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Submitted Question:
Hey, same person who asked the last questions, thanks for answering them! I just have a few more, can my sketches/observational and perspective drawings be digital? Or would traditional be more preferred? And with regards to graphic design, what does the general route consist of? I couldn't find enough details to satisfy my curiosity. And what is the social sciences route about? How would exactly designing benefit me in that area, I'm a little confused about that. Thank you!
Answer:
Hi there! Your questions regarding what to include in the portfolio can be answered here. Regarding your questions to the design routes: check out the Bachelor of Design webpage on the UofA website! Your questions should be answered over there in detail.
Submitted Question:
Hi! I am currently in my first year (psych) and I plan to switch over to art and design after I take Art 134 and/or Des 135 or build up a portfolio with new art. I am just wondering if I can make an online portfolio instead of a physical one? Also, I am interested in going into design so should my portfolio be centred more around that? Would photography count towards design? Also, which route would benefit me more if I want to go into graphic designing? Thank you :)
Answer:
Hello there! You are absolutely able to submit an online portfolio instead of a physical one! Your portfolio should be predominantly design related. However, we recommend adding a variety of observational and perspective drawings to demonstrate your draftsmanship skills. Feel free to include a couple pieces of photography as well since you are choosing to go into graphic design. In terms of routes, there is not any particular route that would benefit you the most. We recommend you pick a route based on your own interests and future endeavours. For example, if you plan to start your own business, taking the Business route would help you in the future.
Submitted Question:
Hey, I just found out about this bdes engineering program. I’m an incoming general sci student. Would there be any way to transfer over? Would I have to hand in a portfolio?
Additionally, could I go on to do a masters in architecture with a bdes engg degree? Thank you :D
Answer:
Hey there! You can absolutely transfer over! Yes, you must hand in a portfolio when applying to the BDes program. I recommend emailing our Undergraduate Advisor, Caitlin Wells, for more specific details. Furthermore, you can check out the Portfolio Guidelines on the U of A website to help you while you set up your portfolio!
Yes, you can go on to do a masters in Architecture with a BDes Engg degree! It is a very common route for designers to take. I recommend doing some research on other schools you may apply to based on your own preferences in terms of price, location, and education!
Submitted Question:
Hello,
I recently found out about this association and I'm interested in joining however, I would like to know more about the SDA. What exactly do you do? Do you host regular meetings, if so when, where and at what time(s)?
Ps, I'm a first year student.
Answer:
Hey There! Hope you are doing well! The SDA is an organization that aims to help the design community within campus. We host mixers, have guest lectures and overall support and empower design students to be as successful as they can be! We do host regular meetings, once a week to be specific, but the schedule is chosen according the individuals involved, as we want to make sure everyone is able to attend. If you have any other questions please feel free to attend our elections panel! There you can find more on how to join and what we do!
Submitted Question:
Hi there, how hard is it to get in? How 'experienced' does your portfolio need to be? Thanks!
Answer:
Hey there!
This is a VERY COMMON and yet very difficult question to answer. There is not a specific way to measure “hardness” as is it very relative to the person, however what I can say with confidence is that they are not looking for professionals. If you were a professional, then you wouldn’t need to come into our program! So it’s ok if you are not an expert yet.
In terms of what they are expecting to see.. that is also hard to say. The standards are set by our program coordinators so I wouldn’t be able to answer that. Word of advice, show variety. Let them know you can draw, paint, build, etc.. whatever showcases your talents or interests. Also don’t be afraid to add some personality to your portfolio (as long as it is appropriate/professional) that is always a good way to stand out!
A method I utilized was to look at other university’s examples of student portfolios. For instance, if you want to go into Industrial Design, here are some examples from Carleton University. This is not to suggest that you should copy them, or compare your work to them (as most of these are more advanced portfolios) but are just to be used as references on how to showcase your work. In a similar manner you can also take a look at portfolios that reflect ideal VCD practices and see how you can incorporate those into your own work.
Here are the portfolio guidelines regarding the UofA.
And please remember this advice is from a student perspective. I am not a professional. These are just things I found helpful.
If you have any more questions you should talk to Caitlin Wells.