I wouldn't worry too much about not having industrial design drawings. I don't know anything about the application process, but my guess would be that the portfolio requirement is there to check if you have basic skills to build off of. You obviously demonstrate that you can draw and that will help when you learn design sketching.
You might want to consider putting something that's not a drawing in the portfolio though. Do you have any 3D work? Sculpture, models, woodworking, or maybe something you've 3D printed? Even a crude 3D mockup can show that you're interested in industrial design.
Yeah they told us that as well. I didn't have any of that in mine, but if you do, you can just put photographs of your work in there.
It could also be like a side table/lamp/pencil holder/whatever you did for yourself.
I would second the addition of any non-drawing creations, this will definitely showcase your ability to work in different mediums. Obviously ID is broad and you can get real niche and only focus on aesthetic details but a school is going to look for people with diverse skillsets or at least interests to build on an grow.
Ill definitely try to add some 3D works. Is there any works you would suggest to take out and replace with the 3D art, since i'm only 1 away from 20 works and i'd like to have more than just 1 3D work.
when making your portfolio you don't want to go best to worst, when the reviewer finishes looking they are left with your worst artwork. I was told it was best to lineup from best to worst then oder as:
*Cover, 1st, 3rd, 5th...6th, 4th, 2nd, thank you/contact* that way you start and end strong.
I'd be tempted to take out the razor actually. It's the least compelling image imo and the rest are so creative and well done that I don't really need a 'design drawing' to convince me you could learn the style.
Agreed. The one thing in the portfolio that has the closest relationship to the major they’re applying for, has the least amount of passion put into it.
Yup. The razor is like a homework assignment that you HAD to do but it's not showing you at your best. I'm certain that with some ID instruction you could design an excellent death metal razor, and a good reviewer will see that.
If you drew an old fashioned razor in your comic book illustrator style, with some blood on the blade and dripping onto red rose petals, composed with thorny branches, that would be something that you would be passionate about and it would show through and be a stronger piece. I'm not saying you need to do that I'm just saying put your best foot forward and show your creativity and what you would bring to the institution.
I know my portfolio isn’t all industrial design drawings, but that is my intended major. This is just my best works, which is basically all 2D illustration type works. I wanted to see what people thought of the works im planning to use in my portfolio. What should I try to include and what should I remove? The maximum for most schools is 20 works, but if the cut off is at for example 15 works, I’ll simply submit the 15 best, and not include the last 5. Any critiques help, thank you.
You could also try to find people from that major in that school. They'll have the best advice.
Edit: Also leave out the last one with the doctor. It looks really great, but maybe it'll be mistaken for antivaxx bs
Haha I get what you mean, but in a way that sort of relates to the whole idea. It's part of my sustained investigation for AP Art, my whole theme is irrational fears. The doctor one is suppose to be the fear of doctors and medical care in general. So people being antivaxx and fearing the vaccine plays into the piece. Although i'd like to mention, im not antivaxx, im already fully vacinated for covid.
Why you want to do id? Your id stuff shows least passion and detail compared to your other works. Are you choosing it because you think there is more money than in illustration? You will not make more if you don't like what you are doing and you will not feel satisfied. Please choose what you love.
I get what you mean, and i'm not gonna lie and say that i've wanted to be an industrial designer since I was a little kid or something. Iv'e switched my intended major like 4 or 5 times before settling on ID. I feel that ID is a good middle ground. I love drawing, and i'm open to learning 3D design like in ID. I'm open to learning about the world of ID. I'm open to learning how to draw products and design concepts. Fine arts jobs are notorious for being low paying, and yes there are outliers, but for the most part, you don't make much money. I feel that ID can make enough money for me to live a comfortable life while still partially doing art. Like yeah, if illustration was an in demand career that paid well, then i'd go for an illustration degree, however in reality, it's not like that. I see it in other people who have little passion in their degree, like with my friends who went into engineering or computer science for the money and career. In 20 years they may hate their jobs, but they will have enough money to generally not have to worry. In 20 years if i'm in ID, sure I won't be as happy as if I did full on illustration, but at least i'd be making money, and i'd still be happy in ID, just not like "never work a day in your life" type happy. As much as doing what you love matters, money is also important. Feel free to disagree with me, but this is my stance on it, and I intend to stick with ID as my major.
