Portfolio Prep Workshop Series

Need a portfolio for applying to school or work, but not sure where to start? This foundational workshop will guide you through the steps for putting together a creative body of work that represents you! We will start from a blank slate, define what a portfolio is, and what you need for yours, and go through the process of selecting, documenting, and displaying pieces of work for presenting in an official or professional setting.

Who is this for? 

Anyone getting into a creative field! A portfolio is useful at many stages in a creative career, and is a process of continued curation and improvement. Our workshop is geared towards folks creating their first portfolio of work, but is open to everyone!

• Post-secondary school applicants (Gr.11+/16yrs+)
• Grad-school applicants
• Job-seekers
• Creative side-hustles

Workshop Duration

Each workshop session consists of four (4) 2-hour classes, spread across 4 weeks. Each class will include instruction for portfolio creation, a work period, and time for questions and feedback.

October Session - Thursday Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6

November Session - Thursday Nov 13, 20, 27, Dec 4

What you'll need: 

• Laptop or tablet computer
• 1-3+ pieces of work - images are fine in place of physical objects; in-progress works are great, too!

No skills required!

We will discuss and create opportunities for learning skills related to the creation of your portfolio. Some skills we may cover include, but are not limited to, photography, image editing, layout, presentation and speaking, web development, coding, and more! The direction of your portfolio may differ, and we are open to exploring the skills and resources to suit your needs.

Schedule Overview

Class 1 - Getting Started

What is a portfolio? We'll discuss your needs for a portfolio and look at the tools or skills to meet those needs. Participants will bring at least 1-3 examples of their work to use for building their portfolio. 

Class 2 - Layout and Presentation

Your portfolio is a representation of you and your skills when you're not around. Learn how to express your abilities through the presentation of your work.

Class 3 - Technical Skills and Specific Needs

This session will be formatted as a guided work period. Participants are encouraged to come in with specific questions for their process. 

Class 4 - Presentation and Feedback

Prepare finishing touches and determine next steps for continuing the development of your portfolio. In the second half of the session, we'll facilitate open critiques of participants' chosen works to practice giving and receiving feedback.

Outcomes

The expected outcomes for this 4-class workshop are to have at least 1 portfolio-ready piece of work, as well as a portfolio theme and outline to guide the addition of further pieces. Other goals include technical and soft skills for preparing portfolio entries and for the development of the portfolio itself.