Tailoring Your Portfolio: Strengths and Weaknesses

I got an email the other day from a reader that inspired this post. She was good at sewing and had looks done for the garment portion of her test, and wanted to sketch them, but was wondering if she should still do a mini collection like I'd suggested here. I told her she should definitely just sketch the looks she'd sewed instead. Since she was better at sewing that worked for her. I chose to do my mini collection since sketching was my stronger more confident area. For some of you, you may feel equally good at sketching and sewing. Make sure that whatever area you feel weaker in you work the longest and the hardest on (I wanted to throw my sewing machine out of my window).

RC

Post Rejection: Cry, Throw Your Sketchbook Against the Wall, Curse Everyone that DID get excepted, now, Strategize

Okay, this post is dedicated to all the people who, like I did in the past, instead of that great big packet you got that shitty form letter, which basically told you you're not good enough to learn how to be better. Yes, say it with me, you're not good enough to learn how to be better. Let off all your steam, some of you make take longer than others, but, if you want it bad enough, you're going to get to this point.
Reapplying, putting 3000% into your next portfoilio, and getting that big acceptance packet.


Here's what you need to do:

1. Look at your recently rejected portfolio, honestly and objectively. Is there anywhere that you could improve it? Were your garments well constructed? Were the photos clear? Especially if you weren't able to do the in person interview. How about your sketches? Were they close to professional? Think about what the faculty had to compare it too.

2. After you figure out where you could improve, start working on it, even before you apply. The third and final time I applied, I worked on my portfolio for 4 months. In that time I was able to take my time, throw out sketches that weren't working, have a fit over my garment test, and take my time until my whole room was covered in fabric, and I was still sewing up until the day before I sent my portfolio out (the black shirt).

3. I keep stressing this, but I have no idea if anyone is listening to me. GO TO PORTFOLIO DAY. (The link is on this page for 2012 Dates). Especially if you don't live anywhere near NYC. Also, if you want, you can send your portfolio to me, but it's better to go to Portfolio Day if you can. It will provide you with feedback on what your currently doing. A word of caution though, it can be brutal. The professor that I saw, who I will go out on a limb and call a douche bag actually told me - ME - that I needed drawing classes (And I never bothered showing him the horrible dress I sewed). Why did he go and do that? I remembering crying on the bus back to Massachusetts. But 5 months later I was accepted (no drawing classes necessary :p ).

4. Finally, a note on stress. This is not a great time in your life, having your talent questioned instead of validated. I get it, we designers are a sensitive lot. But take your time, regroup, focus on what you want, and make your dreams come true.

P.S. If you think there's a possibility that you were rejected solely because of GPA issues, (and you're applying for a design major) if you want to take some classes in between your next application to raise your average, or explain it to them in your essay/interview. It's okay to not be perfect, life doesn't always go in the direction you want. Obviously right?

As always, good luck, and feel free to comment.

RC