The perfect creative folder for art and design courses

The ultimate checklist for your creative folder: This is how you convince in art and design courses

Would you like to apply for an art or design course and later work creative profession Then you need a convincing creative folder!

If you are interested in creative studies submit a creative folder when applying . But what is the perfect application folder for creative courses such as product design, graphic design, architecture, game design, illustration, cinematography or fashion design , Fashion Journalism & Communication , brand & communication design, art on teaching and interior design ? And how can your own creative potential be best illustrated?

In this article you will learn how to perfect your folder ultimate checklist

We have professional advice from study consultants: inside , tips and tricks as well as examples of success of accepted students in detail and present our curated and moderated findings here. From registration to shipping the works of art. Because only with an impressive creative folder you secure a place for your dream study!

What is a creative folder?

A creative folder is a central part of your application for art and design courses and one of the most important components in the application process for design courses. It serves to present your creative skills and individual style. In the creative folder you can collect and arrange different works such as drawings, paintings, paintings, photographs or design projects.

It shows the examiners that you have a wide range of skills and techniques and that you are able to implement your creative ideas in a professional manner.

It is therefore important to ensure that your creative folder is neat and well structured in order to leave a positive impression. In addition, you should make sure that the creative folder stands out your own style against mirrors t and you stand out from other applicants. Good choice of materials and a careful compilation of your works are essential to make your creative folder a convincing instrument when applying for a place of study.

Many applicants work for several months to create their folder . So it makes sense to deal with the folder very early in order to develop a suitable concept and work for it.

Why is a creative folder for art and design courses important?

A creative folder is an indispensable part of an application for art and design courses. It serves to give the admission committee a comprehensive insight into our creative skills and our individual style.

The creative folder is our business card, so to speak, with which we want to register and display. It shows that we are able to present our ideas and artistic work appealing and professionally. Various works such as drawings , sketches, illustrations, photographs or even design projects should be included in the creative folder.

If you consider all aspects that we list in our checklist and carefully design your creative folder taking into account the following tips, you have a good chance of convincing the commissions of the art and design courses of your skills and potential.

Ultimately, a convincing creative folder is a crucial factor to successfully study art and design studies and to realize the dream of a creative profession.

The ultimate checklist for your creative folder

You have registered for studying art or design and are now in the process of putting together your creative folder. But what actually belongs in such a folder? Don't worry, we have put together the ultimate checklist for you so that you can convince with your creative folder of art and design courses.

01 choice of materials

The choice of materials is a decisive factor in creating your creative folder for art and design courses. When putting up your folder, you should make sure that the selected materials meet your skills and your personal style.

It is important to integrate a variety of materials to present your skills in different areas. In addition to classic materials such as paper, pencils and colors, more unconventional materials such as vinyl film, plotatelier accessories or even special tools such as Cricut can also be used.

Make sure that the materials are of high quality and offer you enough freedom to visually convincingly implement your ideas and concepts.

You should also put a certain care on the presentation to present your work appealingly. Remember that your creative folder against mirrors not compromise when choosing the materials

Also pay attention to the interaction of the different materials and their harmonious integration into your work. The involvement of the presentation folder in the holistic application presentation can also be helpful, for example by an individually printed folder with a visually unmistakable cover. A well-designed and diverse creative folder can make the difference when it comes to applying to art and design courses.

02 Structure and content of the creative folder

Structure and structure

The structure and arrangement of the various works and work in the folder plays an important role because it gives a first impression and draws the attention of the auditors.

It is important to choose a clear and clear structure in order to leave a good overall impression. Start with an introduction that explains your personal background and your very personal motivation for studying art and design.

Then you should present your highlights , i.e. the works that best against mirrors n. Pay attention to the fact that you show a variety of techniques and media to illustrate your range and joy of experimentation. Nelly Kolodziejski , a student advisor at the Berlin location of the AMD Akademie Mode & Design , reveals:

"We want to get to know our applicants through the folder: So get an impression of creative potential than to find technically perfectly performed work. My college: Inside and I would be happy to advise you individually which work is well suited for the folder. Basically, work should also be included that have a fashion train."

Present your works also in a chronological order or group thematically. Don't forget to present your works appropriately. Use high -quality folders or covers to protect your work and present them professionally.

Content - what does it belong in a creative folder?

The content of your creative folder should be designed individually for the required requirements and goals of the respective course. Show that you are willing to learn new techniques and develop yourself further.

Present a range of works in terms of motifs, topics and styles to demonstrate your creative versatility and potential. Show what distinguishes you as an artist or designer and how you stand out from others. This can be done by choosing the motifs, color pallets or through special techniques.

There are countless ways that can find space in a creative folder. The great thing about it: there are no limits to your imagination. Regardless of whether you want to present drawings, collages, photographs, colorful or black and white illustrations, sculptures, websites, a fashion blog, your Instagram profile or something completely different-everything is allowed when it comes to the content of a creative folder.

