Introduction

The Portfolio Review event is all about you. We want to show you the amazing facilities we have, talk to you about the course(s) you are interested in and give you the opportunity to ask questions. You will also get to experience what it’s like being in a class by taking a workshop related to your chosen course(s) as well chatting to students and tutors.

We will also provide you with the opportunity to talk about why your chosen subject area excites you and for you to demonstrate your skills, talent and capability by way of a portfolio of work.

The purpose of the portfolio review is to try and assess your potential and ability to succeed from the course. This will take the form of a discussion around your range of interests and focus on your portfolio of work.

Here is some guidance of the kind of work we’d like to see for each of the courses. Of course, if you’ve got something more, we’d be more than happy to see it

• Original character, creature and/or environment designs that show an understanding of concept art requirements
• Strong Traditional drawing skills (including Portraiture and life drawing)
• Sketchbook full of ideas, doodles, observations and studies
• Demonstration of interests in different styles

You can also include any digital art – 2D or 3D – that you might have done. A small amount of fan art is acceptable but should not form the majority of your portfolio.

If you’re applying for BA(Hons) Concept Art (with Foundation Year)

• Strong Traditional drawing skills (including Portraiture and life drawing)
• Diverse portfolio showcasing creativity
• Drawing and creativity potential

The BA(Hons)Concept Art for Games and Film course at Staffordshire University is a practical course, so as part of the selection process we would like to see what you’ve been working on. we want to have a chat with you about your aspirations and career goals. We would like to see examples of your work prior to meeting you. We have included details of where to submit this below

The best way to do this is to photograph your physical work carefully and clearly with a camera or your phone. Upload the images, along with any digital work you have done, to either https://www.artstation.com (you will need to create a free account) or Instagram (again, you will need to create an account if you do not already have one). On the day you can still bring Sketch books full of observational drawing, life drawing and ideas are more important than finished pieces. Digital work is best presented via an online portfolio. We’ll happily go through additional physical artwork and sketchbooks. This is entirely up to you – the key is that you showcase who you are, and your passion.

It is important to remember that we are looking for potential and a snapshot of who you are creatively right now.

Here is some guidance of the kind of work we’d like to see for each of the courses. Of course, if you’ve got something more, we’d be more than happy to see it

• Please upload a text document with a link your online portfolio to your applicant portal which you can access here.
• When you log in to the portal, click the ‘My Applications & Course’ tab at the top of the screen.
• On the next page, in the ‘Actions’ box, you will see the name of your course with a hyperlink asking you to upload your portfolio evidence, click that and it will take you to an upload page
• Select the file that you are uploading from your computer.
• You will be asked to name the file before you upload it; a simple filename such as ‘My Portfolio’ is fine.

Please arrive at the Flaxman Foyer 15 minutes before your session time to register. A member of staff will collect and escort you where you need to go:

What to expect on the day

• You will have a group course presentation on studying concept art at Staffordshire University.
• You’ll experience what it’s like to study at Staffs with a digital painting workshop delivered by one of our Concept Art lecturers
• This followed by your individual portfolio review with an academic.
• You will discuss your portfolio, your interests and have an opportunity to ask any questions about the course and studying at Staffordshire University.

The whole experience is expected to take about 90 minutes from collection.

What if you can’t make the portfolio review

Please let the admin team know in advance and we’ll make move your portfolio review to another day

If you have circumstances which mean you cannot attend the event in person, please contact the appropriate course leader and we’ll have a conversation.

• Concept Art for Games and Film BA(Hons) anthony.martin@staffs.ac.uk
• Concept Art for Games and Film with Foundation Year BA(Hons) nicola.griffiths@staffs.ac.uk

• Your portfolio will be used as a point of discussion and for you to promote your skills and interests. It is an opportunity for you to express your thoughts and feelings around your ideas and tell us about your career aspirations
• We are looking for potential, not the finished article; your personality and passion for the subject is vital
• We would like you to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm in the subject area
• Course awareness. How does this course differ from other similar courses? What attracts you to Staffordshire University?
• Your personality. We promise to try to find the real you behind any nerves you may have
• Don’t worry, we’re looking for potential, not the finished article

There may instances whereby the portfolio review highlights an applicant isn’t suited to the course.

Examples of this include:

• When their passion lies elsewhere – making artwork for themselves (not clients/to a set brief), making comic books, storyboarding, focusing on animation, etc
• When they do not wish to use 3D
• When they have no interest in games, films, or TV entertainment
• When they do not draw on a regular basis
• When their drawings are immature/unlikely to meet Level 4 criteria within the year

Typically, where an applicant’s portfolio isn’t suited to their chosen, it may be suited to something else.