The Process
My video call consultations are available to anyone interested in refining and improving their art portfolio. This would be of particular benefit to a student optimizing their portfolio for more likely acceptance into an art & design university, or to a current art student seeking to fine-tune their portfolio for professional purposes. While art schools’ curricula and visual art careers can vary, the principles of a good art portfolio remain consistent. I will guide you in conveying the perfect representation of your talent and ability to admissions faculty and/or employers.
Some of the key points of discussion in a 30-minute consultation would be the quantity of work, range and variety of work, originality of concepts & ideas, clarity of concepts & ideas, representation of technical skill, draftsmanship quality, media proficiency, strengths to emphasize, direction for future work, relevance to academic path or career path, production quality and image priority. A 60-minute consultation would include all the above as well as fine point examination of individual works.
Foremost consideration would be given to the portfolio’s overall objectives. A pre art school student portfolio would best emphasize raw technical skill or talent and creative range. My experience with portfolio screening and university admissions has demonstrated that these qualities are very attractive to admissions faculty. A graduating art student’s portfolio would best emphasize refined skill and a unique, personal creative vision. Focus being on the graduate’s readiness for professional opportunities. Additional discussion points could be strategies for future portfolio development and creative growth, seeking and utilizing inspiration, career advisement, the challenges and rewards of freelance vs employment.
My Professional and Academic Experience
I’ve had a lifetime commitment to art and creativity. While in high school I was twice awarded scholarships to the Art Gallery of Ontario Gallery School. After graduation I was accepted into the Ontario College of Art & Design (now OCAD University). There I majored in Illustration and minored in Editorial Design. Electives ranged from typography, printmaking, 3D design, ceramics, woodworking, experimental painting, sculpture and digital art. I graduated in 1991 and began my career as a freelance illustrator which I continue to the present. My art has been commissioned within a vast range of industries and applications: Publishing, products, murals, identity & branding, packaging, advertising, animation to name but a few. (See CV for partial client list). In addition, my work is presently licensed worldwide through Junique and others.
Since 2005 I have been a Faculty of Design professor at OCAD University in Toronto. See Curriculum Vitae page for details. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I am directly involved in admissions screening and portfolio reviews.
Feel free to email me with any questions.