How To Use A Scalpel, Cut Material + DIY Sharps Box

Cutting materials by hand is an important skill for a student or young designer, especially in Interior, Architecture, and Model Making. You should learn how to use a surgical blade, craft knife, or scalpel properly to create clean cuts and neat edges to your material, but also to make sure you are not causing yourself any injuries in the cutting, storing, and replacing of your knife and blades. 

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1. Always use a cutting mat

The surface of any table is not adequate and you may damage it. This will then cause cut lines in the surface so when you come to draw, the surface is no longer smooth. 

2. Invest in good knifes

There are many to choose from such as Xacto knife, craft knife, surgical knife, etc. Don't just pick up a cheap packet, invest in a good knife and a few packets of replacement blades. 

3. Rulers & Cutting edges

Make sure to always use a metal edge, a long metal ruler is best. I have a few metal rulers of differing lengths. When model making, I use a ruler which will be longer than any material I am cutting. I also tape a length of masking tape to the underside to help give it a grip on the material I am cutting. Do not use a plastic ruler as the blade can slide into it leading to you cutting yourself or the ruler’s straight edge being damaged.

4. Safety first

Keep your fingers back from the edge of the ruler when cutting. Try to stand up when cutting your material and make sure to always be looking at your work. Press firmly on your ruler to hold it in place on the material. Press down on each stroke when cutting with the knife. Never cut through the material is one cut, use 2-3 strokes (a thick card, foam core, etc) to get a cleaner edge. Don't rush. 

5. Fresh blade and often

Replace the blade often to ensure clean cuts and dispose of the old blade in a sharps box. Either wrap in masking tape or better yet, make a DIY sharps box.

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How To Prepare For Art College & University Entrance Interview

Congratulations and well done on being offered an interview for your chosen course at University or Art College (Art School)

You’ve got this, plus, it’s completely normal to feel nervous, so let’s get you as best prepared to rock your interview as possible.

What are Open days?

University open days are a great way to visit a University or College to look around and get a feel for the place. 

Making the decision to study at a degree or postgraduate level can be difficult, but deciding on the actual University or College can often be much harder. 

Once you have applied, you may be invited for an interview. This is a chance to speak with a member of the course team (teacher) who will go over their course, show you around, ask you about your studies and experience so far and look at your portfolio. This acts as the final stage of your application and is often the deciding factor in your application- no pressure. So let’s make sure you are prepared.

Preparing for your University entrance interview 

Let’s stay with the basics, you might already have a prospectus for your chosen school, but if not, sent off for one. This way you can read up on the university, course, and campus and have a better idea of what to expect. It’ll also save you from asking any obvious questions. 

1. Look up where you are going, especially if you’re applying to and visiting different schools.

Refresh your mind - look at their website and go through all the facilities the University or College has to offer. Read up on the course and its teaching staff.

2. Get your travel sorted

Make sure you arrive in plenty of time so you are not adding to any stress on the day. If the interview is set to last a day (campus tour, etc) then consider staying overnight and traveling back the following day.

Go through your work, sketchbook, and portfolio, selecting only the best pieces, and think of what to say when explaining your work. And finally, make sure you can carry your portfolio.

3. Just like your first day of school, lay everything out the night before so nerves don’t get the better of you.

Plan your outfit, charge your phone, grab your keys and wallet, and set your portfolio out ready to go.

4. Dress smart, you might not agree that presentation matters but you will feel more confident if you present yourself well. 

Looking the part, as in smartly dressed, is important but being yourself is more so.

We (the interviewer) want you to feel comfortable and calm, able to talk about your work and ask the questions you need - but it's important to express yourself too.

5. portfolio preparation

Go through your work and sketchbooks, selecting only the best pieces. Think about what to say when explaining your work. Make sure you can carry your portfolio, it’s not too big or too heavy.

The Art & Design Portfolio

Art and design students tend to spend a lot of time preparing their portfolio of work to show at an interview - of course, the amount and level of work depends on the background of the student:

• If you are a school leaver then you will hopefully have had a teacher assisting you

• If you are a student on a Foundation course then you will have likely attended workshops on portfolio preparation.

• If you have been studying a design subject prior then you are probably well advised and prepared - but this is not everyone who comes for an interview, we know that so start creating your portfolio now.

READ: I share my tips on portfolio preparation here

The portfolio is where you show off your work to date. It’s basically a folder or online link where you showcase what you can do, what you have done, and the direction of interest you have within the arts.

