Portfolio Brief. HELP & ADVICE

qwertyu

well the brief is only a project that is needed to get into NCAD but if you're going for a course in CIT, it will just be taking an idea and developing it, using different materials etc, go onto this......

http://www.cit.ie/media/admission%20procedures%20&%20portfolio%20guidelines_design%20communication.pdf

qwertyu

hi idid portfolio prep course, got into NCAD doing the first brief, my advice would be to make sure you tick off every single task you're being asked to do, this is because they want to see that you could follow a project brief if you were to study in ncad, just try find unusual types of objects for mechanisms, memories, food , habitats etc;
and use loads on different materials, textures...

good luck!

NeonTiger

Thanks for all the gud advice!

I'd also like to know if, when putting together the portfolio, should I include my supporting sketches alongside my finished pieces or if i should get a sketchbook and put them all in there??

unugh

NeonTiger wrote: »

Thanks for all the gud advice!

I'd also like to know if, when putting together the portfolio, should I include my supporting sketches alongside my finished pieces or if i should get a sketchbook and put them all in there??

For any finished pieces I did I had worksheets with the preliminary work and research on it,from conception of ideas to experimenting with things, to recording the process.

I dont think sketchbooks need to have your preliminary work in them,but it helps if they see your finished piece,and then see your sketchbook - so that they can tell the finished piece came from themes in your sketchbook.

I would not deviate from your themes/ideas.The challenge itself I think is too see how far you can push yourself within certain restrictions,thats why interesting and unusual objects are a good idea(You want to grab there attention as they like to think they have seen EVERYTHING)

Saruwatari

Two months ago I got an offer from Ballyfermot PLC for Animation Drawing Studies, and I'm over the moon as I'm pretty sure I'm going there for certain.
Also got an email from Dun Laoghaire IADT today. T'was the result of my portfolio assessment; I got 480 out of 600 points! I'm delighted, but that doesn't mean I've been offered a place yet...

BlueNemo

Hello all

I was wondering if someone could help me, i sent my portfolio to both AIT and DIT and recently recieved both results. DIT said my portfolio was "unsuccessful" and i didnt get the pass mark of 200 points.

AIT on the other hand gave me 490 points..

How can one college be so different from the other?.. Is there anythin i can do about DIT's mark? i reallllly wanted to go there!

blood-cookie

hi =]

i didnt get my place in art college

i want to do visual communications...but i only applied to one college

what do i do now? i dont want to repeat my leaving! is there any good plc courses?!

mardybum

To anyone who's thinking about doing a portfolio course: Do one! You'll be really suprised how much you'll improve/work you'll produce.

I've just finished up in Ballyfermot, which I found really good - but you have to be willing to put the work in yourself. My course was ADT (art design and three dimension) was not really a fine art course but was loose enough to encompase my thing for drawing and painting.
I found with BF that if you wanna produce a good portfolio you really gotta utilise the facilities they have for yourself as there will be sweet f all guidance!

I also started a portfolio prep course in Stillorgan a few years ago. Couldn't complete due to my complete lack of rent money! But Stillorgan was INTENSE, it was full time 5 days a week, there was a lot of classes and a lot of projects and homework etc. I would imagine that the portfolio you'd get out of it would be seriously sh*t hot, but you literally need to focus only on the course and definitely not have any part time jobs etc.

I believe Bray and Dundrum are similarly brilliant, and intensive.
I think that Collaiste Dhulaigh in Coolock is similar to Ballyfermot, had a good rep anyway.

Regardless of where you go, the best thing about the PLC courses is that they give you the time to work on a really good portfolio! If you get there and you dont like it, try not to get bogged down in the politics, just keep your objective in mind - gettin into college and producing a good portfolio.

Also to the people wondering about the theme in a portfolio or brief, what the theme really means is that the end result, your body of work, can be viewed easily because you can see how one thing links into or brings you to another. But in my own brief, I looked at it as 3 or 4 seperate projects, so had a couple of different themes.