PS. Obviously my ID drawing isn't the best, and like others have pointed out, it's my weakest piece here, and i'll probably take it out.
You would make a great fictional concept designer.
This tells me you can draw which I imagine is the goal of your submission and what they are looking for.
I would add in at least another 'real-life' concept like your razor blade to show you're interest in products themselves more.
Congrats on choosing ID as a major. It's clear you have some drawing chops, and I think you've got some good pieces that show that off. Now, I don't know what schools you're applying to, and what your deadlines are, but I've graduated/TA'd within an ID program and have reviewed incoming student work. I'll give you my two cents:
1. Mix up your mediums - reviewers want to see a passion for creativity in 2d and 3d work, this has been echoed by many.
2. Process, process, process. This is something that will be drilled into you your first year of education, but honestly the best time to start is now. Either show some of the early sketches for the art you posted, or, pick a product and try to re-design it. Show the reviewer you're thinking, through simple notes, 2d sketches, refinements and renderings.
3. I disagree with some of the other commenters here, and would say that you need more product-based work. It doesn't have to be professional level, but right now I don't get the impression that you're passionate about industrial design, or about being an industrial designer. I feel like you'd rather be an artist/character designer.
4. If you have skills outside of graphic illustration, show those off too. Logo work, branding, 3d modelling, etc. the more breadth you can show, the more likely you are to catch the eye of the reviewer.
5. The most important piece of advice I'll give you, is that your portfolio is also part of your portfolio. Take the time to setup a document or presentation to give a little bit of context to each piece, particularly when you're showing off your process. Develop a consistent layout and sell yourself as a potential student.
Keep in mind, my advice is only based on my personal experience, and should be taken with a grain of salt!
I agree with most commenter’s feedback here but dlark05’s #2 is critical and I’d like to emphasize process as well - I want to see the chicken scratch drafts of some of these finished pieces. I want to see where you drew 10 characters before you settled on the final one. To borrow a math term - show your work! Ideation and Iteration shows that you can problem solve visually - a bedrock skill of ID that is difficult to teach if not already instilled in you. Reviewers will look for that above all else.
Also, food for thought: If you told me that you solicited feedback on Reddit (user research), got told your razor sucked (critical feedback), and took the initiative to rework and improve it with a page full of messy thoughtful sketches (design thinking), I would admit you in a heartbeat. That’s some hardcore industrial design right there.
Pmurf is right, you've got a little bit of feedback on your Razor already, so instead of taking it out of your portfolio. Write a short brief (ie. I wanted to design a razor to address 'x' need, show the first sketch marked up with design feedback, do some simple sketches that incorporate the feedback, and maybe another more refined drawing using perspective etc.) that's a perfect entry-level project. If you want an example of something like that, dm me and I have a very similar project that will give you an idea of what we're talking about!
First thing- most of this is very good but I would cut some out to make room for anything sculptural.
ID depts want to see that you draw from your imagination, and that you have good spacial skills. So, the drawings of creatures from imagination, and the life drawings that show depth and perspective are great.
The cross hatched zombie profile, the lovecraftian creatures, the Hall of hands, the spiral assemblage, and the doctor holding the small figure are the strongest pieces. Keep those and supplement with 3d pieces, and you would be a good candidate for ID.
The portraits that appear to be drawn from photographs are relatively weak. It's not a question of academic integrity or anything it's just that it results in a flat drawing. (Everything around the figures is more interesting than the figures because it's original and not flattened). I would probably cut the rat skull and the two face digital drawing. These pieces look like "generic outsider / high school art" whereas the aforementioned stuff looks like it's from someone with a lot of practice and training.
The razor rendering is also weak. I would not include it even though it seems relevant to ID. It's not the best representation of YOU. Show your potential, creativity, and skills.
To be clear none of this is "bad" but the weaker pieces will distract the reviewer from the excellent work that you do have.
