Let's get started! How to prepare for the intake meeting
Image: "Curated Art Zone in Bedroom", by student Miles H.
The strongest portfolios for college admsisions showcase work that is personal and self-initiated. This means going beyond classroom assignments, and developing a body of work based on your interests, passions, and experiences. To facilitate this, my coaching process starts with an initial intake meeting designed to create visibility on your personal story.
What to expect during the intake...
During the intake meeting, I ask my students to be prepared to talk about and/or show documentation of any and all work, no matter how “finished,” what stage it is in, and what medium.
This can be work from class assignments as well as work that is self-initiated. This can be completed works, partially completed works, ideas in a sketchbook, audio sketches, scores, doodles on paper, collages, sewing projects, project outlines, a curated zone in a bedroom, storyboarding, projects using unconventional material, entrepreneurial projects, etc.
Students can include projects “in the world,” already initiated, or in the planning phases. Work doesn't have to be what is considered “art,” and can include any and all interests: a lecture series, an environmental cleanup event, a voter registration project, baking and cooking, thrifting, and more!
For this first meeting, images do not have to be perfect—cell phone pics will do. If in doubt, include it!
Following the intake meeting, a dedicated Google Drive folder is established to serve as a centralized location for all work. A Google Spreadsheet is created, mapping out all requirements regarding the portfolio as well as additional assignments and questions specific to each program, technical specs, deadlines, and other relevant information.
From this groundwork, students develop an understanding of their current work, further articulate existing work, and even create new work. Students learn how to write and talk about their art, and the optimal ways of documenting and presenting their work. Lastly, students are supported in meeting all criteria and technical requirements for each college program to which they are applying, for the successfull submission of their portfolio and other elements of the creative supplement.
I look forward to getting to know you and your work!
Linda Pollack
During the intake meeting, I ask my students to be prepared to talk about and/or show documentation of any and all work, no matter how “finished,” what stage it is in, and what medium.
This can be work from class assignments as well as work that is self-initiated. This can be completed works, partially completed works, ideas in a sketchbook, audio sketches, scores, doodles on paper, collages, sewing projects, project outlines, a curated zone in a bedroom, storyboarding, projects using unconventional material, entrepreneurial projects, etc.
Students can include projects “in the world,” already initiated, or in the planning phases. Work doesn't have to be what is considered “art,” and can include any and all interests: a lecture series, an environmental cleanup event, a voter registration project, baking and cooking, thrifting, and more!
For this first meeting, images do not have to be perfect—cell phone pics will do. If in doubt, include it!
Following the intake meeting, a dedicated Google Drive folder is established to serve as a centralized location for all work. A Google Spreadsheet is created, mapping out all requirements regarding the portfolio as well as additional assignments and questions specific to each program, technical specs, deadlines, and other relevant information.
From this groundwork, students develop an understanding of their current work, further articulate existing work, and even create new work. Students learn how to write and talk about their art, and the optimal ways of documenting and presenting their work. Lastly, students are supported in meeting all criteria and technical requirements for each college program to which they are applying, for the successfull submission of their portfolio and other elements of the creative supplement.
I look forward to getting to know you and your work!
Linda Pollack