Also, don't worry too much about thinkin up a theme, it will occur natuarly as you produce work, because your mind really is linking up one thing to another.

carlmango11

Could anyone here tell me how many days/hours you do in Portfolio Preparation in Colaiste Dhulaigh? Like is it 5 days a week 9 to 4 or what? Thanks

HouseHippo

Hey NCAD see you in September

Weekend Warrior

HouseHippo wrote: »

Hey NCAD see you in September

Congratulations

unugh

HouseHippo wrote: »

Hey NCAD see you in September

Im almost positive its October,unfortunately.
First time in years im kind of anxious for the summer to be over already.

HouseHippo

unugh wrote: »

Im almost positive its October,unfortunately.
First time in years im kind of anxious for the summer to be over already.

Oh even better....longer summer

NeonTiger

Ok right. . .just wonderin when im doing my portfolio for visual communications... What exactly should i include? I was lik thinkn id put in a painting, poster, some photography, still lifes. I got sorta stuck after dat..! Any advice??
:P

RaeRae

Just read through all this and wanted to say congrats to all of you who got into NCAD (and other courses, of course).

Didn't know they had a brief now? Jesus, I couldn't have dealt with that. I'm going into second year in October having done Core twice (I'm lazy, make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you, it's hell on earth to do twice.)

But yeah, good luck to all of you starting in October. It'll be a shock to the system but you'll all get used to it. Enjoy (:

HouseHippo

RaeRae wrote: »

Just read through all this and wanted to say congrats to all of you who got into NCAD (and other courses, of course).

Didn't know they had a brief now? Jesus, I couldn't have dealt with that. I'm going into second year in October having done Core twice (I'm lazy, make sure the same thing doesn't happen to you, it's hell on earth to do twice.)

But yeah, good luck to all of you starting in October. It'll be a shock to the system but you'll all get used to it. Enjoy (:

Well you should know NCAD quite well so.....could ya PM me a bit about the college. Thanks

RaeRae

HouseHippo wrote: »

Well you should know NCAD quite well so.....could ya PM me a bit about the college. Thanks

Too well. I'll PM ya now :pac:

Weekend Warrior

RaeRae wrote: »

Too well. I'll PM ya now :pac:

Sorry to bother you, but could I second that request please? :P

RaeRae

Weekend Warrior wrote: »

Sorry to bother you, but could I second that request please? :P

It's fine. PMing you now.

Lady Luck

Just to let everyone know, don't get your hopes up over NCAD. I'm doing a portfolio and I'll get in, but I'm just tellin you they require such a high standard

HouseHippo

Lady Luck wrote: »

Just to let everyone know, don't get your hopes up over NCAD. I'm doing a portfolio and I'll get in, but I'm just tellin you they require such a high standard

With that attitude you won't go very far, they don't like cockey people....

Don't listen to this guys, biggest failure is not trying in the first place

Lady Luck

Excuse me, but you haven't seen the standard of my work? I've been told by many people that my work is amazing and I'll get into NCAD (not being big-headed, just telling you what people say about my work), and I am confident that with the work, I'll get into NCAD. I'm just telling a lot of people they probably won't get in themselves, as they only take in the best. But try anyway. xxxx

wmpdd3

Oh God cut that attitude, they won't give you a room all by your self to work in you will have to get on with some one.

To be honest you sound like some one straight out of school last year who has a portfolio full of lovely flat still lifes.

Honestly cut the crap you'll really take a fall. Some of the guys I went to college are now well respected and successful in their fields, they knew they were good, they had the grades and the competition prizes but they also knew when to keep their mouth shut!

Weekend Warrior

Yeah, I think anyone who wants to go to Ncad should have a go at the brief either way. If you don't bother just because you think you won't get in, then you definitely will not get in. :pac: When I was doing my portfolio there were so many times when I worried that what I was doing was sh*t, but I just stuck at it, and in the end it was so worth it.

HouseHippo

Lady Luck wrote: »

Excuse me, but you haven't seen the standard of my work? I've been told by many people that my work is amazing and I'll get into NCAD (not being big-headed, just telling you what people say about my work), and I am confident that with the work, I'll get into NCAD. I'm just telling a lot of people they probably won't get in themselves, as they only take in the best. But try anyway. xxxx

Yeah lots of people told all the people in my portfolio course they'd get in too,thats why they are all doin arts in UCD :P

HouseHippo

wmpdd3 wrote: »

Oh God cut that attitude, they won't give you a room all by your self to work in you will have to get on with some one.