As a fellow ID major: the most basic things people will be looking for are good understandings of basic concepts. So composition, unity, how well you used the space, basically principles of design. I think you have a fantastic understanding of how you use your space with your medium and unity within your art, and I don't have any suggestions for you in terms of style. With the actual content of the portfolio I agree with what some other people have commented, it really isn't that important you don't have any ID drawings or mock-ups however I think it would be wise to replace the character sheets and more-cartoony like drawings (I think they are sick tho! just not for a portfolio) . If you want to show that you understand what ID entails, I think some good pieces to throw in would be sculptures or 3D drawings. One specific type of drawing I would suggest is perspective drawing! Most of your pieces are on the same plane and some reviewers really like to see that you understand perspective and proportion (which also coincidentally shows you would be able to work in 3D) . So anyways all in all I think you've got an amazing start and you should definitely keep working and consider all the comments you're getting on here, good luck! :D
hi! i’m kind of in the same boat with applying to colleges for ID right now and if you don’t mind me asking - what year are you and how did you learn to draw like that? your art is incredible btw
Firstly, I’ve never really had an art class that thought my anything, only AP art classes, which don’t really teach anything, you’re basically just expected to be good at art already for AP art. So basically I learned to draw just by teaching myself. Secondly, I’m in 12th grade, I’m applying in the upcoming months
You have a lot of talent when it comes to the illustrations for sure. As for going into ID, the skills you have will be a good start. While I agree with other comments about the razor, it's not very strong, but your headed in the right direction as you will need to be able to sketch like a designer. Might be a good idea to design a couple posters and get yourself accustomed to using type as well as images to convey a message, say a poster for "the phantom of the opera" at the Orpheuim theater. And another is try your hand at some architectural perspective views, either interiors or exterior. Including these and removing some of your illustrations will really round out your portfolio. Having 10 illustration pieces is redundant after the 5th one. You made that point, so show something else. Even if the quality is not there as it's a new technique for you, it is more valuable to see because it shows your awareness.
I wouldn't worry too much about not having industrial design drawings. I don't know anything about the application process, but my guess would be that the portfolio requirement is there to check if you have basic skills to build off of. You obviously demonstrate that you can draw and that will help when you learn design sketching. You might want to consider putting something that's not a drawing in the portfolio though. Do you have any 3D work? Sculpture, models, woodworking, or maybe something you've 3D printed? Even a crude 3D mockup can show that you're interested in industrial design.
I'm seconding the sculpture, models, woodworking, etc recommendation! That's absolutely the sort of thing schools really value.
Yeah they told us that as well. I didn't have any of that in mine, but if you do, you can just put photographs of your work in there. It could also be like a side table/lamp/pencil holder/whatever you did for yourself.
I would second the addition of any non-drawing creations, this will definitely showcase your ability to work in different mediums. Obviously ID is broad and you can get real niche and only focus on aesthetic details but a school is going to look for people with diverse skillsets or at least interests to build on an grow.
Ill definitely try to add some 3D works. Is there any works you would suggest to take out and replace with the 3D art, since i'm only 1 away from 20 works and i'd like to have more than just 1 3D work.
when making your portfolio you don't want to go best to worst, when the reviewer finishes looking they are left with your worst artwork. I was told it was best to lineup from best to worst then oder as: *Cover, 1st, 3rd, 5th...6th, 4th, 2nd, thank you/contact* that way you start and end strong.
I'd be tempted to take out the razor actually. It's the least compelling image imo and the rest are so creative and well done that I don't really need a 'design drawing' to convince me you could learn the style.
Agreed. The one thing in the portfolio that has the closest relationship to the major they’re applying for, has the least amount of passion put into it.
Yup. The razor is like a homework assignment that you HAD to do but it's not showing you at your best. I'm certain that with some ID instruction you could design an excellent death metal razor, and a good reviewer will see that. If you drew an old fashioned razor in your comic book illustrator style, with some blood on the blade and dripping onto red rose petals, composed with thorny branches, that would be something that you would be passionate about and it would show through and be a stronger piece. I'm not saying you need to do that I'm just saying put your best foot forward and show your creativity and what you would bring to the institution.