If you don’t have a portfolio yet or are worried it’s not ready for an interview, I teach Portfolio Preparation class on Skillshare you can sign up for here. 

Arrive 5-10 mins early

Don’t be late, it’s rude and shows that you aren’t organised.

If something happens outside of your control, call ahead and let the person interviewing you know (know their name for the university switchboard or reception to put your call through or have the office’s phone number to hand).

My advice for the Interviewee

AKA: the applicant (you), nervously clutching your sketchbooks and portfolio, sitting awkwardly in the welcome talk.

Relax.

It’s going to be OK and you are probably really prepared - you’ve done the hard work, now is the time to show it all off.

Use this time to speak to the person who is interviewing you. Ask them about the University or College, its students, the course, staff, the way they teach, and the way they expect you to work and learn. Discuss the projects you will do, and the experience current students are having.

Walk around the campus and check out all the facilities, ask for a tour if there is not one on offer and see if you can meet some of the existing students to ask them the questions you do not want to ask the staff. 

Take photos and note to help you remember, and check out the course blog if they have one.

The Interviewer: probably someone from the course team (teacher), the person making the decision and so - the person to show off to - but do not go over the top, be yourself. 

WHAT THEY WILL ASK YOU

1. Explain your choice for this course, University/College

Yes, this interview is for the academic interviewing you to determine if you are a good fit for the course but it’s also an opportunity for you to see if the course and university are a good fit for you. 

Trust your gut on this, you will get a good feeling if it's the right fit for you.

2. Have a relevant story you’re ready to share

An ice breaker - this is often used to get you to share something personal about the subject and why you’re interested in studying it. Name 2 designers you admire

A classic interview question so be prepared and have your designers at the ready. Know how to pronounce their name, some projects, and their style of work. Usually, this isn’t to judge you but more to get you talking about design and inspiration. 

If you are applying for Interior Architect then talk about a building you visit where you liked it, why? How did it make you feel, do you know how to style it is in, what materials are used, etc. It is good to have thought this through beforehand as it will act as an ice breaker and start the conversation moving along.

Good examples can be:

• A building you’ve visited

• A small project you have completed or are working on

• A trip you took

• A summer job you had

• Someone who works in the industry that you know

3. Name 2 Designersyou admire

A classic interview question so be prepared and have your designers at the ready. Know how to pronounce their name, know of some of their key projects, and be able to discuss their style of work.

This question, if asked, isn’t in here to judge you but more to get you talking about design and inspiration.

If you are applying for Interior Architecture then talk about a building you visit and why you liked it. How did it make you feel, what do you know about its design style, the materials used, etc.

It’s good to have thought this through beforehand as it will act as an ice breaker and start the conversation moving along.

Show your work - the Portfolio

The interviewer will ask to see the work you have brought with you. Take your portfolio, or laptop, and put it on the table. Flick through the work, giving a short explanation of each piece. 

Try to show a good mixture of work, and medium and if you have large pieces or models then bring in photographs of the work. 

Do not undersell yourself, your work took you a lot of time and effort - do it justice and talk about it with passion and energy.

If this sounds daunting and you would like a little bit more help, we offer portfolio assistance to help you best prepare.

Thank the interviewer for their time

Try to end on a positive note, and show the interviewer that you are ready and eager to join the course. Ask any remaining questions before thanking them for their time.

Asking questions can be helpful for both you and the interviewer. Have at least 2 questions in mind. You don’t need to be overly keen but if you have something worth asking, ask away.

Speak to other students and candidates

The other student interviewing might turn out to be your future classmates, coursemates, roommates, etc so it's worth chatting with them. Ask where else they’re applying, what they thought of this course, and where they’re from. If you get on with them, get their contact details or find them on Facebook, there’s no hard in making the connection. Start networking now.

Ask for a tour of the campus

It’s good to see around the campus, especially the places where you would be studying - it’s even better if this tour is done by current students as you can ask them for real insight.

Find out what they think of the course, tutors, projects, workload, university, accommodation, etc. 

Try to take some time on your own to look around the university. Take a walk into town. Get a feel for the area as it might be your home for the next 3+ years. 

Reflect

You don’t have to make a pro/con list but have a think about, and compare, this university course to wherever else you interviewed before accepting your place. 

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Well done. Hopefully now you can sit back and wait for the offers

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We're Offering art & design Portfolio Feedback

Are you making your Art & Design portfolio?

