BA (Hons) Surface Pattern and Textile Design

Introduction

The portfolio review is an essential part of the selection process for this course. Here, you will find all the information you need to prepare you for the review.

It is also your opportunity to learn more about us, meet the teaching staff, see our facilities and ask questions that help inform your decision.

• Drawing – Good, analytical, observational drawing and mark making using a variety of drawing techniques and media.
• Evidence of sequential, logical idea development–a project that has a beginning (the use of first-hand information, its source–research –drawing), a middle (ideas, design development) and an end (conclusion, product).
• Good use of colour –observed colour, considered colour, selective use of colour. In design work, we also like to see where a particular colour palette has originated. Has your colour choice been though a journey or has it been a sudden thought?
• Materials and surface –work that demonstrates your skills in material and fabric manipulation, mixed media or stitch.
• A sense of ‘you’ – sketchbook work demonstrating the ability that you are able to think for yourself (some of your time will be untutored at the University and it is important that you show evidence that you are able to work independently).

The BA (Hons) Surface Pattern and Textile Design course at Staffordshire University is a practical course, so as part of the selection process we would like to see some of the work that you have already made, either during your studies and/or in your own time.

• Your portfolio will be used as a point of discussion, and for you to be able to promote your skills and interests.
• Be prepared to express your thoughts and feelings around your ideas and tell us your career aspirations.
• Demonstrate with enthusiasm, textile/pattern design awareness. Can you name designers? Which magazines do you read? What exhibitions have you been to?
• We are looking for potential, not the finished article. However, your personality and passion for the subject is vital. We are looking to find out about you , and what inspires you.

If you would like to send in a digital portfolio in addition to a physical one, then we would like you to send us a selection of the work in advance of your interview. Your portfolio can comprise either a PowerPoint presentation, images of your work in either a PDF or JPEG format or the URL link to an online website where you have uploaded examples of your work.

If you are sending in several different files, please number the files and add an index/contents page so that we know which piece is which.

• Please upload your 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 file name such as ‘My Portfolio’ is fine.

Please arrive at the Henrion Gallery 15 minutes before your session time to register.

A member of staff will collect and escort you to the subject area where you will have a group course presentation 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.

• 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.