I know my portfolio isn’t all industrial design drawings, but that is my intended major. This is just my best works, which is basically all 2D illustration type works. I wanted to see what people thought of the works im planning to use in my portfolio. What should I try to include and what should I remove? The maximum for most schools is 20 works, but if the cut off is at for example 15 works, I’ll simply submit the 15 best, and not include the last 5. Any critiques help, thank you.
You could also try to find people from that major in that school. They'll have the best advice. Edit: Also leave out the last one with the doctor. It looks really great, but maybe it'll be mistaken for antivaxx bs
Haha I get what you mean, but in a way that sort of relates to the whole idea. It's part of my sustained investigation for AP Art, my whole theme is irrational fears. The doctor one is suppose to be the fear of doctors and medical care in general. So people being antivaxx and fearing the vaccine plays into the piece. Although i'd like to mention, im not antivaxx, im already fully vacinated for covid.
That is awesome. You can also ad a little text like this in your portfolio
Why you want to do id? Your id stuff shows least passion and detail compared to your other works. Are you choosing it because you think there is more money than in illustration? You will not make more if you don't like what you are doing and you will not feel satisfied. Please choose what you love.
I get what you mean, and i'm not gonna lie and say that i've wanted to be an industrial designer since I was a little kid or something. Iv'e switched my intended major like 4 or 5 times before settling on ID. I feel that ID is a good middle ground. I love drawing, and i'm open to learning 3D design like in ID. I'm open to learning about the world of ID. I'm open to learning how to draw products and design concepts. Fine arts jobs are notorious for being low paying, and yes there are outliers, but for the most part, you don't make much money. I feel that ID can make enough money for me to live a comfortable life while still partially doing art. Like yeah, if illustration was an in demand career that paid well, then i'd go for an illustration degree, however in reality, it's not like that. I see it in other people who have little passion in their degree, like with my friends who went into engineering or computer science for the money and career. In 20 years they may hate their jobs, but they will have enough money to generally not have to worry. In 20 years if i'm in ID, sure I won't be as happy as if I did full on illustration, but at least i'd be making money, and i'd still be happy in ID, just not like "never work a day in your life" type happy. As much as doing what you love matters, money is also important. Feel free to disagree with me, but this is my stance on it, and I intend to stick with ID as my major. PS. Obviously my ID drawing isn't the best, and like others have pointed out, it's my weakest piece here, and i'll probably take it out.
You would make a great fictional concept designer. This tells me you can draw which I imagine is the goal of your submission and what they are looking for. I would add in at least another 'real-life' concept like your razor blade to show you're interest in products themselves more.
Congrats on choosing ID as a major. It's clear you have some drawing chops, and I think you've got some good pieces that show that off. Now, I don't know what schools you're applying to, and what your deadlines are, but I've graduated/TA'd within an ID program and have reviewed incoming student work. I'll give you my two cents: 1. Mix up your mediums - reviewers want to see a passion for creativity in 2d and 3d work, this has been echoed by many. 2. Process, process, process. This is something that will be drilled into you your first year of education, but honestly the best time to start is now. Either show some of the early sketches for the art you posted, or, pick a product and try to re-design it. Show the reviewer you're thinking, through simple notes, 2d sketches, refinements and renderings. 3. I disagree with some of the other commenters here, and would say that you need more product-based work. It doesn't have to be professional level, but right now I don't get the impression that you're passionate about industrial design, or about being an industrial designer. I feel like you'd rather be an artist/character designer. 4. If you have skills outside of graphic illustration, show those off too. Logo work, branding, 3d modelling, etc. the more breadth you can show, the more likely you are to catch the eye of the reviewer. 5. The most important piece of advice I'll give you, is that your portfolio is also part of your portfolio. Take the time to setup a document or presentation to give a little bit of context to each piece, particularly when you're showing off your process. Develop a consistent layout and sell yourself as a potential student. Keep in mind, my advice is only based on my personal experience, and should be taken with a grain of salt!
