Preparing a kid for art/design school (college) archived

My professional portfolio is a link to a website, as well as a link to a downloadable clickable pdf, as well as an iPad presentation (really just iPhoto pictures and movies) for face-to-face interviews. I would assume that, in this day and age, design schools are looking for those formats as well, as opposed to big black cases with printed pieces. Of course if the printed pieces showcase paper stock, or packaging or dimensional popups and reveals, etc, then bringing along those samples is probably a good idea, along with good photos of those projects within the digital portfolio.

Thanks- Kevin's the greatest in helping kids.

I know an honor 2010 grad of SCAD that are working at Barnes & Noble and living w his mom. In the current job market, it's not the most marketable degree. I would have make sure the student takes other classes to have a fallback.

There are plenty of other reasons why a graduate will be working at barnes and noble. I have always told my children to do what makes them happy and follow their passion. This thread was not about job security.

Whether one is 17 years old or 37 years old, it's also possible to have created an amazing portfolio, but to lack the persuasive presentation skills to get the other person (admissions director, employer, client) excited about it.

In commercial design fields (like advertising and marketing, even architecture) it's often said that the most successful creative people aren't necessarily the most "creative" ... rather, they're the best presenters. I don't think your daughter needs to worry about this yet, but it's an important issue to consider down the road.

I agree with you 100 percent, which is why I want to make sure she does whatever she does with confidence.

It has also been proven that "risk takers" (design-wise!) are very, very successful.
For every 3 flops or so there is a MEGA hit and it is worth aiming outta' the park!

My cousin's son goes here:
http://arts.vcu.edu/

True story: At the age of 17, half way through his senior year in high school, he discovered that he had art talent. Not just any art talent -- amazing art talent. How does that happen? Never did any art before then. Anyway, he decides to apply to art colleges, but of course has no portfolio. So my cousin hires an art tutor for him to help him assemble an admissions portfolio in a matter f three months. And he got in.

VCU is an awesome school.

VCU has one of the highest ranked art departments in the country. And, its reasonably priced compared to most art schools ( Cooper Union excepted).

One of my nephews graduated from VCU last year with a degree in Mass Communications/Creative Advertising. He transferred there from another school (where he was having a little too much fun, and probably chose it for their sailing program). He did well at VCU and the programs there seemed to really encourage and foster his creativity.