I don't have the time to upload any examples, but I was a graphic design major and had worked as a designer for a few years when I applied. Aside from some of my photography the whole thing was graphic design and it worked for me. Just show your best work (what ever it may be) and then cross your fingers.

I remember
surfaces posted portions of her fine art portfolio (MArch app) and it was quite stunning. IMO, a beautiful example. I just can't remember where it was posted...

I'm thinking it was in a post about fonts...anyone?
...bueller...bueller...anyone?

look for the long post by nambypambics

From reading posts about similar portfolio concerns I'm left with the impression that portfolios are about doing projects that show careful thought.

I'm in the same boat as you, everett, sans the fine arts background...so hopefully my 'careful though' will cut it.

everett - this thread may help.

that's it rationalist....does surfaces=namby? I didn't make the connection...

I would instead classify my portfolio as commercial design/art (except for 2 sketches). It is not fine art. But... thanks!

If this counts as advice: I didn't need to consciously design the thing; I had a vision of what I wanted it to look like and how to organize it. The year before I applied and the year before that, I could not say the same, as I had too little work I wanted to show and no idea of how to compose it. So I waited to apply until I just knew how I wanted it to be, and also had something to say about the content. Other than including necessary information (conforming with size requirements, including specified name/contact/degree information on the title page) I paid no heed to "What I thought schools would want to see," and instead made a book I wanted to make for myself and would have made whether or not I was applying to school. I placed the most importance on making something that I felt stood alone as a book, not merely a portfolio of work or a vehicle to get into college. If one is meant to be somewhere, that school will like the applicant's portfolio when it is a true reflection of that person, and if they don't like it, then that is outside destiny.

Thanks for the responses, everyone.

The idea of a book that stands alone is very inspiring. I may use that as my focus/starting point, as well. After all, isn't that what any powerful work of design should do?

(nambypambics -- regardless of how your work is classified, the photographs are stunning!)