2012 Portfolio Specifications

Format
All pages must be 18"x24"; only flatwork will be accepted.

Folio (Cover)
20"x26" white double-thick chipboard, available from the University Bookstore.

Important note: The emphasis is on the portfolio content, rather than container — students will NOT be evaluated based on the folio (cover); the folio should be taped on one side (bottom only) with duct tape or similar. Students should write their 9-digit ISU student number on the folio (do NOT write your Social Security Number).

Number of Pages
24 pages maximum (single-sided); Strathmore paper or its equivalent in weight and thickness; if thinner paper is used (tracing paper, vellum, Mylar, etc.), it needs to be mounted on 18"x24" sheets of Strathmore or paper of similar thickness. Students should write in pencil their 9-digit ISU student number on the back of each page (do NOT write your Social Security Number). Students must erase or discreetly cover any other identification, including their names. 

Academic Integrity
All work in the portfolio must be your own, produced individually or as part of a team project. In team projects, it may be helpful to identify work of the team versus individual work. Any violation will disqualify you from the admission review.

Prescribed Content
A maximum of 24 pages should be dedicated to design work from DSN S 102 and DSN S 131, as follows.

DSN S 102 work: 9-12 pages.
All phases of all three major projects from DSN S 102 must be represented, except writing. (For the purposes of the portfolio, Project 4 is considered to be an extension of Project 1.) There must be a minimum of 2 pages per project and a maximum of 12 pages total for DSN S 102 projects, with a "process board" preceding each project. (The process board is required in addition to the minimum of 2 pages per project.) The process board should describe the design process involved in each project through images, sketches and notes.

DSN S 131 work: 8-12 pages.
The portfolio must include a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 pages of drawings from DSN S 131, which should be organized in a chronological sequence as completed in class. A minimum of three pages must be sketches, and these three pages will count as part of DSN S 131 work. Attached cover sheets are acceptable to protect work.

Free content (optional): A maximum of 4 pages can be "free content" — i.e., individual student choice, including work done outside ISU. This free content is optional, and only exceptional work should be included. These 4 pages are included in the 24-page total.

Original 2D work: The portfolio should contain as much original work as possible (i.e., actual drawings, collages, montages, etc., as opposed to reproductions). 

Important note: We will take reasonable precautions to provide security for all portfolios. However, we do not assume any responsibility for damaged or lost portfolios. The College of Design highly recommends that you document your work before submitting it for review.

3D work: All three-dimensional work should be photographed and prints arranged on 18"x24" sheets; no actual three-dimensional work will be accepted. Digital cameras are available for student checkout in the Design Output Center on the fourth floor of the College of Design. Refer to the tutorial posted on the Core website for important tips in photographing your work.

For students who have not taken DSN S 102 or DSN S 131 (but have taken approved substitutes): For the prescribed 24 pages, you can use projects from old first-year courses (ARCH 102, ART 108/109, ART 130, LA 101/2, etc.). Please consult your academic adviser if you have any questions.