if they follow the right process and keep it simple! Don't be discouraged - WdKA is a brilliant place to be, so make it happen!

[@nathalietsanova5100]

@@taylorjones3171 I'm currently in Bulgaria! Thank you for your tips, I'm attending some courses right now to help me with my portfolio and works!

[@zainabar7434]

Thank you so much :( , I really needed this video, you helped me so much

[@taylorjones3171]

I'm glad to hear that! Thank you for watching :)

[@junazuranoob6192]

Your portfolio just give me idea of how am I suppose to set up my portfolio. That I just feeling stress and nervous before I have to submit it before summer. That I able to see what I suppose and not suppose to do. thanks

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you for watching - and I’m pleased you got some useful ideas from it :))

[@venkateshmishra9254]

thanks mate

[@romaiobrown-senior8602]

love that background music. jazzy lofi saxophone

[@taylorjones3171]

Best kind of music 🤤

[@minfarheen3920]

I have 5 months left to make a portfolio which is quite alot of time.. I just recently got into graphic designing and am still trying to understand the course.. Am pretty confused on how to make a portfolio as i haven't really gotten any chances related to desigining. For someone with 0 experience how do I make a portfolio like I need to give a description about each one of the designs just like u did but I am just going to start making these designs without any specific reason or any work so how should I describe my work?? idk if u understood what I wanted to ask 😅 but at this point I feel like I won't be able to do this course even if i really want to do it 🥲

[@BetaniaBueno]

thank you!!! this is so helpful :)

[@taylorjones3171]

I'm glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching :)

[@emmybackstrom9448]

Hi! Great portfolio. Just wondering, how old were you when applying to uni with this portfolio? Seeing as you had so much "real-life" experience. Going to apply for uni this fall, but I know that most of the accepted applicants in the past have generally been older than me and have had more experience with real projects. Thanks in advance!

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi there Emmy! Thank you - are you also applying to Falmouth, or elsewhere? I applied when I was 17/18. I really had to focus on producing 'real-world' projects because I had ZERO arts/design qualifications when applying for uni! Most of the people who were accepted onto my course showed their A-level art, photography or media work in their portfolio. If you have any more questions, feel free to message me on Instagram, @halloumi_fritters !!

[@emmybackstrom9448]

@@taylorjones3171 Thank you! This is actually a relief to hear- realizing I don't need to wait 5 years to accumulate experience and that it's typically ok to use projects from A-level art etc. 😅 I'm applying in Sweden (where I'm from) to a program called Graphic Design & Illustration. The school, however, is very hard to get in to so I'm scouring the internet for anything that might help me haha

[@taylorjones3171]

Ah I see - well, in my experience, it seems that a few well-presented projects is more impressive than a lot of poorly-presented projects. After all, your portfolio is just a tool to show them how much you care! It’s the effort they want to see, I think, more than the skill.

[@valeriyapetrova2724]

i might redo all my portfolio now

[@eirinipro1089]

Congratulations!

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you :)) I’m very happy here!

[@eirinipro1089]

I'm a begginer and I would like to build mine also, will you do any video in the future in this topic?

[@taylorjones3171]

What exactly would you like to know?

[@Shaheer7X]

Can I include personal projects in my design portflio for university? Like an illustration of a friend or a poster for a friend? Or is that too personal. ?? And would I have to give them credit I I include a reference picture of them and stuff? Thanks!

[@tadiwahwingwiri]

Thank you

[@taylorjones3171]

You're very welcome :)

[@roomforone]

how did you get your graphic design work out there that you managed to get companies to reach out to you? and where would be a good place to start? thx :)

[@septembersage6438]

hi- i need desperate help as the deadline is in 4 days. I’m applying for graphic design but i left school last year so they can’t help. because im applying for an artistic course, they say i need a portfolio but i don’t know if i’m meant to attach that to the ucas application or prepare it if o get accepted for an interview. what do i dooooo ahhh

[@sharmeenzariwala3048]

If we don't have a website, is behance profile suitable?

[@damianbowles2730]

I’ve been doing graphic design for the past 2 years, I’m a little worried because next year I really want to go to uni and do a graphic design course but I don’t currently take an A level in an art subject, would this be an issue?

[@taylorjones3171]

No problem! I did not study ANY artistic / creatives subjects at A-level or even GCSE. I have zero creative qualifications. But I had a portfolio, and the confidence to talk about my work, and that was enough :)) give it a shot! You have nothing to lose!

[@jinxcreative7663]

Thank You! this is very informative. How many projects would you recommend including? I've currently narrowed it down to 8 but im not sure if its to much or little?

[@taylorjones3171]

I'm sure that 8 is plenty! Rather than add more projects, use the time you have left to present your 8 projects neatly + clearly...

[@NewAgeStudio]

Gteat job bro

[@taylorjones3171]

Thank you! 👌🏼

[@indiabrown3390]

Hi! Amazing portfolio! I am planning on going to Falmouth to study Graphic Design in September and wondered how you are finding the course?

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi India - thank you! That’s good to hear, I’m sure you will have an incredible time if you come and join us! I could not possibly describe the course in one message, it is a much bigger conversation. Let me know if you’d like to chat more!

[@indiabrown3390]

@@taylorjones3171 Thank you for replying! I love Falmouth so I'm sure I'll enjoy it - I was meant to be coming down for an open day in May to ask all my questions but due to current circumstances that defiantly isn't going to happen!

