Critiquing 2 Portfolios: 1 Student, 1 Pro

LATEST CRITIQUE VIDEO! https://youtu.be/x4_7jZJHcRI

Thank you SO MUCH for critiquing my portfolio Zoe! Sadly I didn't get in to the schools I applied for this year. But thank you for the critique, I really think it can help me improve.

“If I don’t know about it, I don’t talk about it” now there’s some energy people could be doing with a lot more of

she somewhat reminds me of Edna mode.. I love

😄😄 I was sooo nervous watching this ahhhh! But thank you once again for the much needed critique. I absolutely agree with you that the website needs to be a trimmed down a lot and I will get on that ASAP. Love your channel and your work🙌🙌🌻

As a graphic designer, both could improve their typography! And color choices to make their text readable. Sometimes i noticed on the second portfolio, gray text would be used and it was hard to read when placed on top of images. And you’re right, consistency is important! And both should use a font that works in terms of functionality but also branding. Beautiful work for both portfolios!

This might sound obnoxious, but: Consider your strengths when choosing a school, and tailor your portfolio to the kind of schools you think will be the best fit. There is no such thing as "the best school." There's only "the best school for you." Don't think a school is right for you just because your favorite designer is an alumnus. The kind of education you get varies widely between schools. Think carefully about what area of the industry you think you'd like to work in, and go to portfolio days if you're unsure. Don't automatically assume that you're geared towards high fashion. Some schools are very development focused, and they'll want to see lots of process photos. They'll want to see collages. They'll want to see quick research sketches. They'll typically also want a fine art portfolio. They want to see how you think more than what you can produce. If you like extremely avant garde fashion, this is probably your track. (A lot of big name schools in Europe fall into this category.) Some schools are fine arts focused, and they'll expect a fine art portfolio with a fashion design supplement. It's rare to get in with an excellent fashion design supplement, but a poor fine arts portfolio. Generally speaking, a good fine arts portfolio will take you farther than a fashion design specific portfolio when it comes to college applications. Most admissions officers look at portfolios submitted for multiple departments, so they might miss subtleties as to what makes your fashion segment so strong. Your work doesn't have to be bat shit crazy to apply, but if you lean towards basics, or follow current trends that you already see in stores, this track might be a bit cutting edge for you. (Pratt and RISD fall into this category.) Some schools are very production/industry focused. You'll want to demonstrate that you can already sew a bit, can sketch clothing, can do flats, and know the basics of Photoshop/Illustrator. Some schools will require a small fine arts portfolio, and some will just require a specific fashion design portfolio. The fashion design portfolio is going to be the most critical. If your work is pretty commercial, pretty basic, or you like to follow trends as they filter down to stores like Forever XXI, or Anthropologie, this type of environment is probably the place for you. (Schools like FIDM fall into this category.) I've studied in all three types of school, and believe me, the difference in culture and what you end up learning is night and day. Really think carefully about what's going to be the best fit for you.

How fortunate for a designer-in-the-making to receive such a constructive critique!

Kudos to Michelle and Liv for being willing to put their portfolios out there. Zoe, kudos to you for giving nice but honest, constructive critique. You are always worthwhile. Hope you enjoy being in my part of the world and it treats you well.

You make a good point about blocks of text. I work in a VASTLY different industry (accounting) , but when I finished my latest round of additional professional qualifications I ended up in the top 5% of the country in every submission. People always want to know how I do it and the answer is you should ALWAYS write your text in a way that YOU would like to read it. NOBODY wants to read a large block of text. Use headings, small paragraphs, spacing etc. make it easy for people to skim and still get the gist. if you look at what you’ve written and think you wouldn’t want to read that much block text in one sitting, then there is no one else on the planet who wants to either, no matter what industry you are in.

I'm not in fashion, but I watched this thinking it might be interesting. Not only did I love seeing the people's work, but I find a lot of the tips to be very helpful as I work on my own art portfolio.

I have zero desire for pursing a fashion career but your personality is so warm and inviting and you are very kind. This student has so much potential!

that moodboard truly is yummy

Zoe, you had some really good designers reach out to you. Everything you said came from a good and objective place. I wish I'd have had teachers as objective as you (I didn't study design but today I paint and draw , it's a passion that emerged after my 5 years of uni+ business school).

Your crisp professionalism is refreshing and helpful.

I always find that students have so much passion and creativity, but lack the control and knowledge of the market. I think a good design should include both the seniority and the fresh meat. Ahahahhaha

12:12 Every artist knows that ‘it’s kind of amazing’ voice, when you find something artistic that you really like and you just want to say ‘LOOK AT THIS - IT PRETTY’

I really enjoy these videos even though i have no desire to go until fashion. But I've always enjoyed things about fashion. Your critiques are well spoken and very real but not harsh. Like a good friend telling you what you need to do vs a professor. I really enjoy it.

This is the first video of yours that I have ever seen and I can't wait to binge your playlists! Love how you talk to the camera as if we were sitting right there with you! You have an abundance of information and I can't wait to learn! Best to you!

Wow, I've learned a lot. You've already given artist hints who's desiring to be a fashion designer or any one who's going to submit a portfolio. Thank you! ❤️ More power!