Interview and Portfolio Advice

When you come to University of Chichester for an interview for Fine Art, bear in mind the following:

• We try to make the experience as pleasant as possible. We want you to be relaxed since this is when we are most likely to see the ‘real you’.
• We want to find out about your art practice, your artistic preferences, and your opinions about art, but we will not be trying to catch you out with obscure questions. Be prepared, but don’t panic!

In preparing your portfolio for viewing, please:

• Remember that this is a Fine Art oriented degree, so Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Art Textiles, Digital media, Video art, and Photography are where our main interests lie.  We are interested to see other projects but don’t over burden the folder with these.
• We want to see a good variety of work, including Life Drawing. Be selective, put in the work you feel is most successful.  The Folder should feel full but not overly so as we only have limited time to see it. Please do NOT include work from GCSE or GNVQ intermediate.
• Put your ‘Best’ work on top - the piece you would most like to be remembered by. Spread the quality work throughout the folder so you don’t end with all the weaker items. You want to leave us with a good parting impression.
• Sculpture - bring 3D work with you if it is manageable, but bear in mind that the car park is a good walk from the studios. All 3D work should be photographed using a good SLR or digital camera (not an instamatic) and key images should be enlarged. Close-ups always help too. Present these on mounting board with indications of size and materials.
• Presentation - this should be neat and considered. You don’t need to spend £££, but do mount up smaller images, samples, etc. Spending time on presentation is never a waste, a well-presented folder can speak volumes.
• Include all sketch-books from last year or so, and examples of essays/written work.
• Videos - we need advance warning if you intend us to view a video. Line it up to the ‘best bit’ - we are only likely to watch a couple of minutes or so.

The Interview is likely to go as follows:

• If you come by car, drop off heavy portfolios to Reception OR artOne (whichever is indicated on the invitation letter). We are sorry, but the University Car Park requires a permit to park. You may be able to find a space, but if you do your car will be clamped and you will be FINED £50. We have no control over this system unfortunately. You have 10 minutes grace to drop stuff off, but then please park in the ‘Festival Theatre’ Car Park at the top of North Street, or further north up ‘College Lane’ where there may be some free on-street parking. Either way, this is only a 10-15 minutes walk from University of Chichester, so please leave time to make this short journey. We do apologise for this inconvenience.
• IF you have been asked to meet in the foyer of the artOne, the entry code for the automatic doors should be printed on a notice on the door.
• Staff will indicate where you should lay out your folder for staff to view.
• You will have a guided tour of facilities and studios, then go for a cup of tea or feel free to wander about the studios and chat to students.
• At agreed times come back for 25 minute 1-1 interview with one member of staff. He/She will talk about your folder: i.e. why you did certain things, how successful you think they are, what directions you expect to take, and ask you about ‘Contemporary Art’ and ‘Contemporary Artists’ that interest you. He/She may ask your opinion about ‘newsworthy’ exhibitions or artists. Be prepared to discuss these wider issues in an informal manner. (Note: If the interviewer is certain, on having viewed your folder, that your work is incompatible with the expectations of the course, he/she may take the time to explain why and advise you positively on your options).
• Once completed you are free to go. We generally cannot tell you if you’ve been successful; a letter will be with you within the week. We generally accept about 50-60% of those who apply.