How to make a perfect illustration portfolio for university

Creating your illustration portfolio when you apply to university may feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. 

This is your opportunity to express to universities who you are, how you think, how you create, and how you explore ideas. 

This guide focuses on what to include, how to present your work and what admissions tutors are really looking for. 

• What is an illustration portfolio? 
• What should you include in an illustration portfolio?
• Top tips for building a stand-out illustration portfolio
• How to present your illustration portfolio
• What are admissions tutors looking for in an illustration portfolio?

What is an illustration portfolio? 

An illustration university portfolio your chance to introduce yourself as a creative.

It’s a collection of your work that showcases your talent and the journey you take from initial idea through to final product.

The exact requirements for your portfolio may vary between different universities and the specific course you’ve applied to. For example, the portfolio requirements for Illustration BA (Hons) at UCA specifies that you should select between 12 and 20 pieces of work.

Your portfolio isn't just about displaying a dozen completed illustrations. It should give those who read it an insight into your imagination, your influences and how you bring ideas to life. 

Think of it like a creative diary where research, experimentation and final designs work together to tell your story. 

What should you include in an illustration portfolio? 

Every portfolio is different, as it all depends on what you have to include, but strong illustration portfolios will usually have a good mix of process and product. Universities love to see the journey of how ideas evolve from early inspiration through to a final design.

Here are some of the key types of work you might consider including: 

• Sketchbooks and experimental drawings: Include quick sketches and observational drawings that showcase how you visualise and develop concepts. These don’t need to be perfect; they just need to capture your creativity and how you iterate ideas. 
• Completed illustrations: Include completed work that showcases a variety of techniques and concepts.
• Documentation and reflection: Any notes about your creative process, writing that reflects on how a project went or perhaps even a blog you write that showcases your passion for illustration

Don’t worry if some of your work isn't your best. Tutors aren’t looking for finely polished illustrations, they’re looking to learn about you and your creative process. 

Top tips for building a stand-out illustration portfolio 

• Start strong and finish strong: begin with a project that represents you at your best and finish something that shows your ambition or future direction.
• Document everything: photograph and write about your process as you go. 
• Tell a story: order your work so that it flows naturally from research to development to outcomes. 
• Share your personality: Let your interests and influences shine through. Your tutors want to learn about you, not just your work. 
• Be selective: Aim for quality over quantity. 
• Show your process: don’t hide your unfinished work or failed experiments. Explain what they taught you and how you adapted. 
• Ask for feedback: show your portfolio to teachers, classmates, or industry professionals before you submit it. 

How to present your illustration portfolio 

Most universities will invite you to an applicant or interview day. During these days you’ll be given an opportunity to present or discuss your portfolio with a course academic or admissions tutor. 

For many reasons, some people are unable to attend an applicant day. Most universities will allow you to upload your portfolio online instead when this happens.  

Make sure you focus on clarity, not perfection. Admissions tutors want to see well-organised and thoughtfully sequenced work: 

• Use folders to group related pieces  
• Label everything 
• If you include any videos, ensure links are public or unlisted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo so that they’re viewable to everyone  
• Keep written material legible and well-formatted 

What are admissions tutors looking for in an illustration portfolio? 

Your future lecturers want to understand who you are as a creative. They’re not just assessing technical ability as you'll be gaining these skills throughout your degree. More importantly, they want to see your potential. 

Here’s what will stand out to them: 

• Creative thinking and originality 
• A willingness to express yourself 
• A passion for illustration 
• Honesty and self-reflection 
• Potential to develop and grow as part of your degree 

At UCA, above all else we want to see your individuality and creative process. The story behind your work is just as important as the finished results.  

Need more portfolio support?  

Still unsure what to include? Come along to one of our upcoming Open Days where you can speak to our illustration academics and Admissions Team in more detail about what they expect to see in your portfolio.  

You can also use our Unibuddy chat platform to speak directly to current UCA students and ask them about their portfolio. For more inspiration you could also check out the work created by UCA illustration students via our online graduate showcase. 

Related courses 

Undergraduate 

• Illustration BA (Hons)

Postgraduate 

• Illustration MA