Some art academies, design and fashion schools even expressly ask their applicants to let off steam creatively. And not every work must be submitted on a sheet of paper.

Berlin University of Applied Sciences brings this very skillfully to the point: :

"Please note that this folder characterizes you, we would like to get to know you via the folder - so be courageous in your approaches and inspirations, you will find your own topics and research, reflect, reflect, write, draw, photograph, paint, paint, scribble, and collect. In the selection and combination of the means and in the topics there are no limits."

Possible content at an overview

• Collages: Create something unique by skillfully combining existing materials such as fabrics, cutouts, colors, pictures and other resources. For example, consider various illustrations of objects or individual elements and then put them together for new creations.
• Drawings: This extent includes precise sketches of scenes, parts of the body or products, such as a shoe, car or luxury goods, as well as the visual representation of a person in action. Perspective or creative drawing is also in great demand.
• Paintings: In contrast to drawings, which are often only kept in black and white, painting offers the opportunity to express themselves creatively with colors. Use your ability to analyze colors, for example by putting the most concise colors of a photo into color squares. So you can demonstrate your skills in dealing with colors and make your work shine.
• Photos: Photographs are a wonderful way to express yourself. There are numerous creative blogs that offer an abundance of inspiration for their readers with pictures of themselves or other fashion enthusiasts. This is no coincidence, because pictures have a unique force that appeals to us in a gentle and calm way.
• Digital products: An Instagram profile with a clear concept that does not focus on your personal experiences, as well as a personal blog or a website about lifestyle, design, fashion or photography are also suitable projects.
• Other techniques: An alternative to submitting a drawing or a sketch is to present a linol pressure . Potato prints or the mixing of natural materials (finds in nature) can also be considered, provided they are thematically suitable and meaningful. However, it is essential to avoid drawing from photos. Such a procedure is understandably not considered positively and is quickly exposed in most cases.

And in the end: carefully design your folder and check them for completeness before submitting your final application.

Scope and layout

Each university or academy has its own specifications for building up the folder. Most offer comprehensive information about which requirements have to be met. It is therefore worth visiting the university's homepage in order not to overlook any important details.

to strictly follow given guidelines for the scope when applying for a creative study slope As a rule, around 15 to 30 creative designs are expected , but sometimes only 10 can be sufficient. Whether older work may be submitted depends on the requirements of the respective university.

However, too few or too many submitted work can have negative effects on the evaluation. If no information on the scope can be found on the university, academy or fashion school website, it is advisable to inquire at the study advice .

There are also no uniform requirements for the format Some universities determine exactly what size, material and structure should have the individual work, while others leave more freedom here.

If the university does not make any specifications, it is advisable to inquire about the study advice to ensure that the format of the folder meets expectations. Because the approval should not fail due to the false format choice.

03 Integration of your own style in the creative folder

In the checklist for your creative folder, we have already talked about the choice of materials and the structure and content of the folder. Another important aspect that you should definitely take into account when creating your creative folder is the integration of your own style. We have already addressed this point, but it is too important so as not to discuss it in detail.

Your creative folder should not only be a collection of your best work, but also your individual artistic expression against mirrors .

The first step is to make a selection of those works that best represent your artistic personality . Do not only proceed after technical skills or the popularity of the works, but also incorporate your very personal preferences and interests into the decision.

Demonstrate the examiners who you are as an artist or designer and what is important to you personally.

Another aspect that you should take into account when integrating your own style is the presentation of your work. Choose a coherent and aesthetically appealing presentation that not only brings out your works perfectly, but ideally also combines with your personality.

Pay attention to a uniform coloring, font and image composition. Also remember that your creative folder tell a story . The selected works should be harmoniously connected and give the viewer an insight into your artistic development and vision.

Also, the possibility does not exclude your own style through innovative techniques or unusual materials. Experiment with different materials or link them in an unusual way. Use these tools to differentiate your works from the mass and to give the creative folder a personal touch.

The integration of your own style in the creative folder is so important to stand out from other applicants and to attract the attention of the examiners.

In combination with the other important aspects of the creative folder, you will have the best chance of being successfully accepted at art and design courses.

Helpful tips and tricks for the successful design of the creative folder

In the previous section we have already illuminated the importance of a creative folder for art and design courses as well as its structure and design. Now we would like to give you some valuable advice on the design of your creative folder.

In order to make your creative folder even more appealing and skillfully surrounding common fat and nogos, we have compiled a few useful tips, tricks and advice for you:

a. Start early

The importance of the folder for your study application should not be underestimated because it is carefully checked. For this reason, it is important to deal with the requirements at an early stage, as well as the platform Das-richte-studieren.de-the guide for your studies emphasizes .

