Post-secondary: Portfolios and Panic…

1. Post-secondary: Portfolios and Panic…

2. OCAD University York University

3. Timetable - York Design, Sem 1 2010

4. Timetable - U of T, Sciences, Semester 1 2010 (Komal)

5. Komal wrote (after 2 weeks at U of T): im at university of toronto, downtown campus. i have bio, chem, calculus, psychology and a seminar course this semester and like we have to read the txt on our own (nothing new) but (there's always a but) the lectures dont cover all of the text, so we have to study what they didnt cover by ourselves. and as if the bio txt isn't hard enough to read, they throw in another book! and then for my seminar i have a presentation next week worth 25% of my mark. on the moon. and the report based on that is worth 40%, and we're supposed to talk for 25 mins and facilitate conversation with our classmates for another 20. T_T which is only a class of 25 but i guess its my fault because i chose to go first to get it over with, just didnt expect the presentation to be so soon. and i got sick because of frosh week, still recovering from that :( you remember how i always used to get sick this time a year? it's so crazy. it's funny cuz you walk into one of our 1000 people lecture and you hear coughing every few seconds in teh background. i already feel like i have no social life :( but i guess that's just me getting used to a new schedule that requires more hours than a full time job T_T

6. they should know what they're in for. also, i'm trying to take care of myself. i've been on antibiotics for the past week. except even though with like an hour break or so between a class, i find that i dont have the time to eat. so my nutrition has gone down. but the one thing is that i know i'm not alone with this hectic schedule. a lot of my new friends have the same timetable, but it's definitely an incredible experience. i'm just lucky im at one corner of the campus, whereas some people i know have to run from one corner to the other end of campus in just ten minutes, and all teh good seats are gone by then. yeah, our mid-terms are in october!! and what sucks is that my calc tutorial doesn't start till the beginning of october, and that's what everyone seems to need help in most. our teacher looks like shakespeare and kinda sometimes mumbles to himself like he's unsure about things, but hey, he's the one with the pHD. yeah, apparently even our profs acknowledge to us that grade 12s coming into university get dumber each year."

7. they even took evolution out of teh biology curriculum this year for grade 12 i heard :S dont know why... i guess things are changing, and you guys were realliiiiii nice to us in terms of assignments, especially you! (though i really appreciated it). but now we have deadlines and stuff. like, i havent had any assignments yet, just that big project to do. and for tests, we're given the dates of unit tests and midterms on the first day of class, and it's not like a class discussion like "oh, who has a physics test on monday so i can switch the calc test to tuesday or wednesday" . that aspect almost seems hysterical now. i know a lot of people that already see competition, and they're not here to fool around, and its not hard to get along with them. on the other hand, i still see some people texting in class. like whyyyyyy would you do that. you're paying so muchhh just for 50 minutes of your prof's time, and you're just gonna sit there and text. though in high school, a lot of things are done for you and i think upon leaving, everyone sees how they took so much for granted. i cant believe i complained about having to walk all the way from class in front of the cafe to the third floor math room back at pc. i have to mission to some of my classes cuz they're so far from each other."

8. How to apply to university Step 1: Research your selections * Visit eINFO (www.electronicinfo.ca). * Browse programs online. * Check out university publications and websites. * Attend the Ontario Universities’ Fair and University Information Program sessions * Review the Companion Booklet 2010 (PDF). * Record the program choices of interest including their OUAC codes. Make note of all admission requirements and program specific deadlines. Step 2: Applying * In October/November your secondary school will distribute Access Code letters containing information required to apply online: o School Number o Student Number o PIN * Narrow down your university program selections by talking to your parents, teachers and guidance counsellors about your interests and options. * Watch the online application instructional video. * Apply using your application Access Code.

9. Sample dates (from 2009-10) November 13, 2009 Target date for the OUAC to receive all electronic student data files from Ontario secondary schools for both hardcopy and online applications. 2010 January 13, 2010 Deadline for Ontario secondary school students to submit completed hardcopy and online applications to the OUAC. *The original application procedure will include the collection of all final grades from previously completed Grade 11 and 12 courses, and a list of all current-year courses in progress.

