For those of us with career goals in the vast field of visual arts, there is an additional challenge added to already-daunting college applications: an art portfolio. I (FO) found myself on a metaphorical journey while creating mine, but then a physical one to San Francisco, seeking professional criticism at National Portfolio Day. Though my portfolio is in a good place now, it wasn’t a smooth trek getting there. Wishing to confirm that I was not the only lost applicant, I spoke to senior Harper Lahde about some of her experiences with the process.
FO: Hi, Harper. First off, tell me a little about the major you’ve applied for and the career you hope to obtain with it.
HL: Okay! I’m applying as a Lighting Design student. Ideally, I’ll design lighting for stage productions — things like concerts, movies, TV.
FO: That’s so cool. What have you been asked to include in your portfolio?
HL: I’ve been asked for pictures and videos of lighting I’ve done for school shows, as well as plot designs and concept art. Some schools even require ten-minute long interviews where I explain my work.
FO: Oh, that’s kind of annoying.
HL: I know, right?
FO: How has it been navigating all of this on top of the typical application process, schoolwork, and extracurriculars?
HL: Just so stressful. I have to do all the regular stuff, plus this additional, super time-consuming step. Even figuring out how to document my work has been difficult. Each school has different requirements, too, which is just evil.
FO: Agreed. It is quite evil. My last question for you is what on-campus assistance do you think would have made this all a bit easier?
HL: *sigh* It’s hard to say. Our school counselors are great, but understandably can’t critique art portfolios. I think library workshops would have been helpful. Like smaller, on-campus versions of National Portfolio Day where we’d get feedback on our work.
FO: So true. Any advice to juniors, sophomores, and freshmen who are likely scared to apply to art schools after reading this?
HL: Start now!
FO: Oh, yeah.