The creation of the folder not only requires a lot of time, but also the challenge of creating an extraordinary work that meets the requirements.

This can lead to beginners being confronted with an empty sheet of paper and have difficulty getting their ideas on paper or rejecting designs.

It is therefore advisable to start working on the folder early in order to reduce the pressure and to have enough time to create the required 15 or more work. Although some people can work better under pressure, it is helpful for beginners to plan enough time to avoid creative blockages .

b. Observe special requirements

Although not many universities specify a specific topic, there are usually detailed guidelines for creating and submitting the application folder on their website.

It is important to read these instructions carefully, since the number of work samples and the requirements for material and execution can vary greatly. In order to avoid unnecessary effort, it is advisable to find out more precisely in advance.

c. More important to operate your own style than the preferences of the examiners or trends

Many applicants for studying first think about what the examiner would like to see. But this approach is wrong. Because even if you know who the examiner is and what preferences he has, the university is primarily concerned with being recognized by your work. As a rule, the examiners have so much experience that they can quickly recognize whether you put your whole passion into your folder.

However, you should make sure that you show your diversity. For example, if you want to study photography, a folder with photos is certainly helpful. However, if you want design, you should include various media and styles in your work.

Avoid being guided too much by current trends and fashions. Instead, show your individual handwriting and let your creativity shine through in every work. This will withdraw you from other applicants and underline your unique personality.

d. The thread

Another important aspect in creating your folder is the red thread that runs through your works. This continuity shows the examiners that you thought about your presentation in advance and did not throw materials together indiscriminately.

The red thread also enables the examiners to better understand your way of working and approach, which enables a more precise assessment. Even if you have given a topic, there is still enough space for your individual interpretations and implementations.

Create a common thread in your creative folder by telling a story or pulling through a common style or topic.

e. Also pay attention to the shell

Please also note the importance of the presentation folder itself. Numerous folders are examined in the course of an application process. It is easy to imagine that folders with unsightly coffee stains or other contaminants are quickly sorted out. Nevertheless, the folder should not appear more important than the content itself.

If you put together your folder, you should pay attention to a clear structure. This ensures that your work can also be carefully examined in the hustle and bustle of the approval test for creative studies. All designs should be glued to uniform large leaves. The paper should be big enough, but still not be exaggerated.

A3 format is completely sufficient. Each sheet should be labeled with information on work and the topic.

A popular option for "packaging" is the use of folders or folders in which you can safely store and send your works of art. You can also use special storage boxes or cases to protect your works from damage.

Another important aspect is the label of your folder. For example, you can use labels to mark the individual sections of your folder. In addition, you can also create digital copies of your work and save it on an external hard drive or in the cloud to have an additional safety measure.

Remember that a well-organized and protected creative folder helps to leave a professional impression when registering at art and design courses. However, make sure that you do not overgrow your folder, but present a balanced selection of your best works to attract the attention of the auditors.

f. Quality before quantity

Less is often more. Collages, Moodboards, drawings and sketches - five to a maximum of 15 designs offer an optimal basis for expanding your repertoire.

The following applies: quality before quantity! It is not necessary that all work is thematically related, but rather it is advantageous to deal with various topics. In this way, lecturers can see that you are already familiar with different forms of creative work.

Remember that the quality of your work is more important than quantity. Concentrate on your best works and leave out less successful work.

G. Joy in experimenting

Experiment with different forms of presentation, such as collages or sketchbooks.

Expand your artistic horizon by familiarizing yourself with different materials and techniques. With watercolor, coal, ink and other media you can express your creativity and try out different styles.

By experimenting and gathering experiences, you will develop as an artist and find your own handwriting. Let yourself be inspired by the possibilities and discover the variety of art.

h. Let yourself be inspired

You can draw inspiration everywhere and from everything. It is almost in the air and waits to be discovered. Regardless of whether you are in the cinema, theater, music or literature, there is always something that can spark the creative fire.

We find inspiration everywhere around us - be it in nature, in the urban jungle or in the immediate vicinity. The Internet also offers us countless ways to look at and learn from successful folders of others.

But caution is advised: we must not be tempted to copy. Instead, we should be inspired by the ideas of others and implement them in our own way.

By receiving your personal inspiration from different cultural areas, you will never be without ideas.

i. Order must be

Transform your works into a digital form and club in a PDF format. To be on the safe side, you should always secure a digital copy on a cloud storage. You have the choice whether you want to design a front page for your collection.

j. Individual design of the presentation folder

Let your creativity also act when designing your folder. Use special materials such as vinyl film to make your folder unique. When you have finished your creative folder, the question arises how you can best store it. Decide on a method that optimally protects your works, e.g. a folder with acid -free covers or a special art folder.

In order to design a folder individually, there are various steps that should be observed. First of all, it is important to determine the topic or the purpose of the folder. Based on this, you can plan the design and structure.

