Portfolio Advice | Falmouth University

What is a university portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of your creative work. It's a way to demonstrate your ability to your chosen university. They can either be a physical or digital document.

What should you include in a portfolio?

The kinds of things you'll need to include in your portfolio depends on the course you're applying for. We've split our 'what to include' by subject area below. Just select the subject area you're applying for and you can find out the kind of thing that's best to include in your portfolio.

Fine Art, Drawing & Illustration

In this kind of portfolio you’ll need to include things like: preliminary sketches, observational drawings, finished pieces and final outcomes.

You want to show a range of techniques and processes. If you do 3D work then adding photographs of your work is a good way to showcase it.

If you’ve been to galleries and exhibitions and taken notes or sketches then you can always include these as part of your portfolio.

Architecture, Product Design & Interior

In this kind of portfolio you’ll need to include things like: observational, technical drawings and CAD renders.

If you’ve done 3D models and sculptures then including photos of these is a great idea. Finished pieces and final outcomes should go in your portfolio. It’s good to display a range of design processes and ways of working.

Show what inspires you by including notes and sketches that you’ve made of places and spaces that inspire you.

Advertising & Graphic Design

In this kind of portfolio you’ll want to include observational drawings and a range of design processes and ways of working.

Projects that show your process from brief to final outcome are great to include along with visual research and any sketchbooks or journals you might have.

Fashion & Textiles

In this kind of portfolio you’ll want to include fashion illustration and drawings. Adding in examples of textiles, prints and weave that you like is a good idea.

Photos of finished pieces and final outcomes can be included. Fashion photography and sketchbooks or journals you have of visual research and idea generation can be included. In all this you’ll want to display a range of techniques and processes.

Animation, Film & Television

In this kind of portfolio you’ll want to include storyboards and film stills. A short showreel of moving image work is a good idea to put in your portfolio to show what you can do.

Preliminary sketches and observational drawings can be included along with photos, paintings, photos of sculpture work and design work.

Why do you need a portfolio?

This is your chance to show not just your creative ability but also your personality. No one can create like you do so make the most of your portfolio. You can find out about course-specific portfolio's in the 'how to apply' section of your course page.

How do you make a portfolio?

Think of your portfolio like a good story. You'll want a beginning, a middle and an end. It'll showcase your process, including sketchbooks and preliminary work. It's worth putting in a variety of techniques and processes. Remember, it's about quality over quantity.

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