Portfolio requirements
Portfolio Requirements for AL020 and AL052
The work presented should have been carried out during the past two years and must be the result of your own observations. Reproductions i.e. drawings or paintings copied from magazines, books, etc. should not be included. Edit your portfolio – demonstrate your ability to be selective. Aim for quality, not quantity.
The portfolio should contain a minimum of 15 presentation sheets of art and design work, A1 or A2 size.
Drawing
Studies in line and tone, based on your immediate environment, including life drawing and still life, in a range of media which reflects the subject matter, should be included. Detailed studies from a variety of views are always relevant.
Visual enquiry
Explorations/investigations of an object or a place through studies in line, tone, shape, form, colour and texture should form part of the portfolio. These studies should be the result of careful observation. A wide range of media should always be considered. Full-size and detailed studies from a variety of views should be included. The use of photography, printmaking and collage is also recommended.
Design-based problem solving projects
Include projects demonstrating your ability to solve problems and develop ideas. Projects involving research and analysis, similar to those in the design syllabus of the Leaving Certificate examination, are suitable. Back-up evidence for final pieces of work (the research, analysis, initial sketches and the development of the work) should also be presented.
Sketchbooks
Two sketchbooks, showing the visual development of art and design techniques, design thinking and media manipulation which have become finished pieces in your portfolio. The sketchbooks can also contain work that didn’t make the final presentation as an example of your working process. Sketchbooks should reflect your interests and be a collection of visual information from your environment. A variety of media and approaches should be employed.
