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Portfolio Instructions 2024/25Ìý

Your submission must include one PDF portfolio of your artwork, and you can choose to add MAXIMUM two extra video files to show moving images, performances, software, interactive art, screencasting, sound, videos of sketchbooks, but this additional file is not a requirement.  DO NOT include links to online platforms such as YouTube, TikTok or Vimeo to show us films or performances, as we are not allowed to click external links in our selection processes.Ìý

Essential Technical Specifications and Instructions for your submission (portfolio + optional showreel):Ìý

  • One PDF file, containing up to 20 pages. The maximum size of the PDF is 450MB. Please note: each image should ideally be 300dpi or greater.Ìý

  • Two optional videos, up to 450 MB per video, 5 mins duration per video. We strongly recommend that you submit one video (showreel) for your Art and Technology application; you may submit a second video of flipping through a sketchbook.Ìý

Please note we are not able to accept any other file formats. We can only accept PDF and MPEG, .MOV or MP4 formats for video.

Portfolio Upload Guidance Webinar

We will be holding a Portfolio Upload Guidance Webinar via Zoom at 2pm, on Tuesday 25 November 2024. .

PDF GuidanceÌý

Applicants should submit the following:ÌýÌý

  • a PDF with up to twenty pages. Titles should be included for each image, including the date the work was made, size (if applicable), production materials/tools/software and a short artwork description (if applicable). Our advice is to make a portfolio presenting one artwork per single page. We are keen to view page-sized images of your work. We think a maximum of 3 images per page is a good guide. This helps us see the detail of works. However, if you feel that you need to make pages with multiple images, to represent, for instance, documentation of ideas/processes for a wearable device, sensing work, time-based work, sound-based work, etc, that is fine. You must represent your work as you think best. The maximum size for the PDF is 450MB.

    The work in your portfolio might include in relation to disruptive technology:
    concepts
    drawings
    images
    sketches
    diagrams
    prototypes
    websites
    design
    software or source code
    artworks

  • Titles should be included for each image if a work has a title. Please write "Untitled' if a work is without a title, the date the work was made, size (if applicable), production materials/tools/software and a short artwork description (if applicable). We are keen to see project work but also think about whether to include, in your folio, any artwork you make outside of school projects and that you think important and represents your interests in making art.Ìý

  • The PDF should be labelled clearly, e.g. NAME_Portfolio.pdfÌý

Video GuidanceÌý

  • We strongly recommend you submit a short showreel/documentation (video) which may include time-based, technical or performance elements, websites, sketches and concept development (maximum duration time of five minutes and within 450MB). Ìý

  • Applicants can also upload a second video file that feature pages from sketchbooks if you think it would be useful to help us understand your work (maximum duration time of five minutes and within 450MB).

  • Each file should be labelled clearly, e.g. NAME_showreel.mp4 Ìý

  • Please note we can only accept MPEG, .MOV or MP4 files.Ìý

Portfolio GuidanceÌý

What are we looking for in your portfolio?Ìý

When you apply to the Slade you will be asked to send a digital portfolio of your work.Ìý

A portfolio needs to tell the story of your development so far.Ìý

You can present work chronologically, or the work you value most at the front.Ìý

General tips:Ìý

  • Focus on key works, it is good practice to start with your strongest work first.Ìý

  • Show your skills and experience of working with different methods and mediums.Ìý

  • If you are applying straight from school, include work you have made in your own time. We are interested in your interests and passions.Ìý

  • Work does not have to be polished, we are also interested in seeing how you make work, what your processes are and your use of different material and experimentation.Ìý

Labelling and annotationÌý

  • Title of workÌý

  • Year and month the work was madeÌý

  • Size/duration (if applicable)Ìý

  • Production materials/tools/softwareÌý

  • A short artwork description (if applicable)Ìý

  • Keep it conciseÌý

Please can you give advice on how to make a successful digital portfolio, especially if I am applying straight from school?Ìý

If you are applying straight from school, your portfolio has to demonstrate ideas and a scope of work that extends your A level or your IB projects. Although your coursework will form a large part of your portfolio, we would like your portfolio to show independence of thought, experimentation and in-depth investigations of ideas that really interest you.Ìý