The first step is to select the type of folder . There are different types of folders, such as ring folders, clamping folders or fast yeasts. Depending on what the folder is to be used for, you can select the right species.

The next step is to set the design of the folder. You can either select a prefabricated design or create an individual design.

You should make sure that the design fits the topic or purpose of the folder. In addition, colors, fonts and pictures can be used to make the folder more appealing. After the design is set, you can start printing and compiling the content. The documents should be sorted properly to ensure a clear structure of the folder.

It can be helpful to use separating leaves or registers to create different sections. Last but not least, the folder should be provided with a title or logo. This personalizes the folder and more easily recognizable . Here you can either use a sticker or have the design printed directly on the folder.

k. Always up to date

It is not uncommon for you to apply at several universities. Sometimes over a longer time frame. In this case, you should make sure that your creative folder is always up to date.

Check your folder content regularly and update it if necessary. Keep up to date with current developments and trends to give your creative folder a contemporary note.

l. First the idea, then the implementation

An original idea is required for the visual challenge. The lecturers take into account that you may not have a top-professional camera and also have no access to the treasures of the professional designers.

However, it is crucial that you demonstrate your empathy and your aesthetic sense of a creative editorial.

With these tips for designing your creative folder, you are now well equipped to successfully present your creative skills at the university jury.

m. Don't put yourself under pressure yourself

It may seem difficult not to put yourself under pressure. But there is a way to look at the folder in a relaxed manner if you somehow make it. This can be very helpful so as not to stress yourself unnecessarily.

Don't forget that it is your dream to study at this university or in this course. But even if you should be rejected, it is not the end of the world. There are many applicants who are rejected every year, and successful designers and artists have also not managed entrance exams or only passed after several attempts.

Remember that there are other universities where you can develop your talent and be successful. If it doesn't work this year, you can try again next year. Don't give up and stay calm and gently with yourself.

n. No patent recipe for the perfect folder

The design of your folder is undoubtedly of great importance, because it can decide on success or failure when applying. Nevertheless, there is a factor that you have no influence on: the examiner.

It can happen that you have perfected your folder down to the smallest detail and still get a cancellation because the examiner does not understand your work or prefers another style.

That is why it is advisable to apply at several universities, because personal preferences of the examiner often play a role in the decision. So don't let yourself be discouraged, but focus on a broad diversification of your applications.

o. Don't let yourself be discouraged

It may happen that the overall picture of your folder does not harmonize. In this case, you have to continue working on your application and try again next year. The positive aspect is that you can take an infinite number of application attempts.

However, it can be frustrating if you are rejected several times in a row. But many applicants have already happened. However, they did not give up, but kept applying themselves and finally success in the third or fourth attempt.

So don't be discouraged too early!

Folder advice and folder preparation courses

Problems with folder creation? There is help!

A folder is not even created. As already mentioned: Some applicants work on their folder for months to deliver the best possible result. To get advice and creative input or continue to practice techniques is quite normal.

Many educational institutions offer their own consultations on the subject of folder creation. There you can make an appointment and pick up valuable tips and tricks for your previous designs. This can be a great support because the consultants know exactly what matters.

On fixed days or an agreed appointment, you can audition with your first designs at the study advice. You get a direct feedback that designs have potential and how you have to continue working. Such consultations take place as a one -on -one interview, sometimes also in the group. Some consultations are free of charge, sometimes a fee (approx. 50 euros) is collected.

In addition to internal folding advisors, there are also external studios and special course providers. These offer different services, from simple consultations to multi -week courses in which you create your folder from scratch and get professional help.

in a preparation course and you learn new techniques or can practice painting and drawing techniques under professional guidance. Preparation courses last a few days or more months - there is something for each goal. There are providers distributed throughout Germany.

The best of the best - successful sheep examples for creative courses. Examples from the Ruhr Academy

the Ruhr Academy offers a wide range of courses on design technology and presentation methods for different areas of application. The drawing courses are designed for beginners and advanced people who want to create their free time in a creative way.

From portrait to manga to classic drawing courses, the academy offers a wide range of opportunities.

Success examples: Accepted applicants: Interior grant insights into their folders

The Kunstplaza team wishes you every success in your application process!

In summary, it can be said that a creative folder is an indispensable instrument to apply for art and design courses. In this article we discussed what a creative folder is and why it is important.

We have given a checklist with important points for the structure and design of a creative folder, as well as tips on structuring and safe shipping.

In order to maximize your success in the application, it is crucial to collect your personality and your own style into the creative folder.

If you take these tips to you, you will undoubtedly attract the attention of art universities and design universities. So it's best to start designing your creative folder now and let your creativity speak!

Also do not miss our future magazine contributions, in which we share further tips and tricks for aspiring artists and designers. Stay on the ball and let yourself be inspired!

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www. kunstplaza .de/