This page contains best practices for assembling a portfolio for the Design concentration. Utilize the suggestions on this page, as well as the ‘general best practices’ listed on the main portfolio application page, to compile your best work into your portfolio.
Many applicants will include projects completed in art and design courses at their high school or community college in their portfolios. If your educational background lacked Design focused courses or opportunities, don’t let the absence of Design specific work discourage you from applying to the Design concentration. Chances are, if you’re applying to the Design concentration at UMBC, you are already creating Design centered personal work of your own.
Design portfolio best practices:
- Do not submit only graphic design work in your application. Show a variety of work as we prefer to see a breadth of your skills such as paintings, drawings, sculptural pieces (3D), etc.
- Indicate in the work description if the imagery used is your own, or sourced from someplace else. For example, if you are using photos in your work that were not taken by you, please cite where the original work came from
- Sketches depicting the exploration process leading to the final work is encouraged
If you are uncertain if your creative work is suitable for application into the Visual Arts Department, take pictures of your work (photos will your cell phone will do) and send them to our Undergraduate Program coordinator, Kelley Yang (kelley7@umbc.edu)