BA (Hons) Illustration

Introduction

The portfolio review is an essential part of the selection process for this course. Here, you will find all the information you need to prepare you for the review.

It is also your opportunity to learn more about us, meet the teaching staff, see our facilities and ask questions that help inform your decision.

What to include in your Portfolio

A demonstration of your visual experimentation. This should include examples of work created in a range of media and mediums, both digital and traditionally created. A range of observational drawings, completed illustrated works, examples of process and development and sketch book work would also be beneficial. Your portfolio can also include examples of moving image, animation and video.


For extra information and guidance around preparing an Illustration application portfolio, please see HERE.

Preparing your Portfolio

The BA(Hons) Illustration course at Staffordshire University is a practical course, so as part of the selection process we would like to see some of the work that you have already made, either during your studies and/or in your own time.

For the review we would like to see a range of physical work, photos or reproductions of finished work, sketchbooks, life drawing and ideas generation sketches.If you have digital work to show, for example moving image or animations, please bring with you a device to show these on or bring with you your files on a USB stick that can be uploaded onto a computer in the studio.

If you would like to send in a digital portfolio in addition to a physical one, then we would like you to send us a selection of the work in advance of your interview. Your portfolio can comprise either a PowerPoint presentation, images of your work in either a PDF or JPEG format or the URL link to an online website where you have uploaded examples of your work.

If you are sending in several different files, please number the files and add an index/contents page so that we know which piece is which.

  • Please upload your portfolio to your applicant portal which you can access here.
  • When you log in to the portal, click the ‘My Applications & Course’ tab at the top of the screen.
  • On the next page, in the ‘Actions’ box, you will see the name of your course with a hyperlink asking you to upload your portfolio evidence, click that and it will take you to an upload page
  • Select the file that you are uploading from your computer.
  • You will be asked to name the file before you upload it; a simple file name such as ‘My Portfolio’ is fine.

When you arrive for your Portfolio Review

Please arrive at the Henrion Gallery 15 minutes before your session time to register.

A member of staff will collect and escort you to the subject area where you will have a group course presentation followed by your individual portfolio review with an academic. You will discuss your portfolio, your interests and have an opportunity to ask any questions about the course and studying at Staffordshire University.

Useful advice on what the Portfolio Review session will include

  • Your portfolio will be used as a point of discussion and for you to promote your skills and interests. It is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts and feelings around your ideas and tell us about your career aspirations.
  • We are looking for potential, not the finished article; your personality and passion for the subject is vital.
  • We would like you to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm in the subject area.
  • Course awareness. How does this course differ from other similar courses? What attracts you to Staffordshire University?
  • Your personality. We promise to try to find the real you behind any nerves you may have.
  • Don’t worry, we’re looking for potential, not the finished article.
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