To be honest you sound like some one straight out of school last year who has a portfolio full of lovely flat still lifes.

Honestly cut the crap you'll really take a fall. Some of the guys I went to college are now well respected and successful in their fields, they knew they were good, they had the grades and the competition prizes but they also knew when to keep their mouth shut!

NCAD aren't looking for technical skills they want intelligence and the attitude to succeed. In NCAD they have no qualms bout telling you were to get off,if you go in with that attitude you will be ripped apart at every Crit.
Its about originality in ideas and making associations, about displaying an overall understanding of both art and visual culture and its place in the world. Its luck not skill tbh. u

Lady Luck

Excuse me but I am very capable of "thinking outside the box". I agree, its not enough to just be able to draw, you have to offer more. But I know I will get in because my father's friend works in painting in NCAD and he told me all my stuff will get me in and that I've talent. I'm just warning people that they probably won't get in :pac: xx

RaeRae

Lady Luck wrote: »

Just to let everyone know, don't get your hopes up over NCAD. I'm doing a portfolio and I'll get in, but I'm just tellin you they require such a high standard

...Wow, hope I never meet you there.

Wrong attitude for NCAD, buddy.

You're going to get a major shock if you do get in, people don't dig people who have the same holier than thou attitude you seem to have.

Who are you to tell people that you're basically going to get in for sure and others aren't? The cheek.

Lady Luck wrote: »

Excuse me, but you haven't seen the standard of my work? I've been told by many people that my work is amazing and I'll get into NCAD (not being big-headed, just telling you what people say about my work), and I am confident that with the work, I'll get into NCAD. I'm just telling a lot of people they probably won't get in themselves, as they only take in the best. But try anyway. xxxx

Oh yeah? Bung some up there and be open to critique so? I'm sure you're a talented artist, but it's not only about the standard of your work, your ideas are very much important. It's nice that you're confident but god, being confident and telling others they won't get in when you will is so different. And one last thing. Not everyone in NCAD is 'the best', you will see people and wonder why they're there. But they all got in for a reason and it's not for you to judge. Jesus Christ.

/rant

Lady Luck

Why the negative attitude? I just said I am talented and I will get in. I'm just warning people that don't be suprised if they don't get in. I cant upload any of my work because I have no scanner and my camera got robbed the other day.

Fact is, you MUST have confidence in your work, and I have a fair bit. I hope everyone who applies gets in, but the truth is they won't because NCAD are so exclusive.

RaeRae

Lady Luck wrote: »

Why the negative attitude? I just said I am talented and I will get in. I'm just warning people that don't be suprised if they don't get in. I cant upload any of my work because I have no scanner and my camera got robbed the other day.

Fact is, you MUST have confidence in your work, and I have a fair bit. I hope everyone who applies gets in, but the truth is they won't because NCAD are so exclusive.

That's just it. I have no issue whatsoever with your belief in yourself that your talented. I think it's great that you're confident in your work. I wish more of us were like that, I myself don't usually like what I do but the odd piece I like for a bit before finding flaws. The majority of my mates in NCAD are the same, so I don't have a problem with you believing in your talent, that in itself is great. Congrats.

I do however, have a problem with the fact that you think it's your place to WARN other people that they probably won't get in and then to go around saying you're going to get in for sure. Could be a shock to the system there sweetheart, if you possibly do not get in (wouldn't wish that on anyone, so don't think I'm saying I hope you won't). I've known some amazing people who have not gotten in for whatever reason the tutors who assess the portfolios have come up with.

I just think you need to tone down on the 'LOOK AT ME, I'M AMAZING, BUT SORRY GUYS, I'LL GET IN BUT YOU MIGHT NOT BECAUSE IT'S DIFFICULT' attitude. It's not going to get you far and certainly not going to make you friends if you do get into NCAD. That sh*t doesn't fly .