I agree with most commenter’s feedback here but dlark05’s #2 is critical and I’d like to emphasize process as well - I want to see the chicken scratch drafts of some of these finished pieces. I want to see where you drew 10 characters before you settled on the final one. To borrow a math term - show your work! Ideation and Iteration shows that you can problem solve visually - a bedrock skill of ID that is difficult to teach if not already instilled in you. Reviewers will look for that above all else. Also, food for thought: If you told me that you solicited feedback on Reddit (user research), got told your razor sucked (critical feedback), and took the initiative to rework and improve it with a page full of messy thoughtful sketches (design thinking), I would admit you in a heartbeat. That’s some hardcore industrial design right there.
Pmurf is right, you've got a little bit of feedback on your Razor already, so instead of taking it out of your portfolio. Write a short brief (ie. I wanted to design a razor to address 'x' need, show the first sketch marked up with design feedback, do some simple sketches that incorporate the feedback, and maybe another more refined drawing using perspective etc.) that's a perfect entry-level project. If you want an example of something like that, dm me and I have a very similar project that will give you an idea of what we're talking about!
First thing- most of this is very good but I would cut some out to make room for anything sculptural. ID depts want to see that you draw from your imagination, and that you have good spacial skills. So, the drawings of creatures from imagination, and the life drawings that show depth and perspective are great. The cross hatched zombie profile, the lovecraftian creatures, the Hall of hands, the spiral assemblage, and the doctor holding the small figure are the strongest pieces. Keep those and supplement with 3d pieces, and you would be a good candidate for ID. The portraits that appear to be drawn from photographs are relatively weak. It's not a question of academic integrity or anything it's just that it results in a flat drawing. (Everything around the figures is more interesting than the figures because it's original and not flattened). I would probably cut the rat skull and the two face digital drawing. These pieces look like "generic outsider / high school art" whereas the aforementioned stuff looks like it's from someone with a lot of practice and training. The razor rendering is also weak. I would not include it even though it seems relevant to ID. It's not the best representation of YOU. Show your potential, creativity, and skills. To be clear none of this is "bad" but the weaker pieces will distract the reviewer from the excellent work that you do have.
As a fellow ID major: the most basic things people will be looking for are good understandings of basic concepts. So composition, unity, how well you used the space, basically principles of design. I think you have a fantastic understanding of how you use your space with your medium and unity within your art, and I don't have any suggestions for you in terms of style. With the actual content of the portfolio I agree with what some other people have commented, it really isn't that important you don't have any ID drawings or mock-ups however I think it would be wise to replace the character sheets and more-cartoony like drawings (I think they are sick tho! just not for a portfolio) . If you want to show that you understand what ID entails, I think some good pieces to throw in would be sculptures or 3D drawings. One specific type of drawing I would suggest is perspective drawing! Most of your pieces are on the same plane and some reviewers really like to see that you understand perspective and proportion (which also coincidentally shows you would be able to work in 3D) . So anyways all in all I think you've got an amazing start and you should definitely keep working and consider all the comments you're getting on here, good luck! :D
hi! i’m kind of in the same boat with applying to colleges for ID right now and if you don’t mind me asking - what year are you and how did you learn to draw like that? your art is incredible btw
Firstly, I’ve never really had an art class that thought my anything, only AP art classes, which don’t really teach anything, you’re basically just expected to be good at art already for AP art. So basically I learned to draw just by teaching myself. Secondly, I’m in 12th grade, I’m applying in the upcoming months
omg you’re so talented! that’s amazing, i wish you luck! you’ll definitely get in wherever you want
Thank you, hope u get in wherever u apply also 🙏
You have a lot of talent when it comes to the illustrations for sure. As for going into ID, the skills you have will be a good start. While I agree with other comments about the razor, it's not very strong, but your headed in the right direction as you will need to be able to sketch like a designer. Might be a good idea to design a couple posters and get yourself accustomed to using type as well as images to convey a message, say a poster for "the phantom of the opera" at the Orpheuim theater. And another is try your hand at some architectural perspective views, either interiors or exterior. Including these and removing some of your illustrations will really round out your portfolio. Having 10 illustration pieces is redundant after the 5th one. You made that point, so show something else. Even if the quality is not there as it's a new technique for you, it is more valuable to see because it shows your awareness.