Portfolio Recommendations

Why do I need a portfolio?

In order to be admitted to the University of Florida’s School of Art and Art History upper division art program, you are required to assemble a collection of artwork. This portfolio should contain your best and most recent artwork. The entire application helps the Creative Photography Area evaluate your achievements, as well as artistic and academic potential.

Portfolio Content/Format Recommendations

Select artworks that best represent you and your artistic abilities in the Creative Photography area. There is no formula for selecting the “right” portfolio. The final decision of what you put in your portfolio is up to you! Faculty will tell you to submit your best work.

Consider the following recommendations when compiling your portfolio:

• Make certain your portfolio is of the best quality possible and is an accurate representation of your strongest work overall. (35mm slides are the preferred medium for your portfolio.)
• It is recommended that you demonstrate that you know basic camera handling and have good darkroom and photographic printing skills in your portfolio.
• The University of Florida Creative Photography Area's focus is on the use of photography as a means of artistic expression. Avoid commercial work in your portfolio.
• Your ability to develop an idea is at least as important as your ability to make an image. Consider the meaning of your work. We will be looking at both content and form.
• We are less interested in your ability to obediently follow directions than we are in your ability to set your own goals and aspirations. Portfolios that show a substantial and coherent development of an artistic vision will fair better than those made up of an eclectic mix of assignments. We would like to see artwork not homework.
• Include artwork that depicts representative samples that demonstrate your skill and experience in the handling of at least one traditional art medium (i.e., ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture). However, at least half of your portfolio (usually around 20 images) should be photo-based.

Portfolio Preparation Information