Art & Design

Art Portfolio Courses: Learn How to Create an Art Portfolio

Considering an Art Portfolio Course? 

If you would like to be able to create your own art portfolio, you should consider taking up an art portfolio course. An art portfolio course will provide a solid foundation in the necessary skills required for a career or higher education in art, design or crafts. By covering a broad range of disciplines, you will have the opportunity to discover your strengths. These courses encourage the development of ideas through personal research and drawing. On completion of your art portfolio course, you should have a portfolio reflecting the wide range of experience and skills you have acquired, but also a sense of direction and focus. The good news is there are tons of art portfolio courses currently available. 

About Art 

Many argue that art cannot be defined, however, we could go about this in many ways. Art is generally considered to be the product or process of deliberately arranging elements in a specific way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of creations, human activities and ways of expression, including literature, film, music, sculpture and paintings. The meaning of art is explored in a branch of philosophy referred to as aesthetics. Art is typically understood as any product or activity done by people with an aesthetic or communicative purpose – something that expresses an emotion, an idea, or more generally, a world view.  

It is a component of culture, which reflects social and economic substrates in its design. It transmits values and ideas inherent in every culture across time and space. Its role changes through time, acquiring more of an aesthetic component here and a socio-educational function there. The definition of art is subjective, open and debatable. There is no agreement among artists and historians, which is precisely why we are left with so many definitions of art. The concept itself has transformed over centuries. The very notion of art continues to stir up controversy, being so open to various interpretations.  

Is This Course For You? 

Art portfolio courses are intensive and are intended to develop students’ talents in a wide range of artistic and visual skills. The portfolio will enable them to proceed to further study at third level.  

Entry Requirements For Art Portfolio Courses 

Generally, there are entry requirements for art portfolio courses. The courses usually expect you to have five passes at ordinary level in your leaving certificate or leaving certificate applied. Alternatively, they will require you to have a QQI/FETAC Level 4 award. Generally, the process of being accepted to the course involves submitting sample work and doing an interview with the tutors. 

What Will I Learn? 

You can expect to explore drawing, design, painting and sculpture. Printmaking, metal craft, digital photograph and image processing will also be explored. Additionally, appreciation of art, craft and design will be covered and you will gain good communications skills. You may also have to complete some work experience as part of your art portfolio course.  

Career Progression 

Students who complete an art portfolio course are eligible to apply through the CAO for entry into third level courses. You could choose a specific area of art to study or do a general art degree. 

Career Opportunities 

After completing your art portfolio course, you can work in a wide variety of art areas. You could work as an artist doing paintings, sculptures, models, drawing and much more. You could also teach art or work in art galleries since you will have a great knowledge of art.  

If you’re serious about doing an art portfolio course, check out courses near you in the Nightcourses.co.uk national course finder.