10. Applying to colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca Colleges have different deadlines than universities, and there are separate application processes and fees for each.

11. Bachelor of Applied Arts – Creative Advertising (HUMBER) Applicants who wish to pursue creative advertising as art directors: Select four to five pieces of your best original work representing your visual skills: ALL SAMPLES MUST BE YOUR OWN ORIGINAL WORK. Examples of two-dimensional design projects manually or electronically created utilizing typography, page layout and images are of particular interest. As well, drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, multimedia, web design, short film, etc. are all valid examples. We want to see your ideas, as well as your skills and the many ways you express your creativity, therefore sketches, ideas, doodles, quotations, drawings from sketchbooks can be scanned and submitted. This gives us insight into your approach to experimentation and interaction with the visual and written world. Samples of two-dimensional design: logos, posters, ads and any similar work you have done in school or on your own will help us assess your understanding of our industry and, the skills you already possess. High school yearbook pages, though a commendable activity that benefits your school, are not acceptable examples of creativity as they are usually based on templates and other predetermined guides, not original layouts. We encourage all applicants to send two or more pieces of work demonstrating writing skills, as every student in this program is required to write advertising copy.

13. FAQs from York/ Sheridan Design - Applications Do you accept students with advanced standing into the second or third year? Yes, a few. Historically we can accept a total of only 5-6 students each year into year two. This low number is due to our high retention rate of continuing students - near 95%. To improve my chances of acceptance into this Joint Program, should I ever apply to both Sheridan and York? No, never! Applicants must apply to only one institution for the YSDN Program, not both. Do all applicants receive a Portfolio Interview? All applicants who submit the Applicant Profile, Applicant Questionnaire and pay the $50.00 evaluation fee will be invited to book a portfolio Interview. What type of Grade Point Average are you looking for? Grades are very important and comprise 50% of our final decision as to whether we accept an applicant (the portfolio interview score comprises the remaining 50%) Historically, we have given preference to students with a high school average of 80% or better depending on the quality of the applicant pool. What are my chances of being accepted? We are looking for the top students who are both bright and creative. Historically, we receive about 1800 applications from around the world, interview about 500 applicants and accept 120 students for the new incoming class, plus about 5 students added to second year studies.

14. FAQs from York/ Sheridan Design - Portfolios What should I show? Your portfolio should contain samples of your original work that demonstrate a wide range of ideas and competency with different media and tools. A sketchbook or concept/idea book is one of the required pieces. At least one piece in your portfolio must include an example of word(s) and image(s) that communicate a message. Typically, an applicant's portfolio contains their best work from at least 3 of the following areas: 1. 2D Design - e.g. print-oriented design, posters, logos, publications, letterheads, yearbook covers and spreads. 2. Typography - e.g. poetry or words using expressive font and page layout. 3. Multimedia/New media - e.g. web-based architecture of information, time-based and/or interactivity work. 4. Painting - e.g. representative and/or non-representative in oil, acrylic, watercolour. 5. Drawing & Illustration - e.g. direct observational, figure drawing, still life in pen & ink, charcoal, pastel, coloured pencil, marker pen, collage. 6. Photography - e.g. B & W prints, colour prints, hand-tinted prints, digitally manipulated. 7. 3D Design/Sculpture - e.g. scale models from plan drawings, craft and fiber experiments.

15. 3 pieces from Jenn Nguyen’s portfolio, 2010

16. What is the purpose of a sketchbook or concept/idea book? The sketchbook or concept/idea book is a very important component in your portfolio. It should contain a variety of studies and media/tools and demonstrate an exploration of visual and annotated ideas, comments and critiques. It should represent the ongoing variety of the things that interest you and the development of your thoughts and ideas. How many pieces should I show? Generally a maximum of 10 - 12 pieces that show your best strengths. Two of these pieces should be supported by your process work - including all of your research, sketches and alternative ideas that you developed and/or modified to get to the final solution.

