Where about in CT? I am from up by UCONN.


Portfolio - I'd just go for variety. Photos look good, sketches don't look bad, probably skip that graphic design (bottom looked fine, logo looks a little confusing)

Go for quality, too. You don't need a ton of photos or sketches or anything, just add the best.


Statement - dunno. I agree with your idea, but not sure if it is too specific for an intro paragraph. I'd probably keep it safe and blab some general passion, your interests, etc., maybe with a quick reference.

It sounds more like what you would do your thesis on or a project.

I wouldn't put emphasis on having a kid. Again, you can toss it in, but I don't think you get points for or against - that's just your personal life that some will look at as "he won't have enough time" others might say "good for him for not sleeping at all", etc.


Good luck.

Some of your photographs are def. amazing. Just be really picky and only put your very best photos in. I think photography can be especially difficult in portfolios, just because it's so easy to point and shoot with a camera -- anyone can do it and put crappy photos in their portfolio. Many people don't understand that photography is an art in itself, and it takes years to hone your craft. But I really like your photos, definitely include some of them.

I also would not include the graphic design. I also like your conceptual sketches (like the first one) more than the fully-fleshed ones.

As far as your personal statement goes, I think schools understand that you're coming from an non-arch background, and they want to see why you want to go into architecture. IMO, a generic statement about architecture is not the way to go. Maybe you don't have to make the whole thing about your about your idea, but I say include it -- it shows that you've been thinking about architecture and why you want to do it. Grad schools don't expect non-arch students to have fully-formed theories/conclusions about architecture, and yours will probably change over the next three years anyway, but being different is a good thing in your apps; you want to stand out.

anyway, hope it helps, but what do I know, I'm going through this whole process too.

As I stated before, call the schools to which you are applying and ask the questions about what they look for in the application materials.

Also, visit Portfolio Design -- www.portfoliodesign.com -- for ideas of "designing" your portfolio. You can include photos, but do not do so exclusively. Schools will want to see sketches, drawings, etc.

As for the personal statement, I would not mention your pregnancy - it is not relevant. Focus on who you are and who you wish to become and how the program can help you achieve it.

Thanks!

Dr. Architecture
www.archcareers.org

Man. Forget Architecture. Really. Get a fine arts degree. I don't know you, but literature and photography = creative work. Architecture is boring technical work. What about a creative agency / Creative Director? Don't waste your time learning AutoCad. Take drawing classes. Good Luck!

trace: Southwest, New Haven/Greenwich, basically across the border from Weschester county.

landshark: thanks for the boost of confidence, will lean towards a critical stance when it comes to selection of what I include.

Dr.: neat link, thanks.

adamk: I agree with you, but I'm of the opinion that artists don't go to school to become artists. I don't like Vonnegut anymore, but a quote I like is, "Good writers don't go to school to become writers, they are passionate about something, and write about it." Liberal arts education is something of a jerk-off, but in the end I am glad I went, read, and developed a perspective. Architecture, as unstable as it can be, seemed like a good balance of something not so tedious and something that (has the potential) to put a little food on the table.



To everyone: Thanks for the advice.

I've taken some time off work in order to better prepare my portfolio, and I have a question regarding process/system.

For the photography section I am going to include, does it make sense to include earlier photos from 4 years ago when I started photography? I keep reading that you should only include your best best best work, and cut all the rest, however I am having trouble coming up with ways to show process for photography. I would like to show my aesthetic sense developed, refined, but to do so I think I need to show some sort of timeline.

I guess that answers my own question, to incorporate some sort of indication of time/chronology in the photos.

Also playing with scraps/contact sheets perhaps.

If you have any other thoughts its appreciated, but I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to reply.

Good luck.

don't show crappy old work to show process. showing amazing old work is ok though.

being creative with process is cool. like you say, by showing how you went through contact sheets or otherwise arrived at final image. could be interesting if you can make a nice design (not easy).

other examples of portfolios can be found for free at lulu.com if you need some inspiration...

worst case scenario enroll in one of the esteemed summer programs at columbia or harvard or other similar places and get some architecture to put in there... although that's probably not necessary.

I got into architecture schools with a portfolio that was mostly photography with some graphic and exhibition design, and a minimal amount of hand drawing. However - i have a graphic design degree, and worked professionally as a photographer in the 2 years before I applied.

I agree with the others - weed through your photos, use the sketches (and produce more in between now and due dates), and drop that graphic design like a hot potato.

For the statement - schools basically seem to want

a) why you want to study architecture (what offer to contribute to the school and to the profession)
b) why you want to study architecture at that particular school (why they, specifically, are the best people and place to help you achieve a.)

Just clarify that stuff.