+ slant

Hey, sorry for the slow reply. Just finished finals on Friday :)

I just answered a couple questions for someone else that may be helpful for you too:

http://blog.jasonmcginnity.com/post/4965307626/hi-im-interested-in-applying-for-the-transportation

First off, learn to sketch by hand, not on a computer. I own a Cintiq, which I used for a lot of projects at my previous school, as well as my entrance portfolio. I just completed first term, and I still haven’t taken it out of the box I packed it in. I could have finished my portfolio just as easily without a digital sketch, and I feel as though the Admissions office may prefer analog sketching in your entrance portfolio. Before you can sketch on a computer you need to master sketching on paper. As a designer it is the strongest form of communication you have, other than writing or orally describing what you are thinking. I would suggest you focus on analog sketching as much as you possibly can.

The only programs I used during first term were Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I used InDesign much more than the others to create my process books and boards for presentations and critiques. Definitely familiarize yourself with those programs, but you don’t need to master them just yet. Having a good understanding will cut down the time you’ll spend on those aspects of the projects.

My entrance portfolio is posted online:

http://www.coroflot.com/mcginnity/portfolio-2010

The portfolio was printed 11 x 17 and I included two spiral bound books of original sketches for each project.

After seeing other students’ entrance portfolios I definitely wish I had included all of my model making and product design projects too.

By far the most important thing to show with your portfolio is your thought process and understanding of the design work. Sketching can be improved but only if you show your brain can handle it :)

I hope this was helpful. Thanks for following my blog, and I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to hit me up with any other questions :)

Jason