Lady Luck

RaeRae wrote: »

That's just it. I have no issue whatsoever with your belief in yourself that your talented. I think it's great that you're confident in your work. I wish more of us were like that, I myself don't usually like what I do but the odd piece I like for a bit before finding flaws. The majority of my mates in NCAD are the same, so I don't have a problem with you believing in your talent, that in itself is great. Congrats.

I do however, have a problem with the fact that you think it's your place to WARN other people that they probably won't get in and then to go around saying you're going to get in for sure. Could be a shock to the system there sweetheart, if you possibly do not get in (wouldn't wish that on anyone, so don't think I'm saying I hope you won't). I've known some amazing people who have not gotten in for whatever reason the tutors who assess the portfolios have come up with.

I just think you need to tone down on the 'LOOK AT ME, I'M AMAZING, BUT SORRY GUYS, I'LL GET IN BUT YOU MIGHT NOT BECAUSE IT'S DIFFICULT' attitude. It's not going to get you far and certainly not going to make you friends if you do get into NCAD. That sh*t doesn't fly .

Thank you for telling me how I'm meant to act. I thought I was perhaps doing a helpful thing by warning people of the exclusiveness of NCAD. But the fact is, I have put in the work, and I'm sure if someone has the same talent and WORK ETHIC as me, they'll have no problem getting into NCAD.

And tbh I actually think I'll go down well in NCAD. I have a friend in NCAD and he says that they'll love me so ... x

sells

Ncad do not nessesary take in the best....im in art college in galway and once you get into art college you find out that nobody is better or worse at art...everyone is the same....NCAD, from my research it would be a good college but maybe with the sort of people thinking its the best college and only the best go there makes it the most snobby college too. the comments above may reflect this...but generally mostly every one are sound and there are some that deserve to be in NCAD, not because there the best at art, but because there snobby and dont wanna know.....you just need to talk you way and make sure you know what youre on about in the portfolio assesment..bull**** basically.

RaeRae

Lady Luck wrote: »

Thank you for telling me how I'm meant to act. I thought I was perhaps doing a helpful thing by warning people of the exclusiveness of NCAD. But the fact is, I have put in the work, and I'm sure if someone has the same talent and WORK ETHIC as me, they'll have no problem getting into NCAD.

And tbh I actually think I'll go down well in NCAD. I have a friend in NCAD and he says that they'll love me so ... x

...Right, you're clearly not willing to listen to anyone. I've looked at your other posts, and other people have called you on being hostile, rude and condescending. Never once did I tell you how to act. Myself and other people suggested you tone down the attitude.

Your post wasn't helpful in the least. It was basically you saying you were in for sure (when your portfolio isn't even going to be assessed until NEXT YEAR) and telling other people that unless they had your 'amazing' talent, they're not getting in. Also, the whole NCAD being exclusive thing is utter bull. Yes, it has a reputation, it has churned out many people who have done well in life and are good at whatever area they're into, but it's not EXCLUSIVE. God. It's a college. It's not some sort of VIP club. People with varying degrees of raw talent get in, but it's ideas that seal the deal. (Good luck with your fruits , we all know they love to see that)

If you think you'd go down well in ANY college with that attitude, good luck. And if your friend in NCAD says people will love you, then you must be really different off the forums.

Cop. On.

HouseHippo

Lady Luck wrote: »

Why the negative attitude? I just said I am talented and I will get in. I'm just warning people that don't be suprised if they don't get in. I cant upload any of my work because I have no scanner and my camera got robbed the other day.

Fact is, you MUST have confidence in your work, and I have a fair bit. I hope everyone who applies gets in, but the truth is they won't because NCAD are so exclusive.

Its college not ****ing 90210 would ya give over.
You wont be the only person who gets in there are 180 other places ya know....they aren't there just to teach you....

Christ if this is the kind of attitude people i'll be in college with will have not so sure if I want to go to NCAD after all.


Also Ncad will love you......I bet you are one of these pally pally with the teachers ook at me notice me people in school.Well we had those in my school too,and they were surprised with the amount the tutors don't give a ****! College is no place for licking arse!


Positive attitude is a far cry from general arrogance love!

Also

Don't be so confident it will let you down in your work,take this from someone who worked her arse off for 6 months into get in.