A simple way to get your portfolio checked over by a designer and academic. If you are looking to build your portfolio for entry to Art School, College, or University and need a little help, we are now offering portfolio feedback. With over 6 years of experience interviewing students and checking their portfolios, I have a huge amount of experience to assist you in creating the best portfolio to support your application.

Art & Design student portfolio feedback

Place your order, send your portfolio in a digital format (PDF or link) and I will get back to you. I will go through the work and comment on the content, layout, and text and offer you valuable feedback to help you improve your portfolio. This is done via email and skype and can be completed within 24hrs.

“It really helped me to talk to Sonia about my portfolio, she pointed out things that worked and tips on how to make something stand out better through layouts. Our meeting was really nice and casual, kinda like meeting a friend for a coffee and a chat. I definitely recommend getting in touch with her for advice about your portfolio.”

— Inga Hildur, Reykjavik

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Portfolio Requirements For Art and Design Subjects

Tips and advice from a former university senior lecturer on Art & Design student portfolios

It's interview time for many applicants and students at Universities and Art Colleges across the UK. This is a nerve-wracking time and many of you will be preparing your portfolios in the run-up to your interview - hoping to wow the course team and secure a place on your selected course.

I have met with, and interviewed, hundreds of students in the UK and internationally, all looking to be offered a place on their selected degree or MA. I know what should be in your portfolio and am about to share my 5 top tips from an interviewer’s perspective.

If you are preparing your portfolio or starting to think about it for the following academic year, here are my 5 top tips to help you get ready and build the perfect portfolio for application to University or Art school.

1. Show off your best work

Most creative Universities and art Colleges are looking for talented students who are inspired and ready to further their skills, it's that simple. The best way to show off your skills and interests is in the portfolio so fill it with your most creative, best work, and work that reflects you as an Artist/Designer.

Select 15-20 of the best pieces of work you have, you will likely only have time and need to show 10-15. Include mixed medium and a variety of topics if you are applying for a foundation course or first year (and don’t have course subject-specific examples of work, i.e interior design projects or images).

When selecting work, ask yourself:

• Who is the portfolio for and will you be there in person to talk through it?

• What have they asked to see, if they have?

• What are your strengths?

• What are your best projects/creations?

• How best can you visually communicate them?

• How best can you verbally communicate them?

The academic (teacher) looking at your portfolio will be looking to see what subject (topic) and medium (pen, punk, paint, etc) you have experience with, and how you have produced your work. They may ask you how long each piece took and why you created them so be ready with responses to these questions.

What to include:

• Drawings and sketches (show variety and narrative, include different techniques)

• A sketchbook or particular pages from a sketchbook (lay the book open and take a well-lit photo from above)

• Still life and observation drawings (unfinished work is fine, often more interesting)

• Paintings (watercolours, acrylic, oil, mixed medium - include your best work only)

• Ink and pencil drawings/pastel work

• Digital images (poster designs, branding projects)

• Photography

• 3D work, models, and sculptures (these will likely be too large to bring so take some very clear, well-lit photographs and try to show scale by photographing with a pen or pencil in the shot but not distracting)

2. Text, but to the point

If you wish to support your portfolio images with a short explanation, that’s fine but keep it short - less is more. Try not to distract from your work. Summarise the narrative (story) behind your work in one or two sentences - (title, medium, explanation of work)

3. Create a direction/focus

Focus the direction of your portfolio on the subject you are applying for (architecture, interior design, etc). Show key pieces that highlight your interest and knowledge/expertise so far:

• ARCHITECTURE - focus on buildings, materials, forms, models, perspectives, sketches, etc

• FASHION - figure drawing, model sketches, designs, samples of material, and so on

• GRAPHICS - branding, logos, typography, posters, photography, etc

4. A physical/electronic submission of a Portfolio

There are many different ways of submitting your portfolio, this will depend on whether you are attending the interview or not. Make sure to check how what is required of you.

If you will be attending an interview then we suggest making life a little easier and carrying a small A3 portfolio in a protective folder (we know many of your pieces may be larger but A3 is your friend). A3 is a good size to carry around and present on a desk or table. It’s easy to store, cheaper to print if replicating and way more user-friendly when moving around.

If you live abroad, or will not be attending an interview, you will be asked to submit your portfolio electronically. You can email a PDF, use Dropbox or we recommend using the website wetransfer.com - it will transfer a large file without compromising the size and lets you know when it’s been delivered, and opened. 

It’s also a good idea to start creating an online portfolio so look into Behance or create your own site on a platform like Squarespace 

5. The interview

Since your grades likely got you an interview, the academic interviewing you will use your portfolio to base their decision on. No pressure.