17. How should I present my work? (YORK/ SHERIDAN) Typically, pieces are brought in a multi page portfolio binder not to exceed 16" X 20". Large or cumbersome pieces should be photographed and shown as a print with an indication of size/scale. URL(s) of web/time-based work should be forwarded to the Joint Program in Design two business days prior to your interview and you should include selected web pages/frames in a print storyboard format in your portfolio. The Program will preview the web/time-based work prior to the interview. The Joint Program in Design uses the Macintosh platform. Submit computer-based work on CD in PDF form or self-playing mode. Any other computer-based work will be viewed only if you bring your personal laptop computer. This will ensure that technology glitches will not prevent us from seeing your work.

18. Portfolio case - work is loose inside. Used for larger pieces eg. paintings. Useful if you are applying to a fine art program. Portfolio book - used for smaller works. Preferred by many design programs as this format allows careful organization and neat presentation.

19. How will my portfolio and interview be evaluated? (YORK/ SHERIDAN) The 4 areas of evaluation are: 1. Creative Problem Solving: awareness of contemporary issues, methodology, technical skill, creative exploration. 2. Visual Communication: drawing/sketching, model making, site planning, verbal and writing skills. 3. Basic Visual Language: symmetry, rhythm, proportion, perspective, harmony, colour, etc. 4. Awareness and Knowledge: personal and professional goals, basic understanding of the profession of visual communication design, enthusiasm and interest for your chosen profession. Your portfolio score is based upon a 100-point system as follows: 1. Quality and range of media - 40 points 2. Ability to embrace and demonstrate a variety of processes - 20 points, Ability to articulate and discuss the work in the interview - 20 points 3. Physical care and presentation of your work -10 points 4. Compatibility with our program, as verified during the interview -10 points.

20. Any other tips? 1. Do not include framed pieces in your portfolio - photograph the work. 2. Do not bring 3D design work to the interview - photograph the work from several different points of view if it is to be included in your portfolio. 3. Do not bring oversized work to the interview - photograph the work. 4. Do not include work older than 2 or 3 years - current work best demonstrates your creative and skill level. 5. Present work flat rather than rolled, mounted or matted. 6. Order the work in your portfolio to demonstrate your development. 7. Select work that demonstrates your ability to handle with skill a wide range of techniques, media, materials and subject matter.

21. NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY National Portfolio Day is your opportunity to meet professionals from some of the finest design and visual arts schools in North America. It’s not a competition, and no offers of admission will be made. Bring your portfolio, containing no more than 15 pieces of your best work, and have it critiqued for potential admission to the art or design school of your choice. OCAD University will host National Portfolio Day on Saturday November 13, 2010. At our National Portfolio Day event reviews are held from 12 noon to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. (No preregistration. Doors open at 11:45 am.) In addition to finished pieces, your portfolio may include works in progress. Include a sketchbook/creative journal to demonstrate your creative process and work habits. Do not mat or frame your work, or worry about the presentation. The work itself is what is of interest.

22. National Portfolio Day 2009 saw 900 registrants, contributing to approximately 2,000 visitors to the OCAD campus. Over four hours, OCAD faculty reviewers met with nearly 400 OCAD student hopefuls.

23. Note that OCAD runs portfolio clinics - these are one-day workshops designed to allow you to create pieces which can be used in your portfolio, regardless of which university or college you are applying to. Useful if you are concerned about variety in your portfolio. Cost is $85.00 per, held one Saturday each month between November and February (when most portfolio interviews begin) Detailed information is available on the ocad site - www.ocad.ca

24. Worried yet?

25. TO DO LIST: • Get a sketchbook and USE IT • Get a portfolio book • Sort out your artworks from the past 2 years • Make sure you have enough variety in the works • Make sure you are following proper procedures - preliminary work, artist statements etc. • Keep your marks up in all classes • Do work that you can be proud of…