RaeRae

HouseHippo wrote: »

Its college not ****ing 90210 would ya give over.
You wont be the only person who gets in there are 180 other places ya know....they aren't there just to teach you....

Christ if this is the kind of attitude people i'll be in college with will have not so sure if I want to go to NCAD after all.


Also Ncad will love you......I bet you are one of these pally pally with the teachers ook at me notice me people in school.Well we had those in my school too,and they were surprised with the amount the tutors don't give a ****! College is no place for licking arse!


Positive attitude is a far cry from general arrogance love!

Also

Don't be so confident it will let you down in your work,take this from someone who worked her arse off for 6 months into get in.

Don't worry man, most people there are really sound. You get the odd few really pretentious suck up types who never have a laugh but the majority are grand. :rolleyes: Some people need to remember it's a college, not something else and college is supposed to be fun too.

sarahpie

RACHEL !!! haha leave the knob head alone and come and play
when are we having our b day thing

i remember last year round now being on sites like this asking about ncad
aaaaa 2nd year ....****

RaeRae

sarahpie wrote: »

RACHEL !!! haha leave the knob head alone and come and play
when are we having our b day thing

i remember last year round now being on sites like this asking about ncad
aaaaa 2nd year ....****

It's because we're awesome.

I'll text you about the birthday thing. YAYAY. Bring on 2nd yeaar.

serenescene

Weekend Warrior wrote: »

I am starting Core in September! I'm really excited but also a little bit scared, ha. I'm in sixth year at the minute too btw.

o deadly:) you're one of the few school leavers ive managed to find!! im so excited too, i cant wait:P a bit daunting as well tho isnt it! i don't know what to expect at all, i just want someone to tell me exactly what its gonna be like, what the studio hours are, if we have to do history of art classes/have any lectures or anything. just what its gonna be like day to day. can anyone tell me??

much appreciated:D

HouseHippo

serenescene wrote: »

Weekend Warrior wrote: »

I am starting Core in September! I'm really excited but also a little bit scared, ha. I'm in sixth year at the minute too btw.

o deadly:) you're one of the few school leavers ive managed to find!! im so excited too, i cant wait:P a bit daunting as well tho isnt it! i don't know what to expect at all, i just want someone to tell me exactly what its gonna be like, what the studio hours are, if we have to do history of art classes/have any lectures or anything. just what its gonna be like day to day. can anyone tell me??

much appreciated:D

Ah ya do have lectures and history of art.....its called Visual Culture I think its 25% of the marks for the year.
I was at a vis culture before its actually really interesting. I think they are on Wednesday mornings.

Halla Basin

In my opinion, the cheese in the trap.

sarahpie

we had vis culture every monday and thursday ...its only about 5 hours a week so not too bad ...the monday ones are usually a lot better though

ncad is great tho ...didnt know what to expect
simply splendid

unugh

Lady Luck wrote: »

Why the negative attitude? I just said I am talented and I will get in. I'm just warning people that don't be suprised if they don't get in. I cant upload any of my work because I have no scanner and my camera got robbed the other day.

Fact is, you MUST have confidence in your work, and I have a fair bit. I hope everyone who applies gets in, but the truth is they won't because NCAD are so exclusive.

This is not the first time iv seen NCAD been put on a pedestal,I wish people would stop viewing things through their insular view of the world.NCAD has a reputation,but I guarantee you it doesnt leave these shores.If you want to throw around words like 'exclusive' at least attach them to art colleges that command attention on an international scale(CSM,Pratt,Antwerp,Goldsmiths etc...)
Im not putting NCAD down,Im extremely grateful to have been accepted,but for someone like myself who wants to eventually work overseas I realise I have to work extremely hard to compete against people who are in colleges,that a lot of employers are biased towards.

zeroonetwothree

Hi everyone! I'm going on to 6th year in September and I'm going to IADT's Animation portfolio preparation course on the 6th July~
I'm trying to aim to finish my portfolio by the end of the summer...

