Applying to art school represents an exciting milestone in any creative’s journey. Your portfolio is more than just a collection of artwork—it’s your artistic voice, your technical abilities, and your creative potential all wrapped into one package. This guide will walk you through creating a standout portfolio specifically designed to meet McKenzie College’s requirements while showcasing your unique artistic vision.

Understanding McKenzie College’s Portfolio Requirements

McKenzie College requires a portfolio containing 12-15 original pieces created within the last three years. Let’s break down their specific criteria:

1. At least 6 pieces must display observational work (self-portraits, still life, landscape, or architecture)
2. Display as many media as possible (pencil, charcoal, pastel, digital, etc.)
3. Include work that represents your own interests and strengths
4. Work with color is highly recommended
5. Display 3D art in photographic form (if applicable)

Now, let’s explore how to meet these requirements effectively while creating a cohesive, impressive portfolio.

Step 1: Self-Assessment and Planning

Before gathering your pieces, take time to reflect:

• What are your artistic strengths? Are you exceptional at figure drawing, digital illustration, color theory, or sculpture?
• What media do you work with? Make a list of all the media you’re comfortable using.
• What themes or subjects repeatedly appear in your work? Identifying these can help create a cohesive portfolio.
• Which pieces demonstrate your observational skills? Remember, you’ll need at least six.

Create a spreadsheet or document to track potential pieces for your portfolio, noting which requirements each piece fulfills.

Step 2: The Observational Work Requirement

Since McKenzie requires at least 6 observational pieces, let’s focus on creating strong examples:

Self-Portraits

• Consider different approaches: realistic, expressive, experimental
• Try various angles and lighting conditions
• Use different media for variety (charcoal for drama, watercolor for softness)

Still Life

• Arrange objects with interesting shapes, textures, and reflective qualities
• Consider compositions that demonstrate your understanding of perspective
• Include challenging elements like glass, metal, or fabric

Landscape

• Capture different times of day or weather conditions
• Focus on composition and depth
• Consider urban landscapes or architectural elements for variety

Architecture

• Focus on interesting buildings with distinctive features
• Pay attention to perspective and proportions
• Consider both exterior and interior architectural spaces

Pro Tip: For observational work, include at least one piece that demonstrates your technical precision and another that shows your ability to capture light and shadow effectively.

Step 3: Showcasing Media Diversity

McKenzie values versatility in media usage. Here’s how to approach this requirement:

• Traditional Media: Include work in graphite, charcoal, ink, watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastels, colored pencil, etc.
• Digital Media: Digital painting, vector illustration, digital photography, etc.
• Mixed Media: Combine traditional and digital techniques or experiment with collage
• 3D Work: Sculpture, ceramics, installation, etc. (photographed professionally)

Aim for at least 4-5 different media across your portfolio to demonstrate versatility.

Step 4: Including Personal Interest Projects

Your portfolio should include pieces that showcase your unique interests and artistic voice:

• Conceptual Work: Pieces that communicate ideas or tell stories
• Series Work: Multiple pieces exploring a theme that interests you
• Experimental Projects: Work that shows your willingness to take creative risks
• Personal Passions: Subject matter you genuinely care about

These pieces often become the most memorable part of your portfolio because they reveal who you are as an artist.

Step 5: Incorporating Color Work

Since McKenzie recommends including color work, consider:

• At least 3-4 pieces that showcase your understanding of color theory
• Work that demonstrates different color approaches (complementary, analogous, monochromatic)
• Pieces that show your ability to use color to create mood, depth, or focus

Step 6: Photographing 3D Work

If you include sculpture, ceramics, or other three-dimensional pieces:

• Use a neutral background (white or light gray works best)
• Photograph from multiple angles to show all important aspects
• Ensure proper lighting that highlights details and textures
• Include a detail shot alongside the full piece if there are intricate elements
• Consider including a reference object for scale if appropriate

Step 7: Curating Your Final Selection

Once you have a pool of potential pieces, it’s time to make your final selection of 12-15 works:

1. Check against requirements: Ensure you’ve met all of McKenzie’s criteria
2. Consider flow and variety: Your portfolio should show range while maintaining coherence
3. Lead with strength: Place your strongest works at the beginning and end
4. Look for gaps: Is there a particular skill or media not represented?
5. Get feedback: Ask teachers, working artists, or peers for input

Remember, it’s better to include fewer exceptional pieces than to pad your portfolio with weaker work.

Step 8: Creating an Artist Statement **This could be considered your PROFILE LETTER**

While not explicitly required, including a brief artist statement can strengthen your application:

• Keep it concise (200-300 words)
• Explain your artistic influences and interests
• Discuss your process and what drives your work
• Connect your statement to the work in your portfolio
• Avoid art jargon and write in your authentic voice

Step 9: Presentation Matters

How you present your work speaks volumes about your professionalism:

• Consistent formatting: Maintain consistent image sizes and orientations
• High-quality images: Ensure all photos are well-lit, in-focus, and accurately represent colors
• Simple presentation: Avoid decorative borders or distracting layouts
• Logical organization: Consider grouping by theme, media, or chronology
• Professional labeling: Include title, medium, dimensions, and year for each piece

Common Portfolio Mistakes to Avoid

1. Including old work that doesn’t represent your current abilities
2. Submitting too many similar pieces instead of showing range
3. Poor photography that doesn’t accurately represent your work
4. Ignoring specific requirements of the school
5. Including collaborative work without clear indication of your contribution
6. Overloading with digital work while neglecting traditional media

Final Thoughts

Creating a portfolio for McKenzie College is about balancing their specific requirements with your unique artistic voice. The admissions committee wants to see not only technical skill but also creativity, curiosity, and potential for growth.

Remember that your portfolio represents you as an artist—make sure it tells your story while demonstrating that you’ve understood and met the college’s expectations. With careful planning, thoughtful selection, and attention to detail, your portfolio will showcase why you’re a perfect fit for McKenzie College’s art program.

Good luck with your application!