Product, Furniture, Ceramics applicant portfolio review advice

Want to study BA (Hons) Product, Furniture, Ceramics with us?  We’ve got some expert tips and tricks of the trade to help with your portfolio.

Our degree programmes are practical and studio-based, providing valuable hands-on experience. Applicants are evaluated through the portfolio review process.

Here, Course Director for Design Dan Lewis, along with Course Leader Tim Forrester and Senior Lecturer Keeley Marshall give you valuable insights into how to make your work stand out.

Interested in studying with us?  Explore Product, Furniture, Ceramics at University of Staffordshire.

Developing your application portfolio

What should I include in my Product, Furniture, Ceramics university application portfolio?

Include all of your creative outputs.  This could include sketching, drawing, model-making, CAD work, digital sketching, digital rendering, and even links to videos or animations that showcase your ideas.

Material experimentation is useful.   Show that you can handle materials, create prototypes, make sketch models, or produce maquettes and other 3D work.

 

How many pieces or pages should be included in my Product, Furniture, Ceramics degree application portfolio?

Aim for 10–20 pages.  This range gives you enough space to show variety without overwhelming the reviewer.  Focus on projects you’re confident discussing.

   

How should I layout my portfolio?

Again, this is up to you, but try to make it consistent and professional, perhaps start and end with the projects you are most proud of.   Try to show a variety of skills and projects.   It can be digital or physical, and in any size, as long as it clearly expresses your creativity.

 

Should I only show finished pieces?

Not everything you include needs to be a final outcome.  Reviewers want to see your process, including sketches, development work, ideation, and research.

 

Should I include my sketchbooks?

Absolutely.  Sketchbooks are personal and help reviewers get to know how you think and develop ideas.

 

How can I prepare for my interview and review of my Product, Furniture, Ceramics university application portfolio?

Practice talking about your work.  Ask friends or family to question you about your projects so you feel comfortable explaining your ideas.

Again, focus on projects you’re confident discussing, work you can explain clearly and enthusiastically

Product, Furniture, Ceramics application portfolio advice

Video

Advice from our expert teaching team on what to include in your creative portfolio when applying to study BA (Hons) Product, Furniture, Ceramics

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