I don't really understand what a visual diary is Is it possible to stick pages (from old sketchbooks) in there? Also, are you allowed to scan your work and put it in a folder/binder? Because there's a lot of my artwork that I'm fond of in a lot of diferent sketchbooks >_<


Also, in your artwork do they allow swear words/violence/blood? x'D

Thanks guys!

HouseHippo

zeroonetwothree wrote: »

Hi everyone! I'm going on to 6th year in September and I'm going to IADT's Animation portfolio preparation course on the 6th July~
I'm trying to aim to finish my portfolio by the end of the summer...

I don't really understand what a visual diary is Is it possible to stick pages (from old sketchbooks) in there? Also, are you allowed to scan your work and put it in a folder/binder? Because there's a lot of my artwork that I'm fond of in a lot of diferent sketchbooks >_<


Also, in your artwork do they allow swear words/violence/blood? x'D

Thanks guys!

hey your visual notebook can contain anything you want which shows where you got your ideas etc
You can put anything you want in it as long as it has some relevence to your portfolio
Good luck. need anymore help let me know

HouseHippo

HouseHippo wrote: »

hey your visual notebook can contain anything you want which shows where you got your ideas etc
You can put anything you want in it as long as it has some relevence to your portfolio
Good luck. need anymore help let me know

Oh and you can put as much swearing and blood as ya like...i did

zeroonetwothree

Oh good xD
Thank you very much!

Is it possible to scan and cut out drawings from old sketchbooks and stick it all in one neat sketchbook?

Dollhouse

Oh dear, you really have the wrong attitude Ladyluck.
I've have an NCAD deg and am returning to further my education there this yr. I can assure you that your attitude will get you nowhere there.
At this stage it is so important for you to be able to critique your own work and see where you can improve and advance your skills in order to show development in your portfolio. Confidence is all well and good but humility is also a desirable quality, I believe that you are talented but as a lot of other people have noted, talent alone will not get you in, it involves intelligence, ideas, originality... and luck. Bear in mind that you may be the best artist you know, but trust me you will be amazed at the standard of art you will encounter, not just in NCAD but in every college in Ireland.
Keep the work ethic, you'll surely need that, but adopt a positive attitude that allows you to accept, evaluate and praise other's work because NCAD is all about the experience and you'll want friends to experience it with, and at the end of the day as an artist/designer you will continually be influenced by other people's work, good, bad and ugly, be it famous artists', friends', colleagues' or your little brothers'
Best of luck to everyone who is applying, it's a great feeling to get in, a great college to go to... and a great college to return to.

NeonTiger

Hey...

For my portfolio which im curently working on for visual communications in CIT, i picked 'transportation' as my theme and so far i have done a drag racing poster, some stil life drawings and some paintings. I also am planning on creating a logo and cd cover.

Does this sound as if im on the right track??
Any tips??
=D
x

kimmyt1987

carlmango11 wrote: »

Could anyone here tell me how many days/hours you do in Portfolio Preparation in Colaiste Dhulaigh? Like is it 5 days a week 9 to 4 or what? Thanks

Hi there... I did this course a couple of years ago and I absolutely LOVED it!!!! I would highly recommend it to everyone looking to go into art based courses...
It is full time but the week is broken up into studio practise, photography and darkroom experience, photoshop lessons, gallery visits, lectures, work experience.... The list goes on. I was not the academic kind in school and was worried about how I would fare in the portfolio course but I just took to it immediately. The tutors there are all great and will do anything they can to help. Doing the portfolio course gives you such an advantage when in college over the school leavers, as you have been introduced to a completely different way of working than you will have been used to in the Leaving Cert.! It makes the transition to college life sooooo much easier!!!

Will

Howdy,

I'm considering applying for the Jewellery & Goldsmithing Training Skills Course (http://www.ccoi.ie/content/view/328/112/) run by the crafts council of Ireland. I've already mailed the person in charge of applications and the course trainer. I'm jumping the gun a bit as I've not heard back from them and don't expect to until sometime next week.

edit: portfolio and bench test (for successfull applicants)

My guess is I will need a portfolio show casing my ideas and a portfolio course is what would be needed? Or some examples of work I could do? Are there any recommendations for any course in particular? I live in Dublin 6.

Any info is appreciated