Obviously, your grades, previous experience, internships, awards, etc are an important part of the application process but the portfolio is key - it can even raise your chances of an offer sometimes.

In the interview, you will be asked to present your portfolio. Go through it slowly and calmly, explaining the following:

• What each piece is and what the story behind it/brief was

• If it was a school piece or independent work

• What inspired/motivated you

• Why you used the medium (paint, ink, clay)

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Yes, it’s a nerve-racking experience,

Yes, you’ll likely have to do it a few times.

Yes, you’ll get used to it.

Be proud of your work.

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Final note: Remember, the school you’re applying to has given you an interview because they want to meet you and see your work, so show it off. Try to enjoy the experience. Ask them questions too. This is the next 3+ years of your life and you want to make sure you’re on the right track, at the right school, and learning from the right people.

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Good luck for your Art & Design portfolio and application

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Iceland: The Academic Work Trip

I am just back from a short but amazing visit to Reykjavik, Iceland. This was another academic visit where I met with our agent and some local college and university faculty, visited some schools of design, spoke at a recruitment event, gave a lecture on design portfolios, and attended the opening of a Photography exhibition. Even though this was officially a work trip, I arrived a day early so I could have a little look around. 

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My first impressions of Reykjavik were "wow", it's amazing. The airport is very modern and early to get around. I flew Icelandair from London Heathrow, they were very welcoming and attentive, which helped as I still had a presentation to put together. My colleague had visited Iceland before so she advised buying transfer bus tickets on the flight as they are slightly cheaper. The bus journey takes about 40 minutes from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, the capital city, and will drop you at the bus station where you can get a smaller bus connection to your hotel. I stayed at Hotel Odinsve which was ideal, the room was adequate with a very comfortable bed, TV, wardrobe, and ensuite shower room. Breakfast was served downstairs in the cute restaurant - check out the bar made of reclaimed doors.  

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The tourist version: picture with a polar bear, the northern lights (not seen or photographed by me) and the winters light of an average day.

The landscape on the approach to the city is just so different from anything I have ever seen. The drive through the lava landscape (something which might be similar to Mars) from the airport into the city is just incredible. The buildings stand out, exposed to all elements, and the weather can change almost every five minutes, at least in winter, which gives way to a stark blank canvas. It's inspiring and has to be said, very Christmassy with fairy lights everywhere. 

This trip was slightly more relaxed than most of the academic visits I get to make and since I had arrived a day early, I used my day to go exploring. I met up with a friend and we drove around looking at the architecture and general neighbourhoods. I love getting out of the tourist areas and really getting to see how people live.

We drove out of Reykjavik and headed to the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal hot spring set amongst some incredible landscape. It is pretty pricey, worth booking online beforehand, but oh so worth it and I will never forget this experience. We sat chatting in the lagoon as it changed from rain to sleet, sleet to snow, and then the sun came back out. It's pretty damn cold outside though so I tried to not get my hair wet. We took shelter from the sleet in the cave where you can listen to some information on the lagoon. There are wooden boxes around the lagoon with the famous silica mud mask for you to try. It's a fantastic experience but one which will dehydrate you so slap on that conditioner and leave it in your hair whilst you soak, and drink plenty of water afterwards. We didn't realise at the time but you can use the swim-up bar for a refreshing drink and pay with your bands so no money needs to be carried, and you can stay warm in the lagoon.

Other than Harpa (the concert hall) and some rather statement churches, the buildings in Reykjavik are not hugely decorative or iconic but Iceland seriously does interiors. I visited KOL, a very trendy restaurant for a delicious meal and some cocktails featuring local ingredients. The Laundromat is a very cool laundrette downstairs/cafe upstairs with a bar of colour-coded bookshelves. It's a great place for a filling breakfast and an opportunity to try the local Skyr (delicious yoghurt). I spotted some great design shops as I walked around the city centre, especially ceramics, and picked up a few interesting gift cards.

I still can't believe how lucky I was to get to visit Iceland, even for a few days, and the Blue Lagoon was a highlight. I loved the crazy and changeable weather, the landscape, the inspiring sculptures and graffiti, the delicious food, good company, and of course the design schools.

We visited the Reykjavik School of Photography who's exhibition I attended at the Harpa, and the Iceland Academy of the Arts where I took a tour of the different departments - the perfect place to take a ceramics class or just sit at a window in the inspiring studio and draw all day long.

Even though I only had a few days in Reykjavik it made such an impression on me - I can't wait to go back and discover more.

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