I have been browsing the many many threads here on portfolio comments, critiques etc. and have seen almost none that post or talk about examples of non-standard size portfolios (smaller than 8 1/2" x 11").
The last few portfolios I have made have always been smaller never 8 1/2" x 11"....one was 7"x10" another 8"x8" etc..
That said I am working on my graduate school portfolio now and wondering if it's better not to make something too custom/fussy and just stick with good content and layout and a standard size.
most school require 8 1/2" x 11" but I am yet to see one here in the states that says it has to be exactly that.
My piece of advice for grad school applications is to not make anything smaller than a4.
Sure, those smaller pamphlet-like portfolios are nice to send to firms as a brief over-view of your work, but I find them too "cutesey" for an M.Arch application. The reviewers want to actually see your work (at a reasonable size without much reduction). Give them the goods!
Hate to be too obvious, but if you really are worried about this, you could always ask the school(s) to see if they have any concerns about what you intend to do.
Also, consider that the admissions department tends to store these portfolios in filing cabinets, and if it's wider/taller than what can fit in said cabinets (which wouldn't be the case for you, as you're going smaller), the department gets a touch frustrated.
Don't forget that looking at 81/2x11 for hours can be boring and once in a while when you get something different it gets peoples attention.
My graduate portfolio (years back) was 5x8 and it consisted of vignettes of projects and got me in all schools applied. If any of those schools had a specific requirement then I would follow it but schools usually don't want you to exceed a specific format, particularly for storage issues.
I've reviewed many portfolios for admissions and employment and having a smaller folio always got my attention for reasons like being handy, elegant etc.
poop876 - thanks for the advice and other side of seeing why a smaller non-standard size portfolio is good. it seems both formats have their pros and cons.
Nov 28, 10 12:33 pm ·
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portfolio size - non standard size ok?
I have been browsing the many many threads here on portfolio comments, critiques etc. and have seen almost none that post or talk about examples of non-standard size portfolios (smaller than 8 1/2" x 11").
The last few portfolios I have made have always been smaller never 8 1/2" x 11"....one was 7"x10" another 8"x8" etc..
That said I am working on my graduate school portfolio now and wondering if it's better not to make something too custom/fussy and just stick with good content and layout and a standard size.
most school require 8 1/2" x 11" but I am yet to see one here in the states that says it has to be exactly that.
thanks for your feedback!
Based on other people's portfolio's that I've seen, my guess is that should be fine.
My piece of advice for grad school applications is to not make anything smaller than a4.
Sure, those smaller pamphlet-like portfolios are nice to send to firms as a brief over-view of your work, but I find them too "cutesey" for an M.Arch application. The reviewers want to actually see your work (at a reasonable size without much reduction). Give them the goods!
Hate to be too obvious, but if you really are worried about this, you could always ask the school(s) to see if they have any concerns about what you intend to do.
IamGray thanks for the comment...straight to the point! yeah if all these people here and that I know are using a4 then it must be for a good reason!
Also, consider that the admissions department tends to store these portfolios in filing cabinets, and if it's wider/taller than what can fit in said cabinets (which wouldn't be the case for you, as you're going smaller), the department gets a touch frustrated.
Don't forget that looking at 81/2x11 for hours can be boring and once in a while when you get something different it gets peoples attention.
My graduate portfolio (years back) was 5x8 and it consisted of vignettes of projects and got me in all schools applied. If any of those schools had a specific requirement then I would follow it but schools usually don't want you to exceed a specific format, particularly for storage issues.
I've reviewed many portfolios for admissions and employment and having a smaller folio always got my attention for reasons like being handy, elegant etc.
Good luck on your applications!
thank u very much
poop876 - thanks for the advice and other side of seeing why a smaller non-standard size portfolio is good. it seems both formats have their pros and cons.
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