Activity 1: What is a Digital Portfolio?
The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what it is that interests you and that you can do well,
and when you find it, put your whole soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have.
John Rockefeller
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John Rockefeller's words speak to the path of artists, who follow their calling from God and put their “whole soul” into their work. Throughout this course, you have been exposed to a variety of artists, media, technologies, and styles. You may have discovered your passion for media arts, or at least have developed a new appreciation. Now you will be asked to put your “whole soul” into the creation of a showcase of your work that will shine a light on “every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have” as revealed through this course.
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You are about to embark on the final component of this course: your media arts portfolio. Whether you are a student or a professional in the arts, a portfolio is not only an important learning and promotional tool, but it is also a labour of love.
A portfolio is an edited compilation of work that showcases an artist's skills, style, and potential. In this unit, following a step-by-step process, you will construct a digital portfolio - a collection of your finest works produced for this course. It will serve as an evaluation tool, since it will display your growth as a media artist from the beginning to the end of your learning journey in the media arts.
A portfolio is an edited compilation of work that showcases an artist's skills, style, and potential. In this unit, following a step-by-step process, you will construct a digital portfolio - a collection of your finest works produced for this course. It will serve as an evaluation tool, since it will display your growth as a media artist from the beginning to the end of your learning journey in the media arts.
![Picture](/uploads/3/3/6/9/3369314/5707620.png)
There are two major types of portfolios:
- The Traditional Portfolio contains original works, such as drawings, paintings, and photographs. There are large cases of varying sizes that can be used for this purpose. Some portfolio cases have plastic sleeves into which artwork can be inserted, and which also serve as protection.
- The Digital Portfolio may be presented online, on a CD, or a DVD. It may be electronic documentation of art, or a virtual showcase for digital and multimedia works. If you are creating a web-based portfolio, ensure that it is accessible and consistent on different web browsers.
- Intended Purpose
- Format
- Editing
- Documentation
- Artist statements
Resources
- Ryerson University's prestigious Image Arts program is a four-year program that focuses on three streams: Film, Photography, and New Media. Students of this program are encouraged to start and maintain a digital portfolio. Visit The School of Image Arts and browse through some of the students' work to begin to get a sense of the variety and possibilities of a digital portfolio.