[@taylorjones3171]

Oh no! Well, if you would like to have your questions answered, we can jump on a phonecall and talk about what’s it’s like to be here :D

[@indiabrown3390]

@@taylorjones3171 That would actually be really helpful! Do you have instagram or anything so we could sort something out? (sorry for the late reply btw!)

[@taylorjones3171]

Yes I do! Find me @halloumi_fritters

[@Priya-dm2hk]

Hi I’m hoping to study graphic design more specifically advertising and branding at university. Currently I’m making an online portfolio and was wondering how many designs did you include altogether and also how many separate projects did you have? Thank you!

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi there Priya - I am sorry that I did not get to answer your question sooner! Is this still something you are working on? Perhaps I should make a video about how to make a portfolio...

[@Priya-dm2hk]

@@taylorjones3171 Hi, my portfolio has been sent of and completed but thanks for the reply. I think a video like you said explaining the process of making a portfolio would be so useful for people currently in my position!

[@sandrafajuyigbe3136]

For portfolios for university, do you need an about me page? or just the projects you have worked on? I have been creating my own portfolio but still unsure how to structure the content of the portfolio? Any advice would be great thank you

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi Sandra! I think that depends. If you are creating a physical portfolio to share at an interview, then there is no need for a section about you - because you will be in the room to introduce yourself. But, if you are submitting a digital portfolio / website, then the person who receives your portfolio would probably be pleased to learn a little more about you from an ‘about me’ section. Some people feel like their work speaks for itself, and so they want people to focus on the work. Other people feel that their personality is an important part of their work, and so it becomes necessary to show your personality! There’s no right answer - just what’s right for you.

[@sandrafajuyigbe3136]

@@taylorjones3171, thank you for responding back to me. It means a lot because it's really pushing me in the right direction.

[@ethanlaw8119]

Prior to applying to the universities you said you had clients. What’s the best way to find clients?

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi there Ethan - that's a tough question! I met most of my clients by attending local networking events / volunteering groups. Here is a super good video about finding your first clients: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6ivpGaXed9_mpY

[@lmdsn]

ah falmouth wanted me to travel 300 miles for an interview

[@taylorjones3171]

They also want you to move there and study full-time for 3 years of your life! Uni is a big commitment - but it’s really valuable

[@sachitchowdary550]

Hey! I just wanted to know what all we're required to do to get admission in leeds university and can you please help me to get my admission

[@taylorjones3171]

Hello! If you would like to have a conversation about admission, would you please send me an Instagram message @halloumi_fritters? Thank you :)

[@justbored2833]

Hi, I'm planning on going to Kingston but not sure how to start my portfolio.

[@taylorjones3171]

Hello! Would you like to have a conversation about this? If so, you can message me on Instagram @halloumi_fritters

[@ishitakapoor5524]

@@taylorjones3171 hey! Amazing video, I need some advice on how to start on my portfolio too. I’ve been stressing myself out over the past few weeks. I’ll be applying for school next year and I’m worried that I won’t be able to make a good enough portfolio for design school. This video is quite helpful but it would be good to get some direction

[@taylorjones3171]

Hi Ishita! Would you like to send me a message on Instagram @teejay.ai and we can talk about this?

[@Akiravids]

@@taylorjones3171 i am applying for kingston as well , is there any advice you could give me , i don,t have insta but i got twitter

[@keningzhao333]

Hi Great Video! Also how did u manage to grow so many followers on your AI Instagram page? Do you have any techniques? I’m also considering to make one!

[@taylorjones3171]

Hey! Thank you :) perhaps I should make a video on this, to explain what I did... what are you planning to make exactly?

[@keningzhao333]

Taylor Jones A video would be great! I’m planning to share photoshop tips and some basic rules to graphics design.

[@taylorjones3171]

Hmm, I would be interested to hear if you start on this! Perhaps if you do you could send me a message on Instagram, at @halloumi_fritters ?? :))

[@keningzhao333]

Taylor Jones Sure!

[@mac3770]

why go to a university you need to out time and effort into presenting a portoflio for when you can just take a course online wnd show your work only when you wwnt to make money with it?

[@taylorjones3171]

Well, that’s not such a straightforward argument in my opinion. University is a really valuable experience - I have learned so much. Yet at the same time, I may end up paying a huge amount of money for it. Perhaps some life lessons are priceless, and it doesn’t even matter! But it’s impossible to compare it to an alternative version of my life, so I mostly do not even think about it - just look forward and move on!

[@mac3770]

Taylor Jones I was not syaing it is not a great idea I just already have a bachelors in journalism but hate the field and am just thinking for myself if it wouod even be worth it and not just learn by myself like I have been doing. If you are young of course it is a good idea I just do not get why a portfolio is needed unless it is some super prestigious university. It just is sad or sucks there is so much competition you need a major portfolio just to go to school.

[@taylorjones3171]

I see - in that case, yes, your point makes more sense. I don’t know what I would do in that situation...

[@mac3770]

Taylor Jones It jsut seems kind of pointless to have two bachelors or a bit overkill for a mqsters in graphic design?

[@hanifzahidin2036]

are you using indesign?

[@taylorjones3171]

To design this, I think I actually used Adobe Illustrator... although if I was smart, I should have used Indesign!

[@robzsarmy5471]

Are you from Norwich ?

[@taylorjones3171]

Hey - yeah I am! Are you??