Los Angeles Portfolio Day 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Otis Admissions Officers Share Their Expert Advice on How to Prepare to This One-Day Event

Los Angeles Portfolio Day is coming to Otis College, which will host the event on Sunday, November 10 from noon to 4:00 p.m. This exciting day gives young artists a chance to showcase their work to top art and design schools. Attendees will have opportunities to meet individually with representatives of accredited colleges and universities and receive valuable feedback and guidance on their portfolio before submitting it as part of an application.

To prepare for L.A. Portfolio Day, here’s everything you need to know before you go, with expert tips from Otis College Admissions officers to help you feel confident and prepared! But first, don’t forget to register.

Pre-Event: How to Prepare for L.A. Portfolio Day

1. Do Your Research

Start by researching the schools attending L.A. Portfolio Day. If you already know your preferred major, look for colleges that excel in that field. Not sure what to major in? Don’t worry! Many schools offer Foundation programs, allowing you to explore different disciplines before choosing a focus.

Check out the list of participating schools and make a plan for which schools you’d like to meet. Stay flexible, though—there’s always room for helpful surprises.

2. Select Your Best Work

At L.A. Portfolio Day you should bring a portfolio of visual artwork that includes your best and most recent work, but it can also include works in progress, sketchbooks, and tear sheets.

Choose your most recent and strongest pieces. Lay out all your work and pick the pieces that showcase your technical skills, represent your creative voice, or do both. A good range is about 5-15 pieces.

Remember, each portfolio review session lasts about 10 minutes, so you won’t have time to discuss every single piece. Make each minute count.

3. Present Your Work Thoughtfully

You can bring either physical artwork or digital images (or both). If you work in 3D, take photos from multiple angles and present them digitally.

Make sure your digital images are organized. We recommend creating a photo album on a mobile device—phone, laptop, or tablet, for example—that’s easy to access. Although wifi will be available on campus, it’s best to prepare offline versions of your work to avoid technical difficulties.

4. Prepare to Discuss Your Work

Expect varied feedback from college reps. Be ready to talk about your pieces and how they reflect your style, process, or future ambitions.

It’s helpful to think through answers to questions like “Tell me about this piece.” Identify any recurring themes or techniques in your work that might pop up as you explain your process.

Day of the Event: Tips for L.A. Portfolio Day

1. Stay Confident

Feeling nervous? It’s completely normal! Take pride in sharing your work beyond family, friends, and teachers. Even if you haven’t had time to prepare everything perfectly, don’t hesitate to attend—everyone understands that some work may still be in progress. Take a deep breath and go for it.

2. Dress Comfortably

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes since you’ll be walking between buildings and might wait in lines both indoors and outdoors. Bring a water bottle and some snacks to stay energized throughout the day. Otis College provides water stations, and our cafe and dining hall will also be open.

3. Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about something or can’t find a school representative, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Otis College staff and student workers will be available to assist you throughout the event.

4. Manage Your Time Wisely

Some schools may have long lines. Decide whether it’s worth waiting for your top-choice colleges or if you’d prefer to get feedback from a variety of schools. Keep a sketchbook or notebook handy to jot down key points from your reviews.

Post-Event: What to Do After L.A. Portfolio Day

1. Reflect on the Feedback

Now that you’ve gathered feedback from different schools, take time to sort through it. What advice excites you? What suggestions don’t align with your artistic vision? Remember, it’s your portfolio, and you have control over which advice you want to implement.

2. Make Actionable Lists

Create lists to help you organize the feedback:

• New ideas to explore
• Mediums or techniques to try
• Themes to continue working on
• Pieces that were well-received (and why)
• Pieces that need more work (and why)

3. Do More Research

Did a representative suggest schools or majors you hadn’t considered? Now’s the time to research those options further. Explore the programs and see if they resonate with your artistic goals.

Join Us for Portfolio Day Pro on October 17

If you want even more tips or have additional questions, join us for Portfolio Day Pro—a special Zoom session to get you fully prepared—on October 17 from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Register online.

We hope these tips help you feel confident and ready for L.A. Portfolio Day. Remember, whether you’ve meticulously followed all the tips or are simply showing up with your art, you’re already making an important step toward your future.

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