# Advanced Portfolio Development
## Lesson Plan for 12th Grade Art Students
### Objective:
The objective of this unit is to guide students through the process of creating a comprehensive and cohesive art portfolio that demonstrates their skills, creativity, and individual style. By the end of the unit, students will have a portfolio suitable for submission to colleges, art schools, or professional opportunities.
### Duration:
6 weeks (Two 90-minute sessions per week)
### Materials Needed:
- Sketchbooks
- Drawing/painting supplies (pencils, charcoal, acrylics, watercolors, etc.)
- Canvas and/or paper
- Digital cameras/smartphones
- Laptops/computers with design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
- Portfolios or large folders
- USB drives for digital work
- Access to a printer/scanner
### Week 1: Introduction & Concept Development
**Session 1: Introduction to Portfolios**
- Discuss the purpose and components of a professional art portfolio.
- Review examples of successful portfolios.
- Assignment: Research and bring examples (physical or digital) of portfolios that inspire you.
**Session 2: Identifying Your Artistic Voice**
- Class discussion on individual artistic styles and influences.
- Sketching exercise: Quick studies to identify personal themes and strengths.
- Assignment: Create 3 thumbnail sketches for potential portfolio pieces.
### Week 2: Planning & Execution
**Session 3: Portfolio Planning**
- Review and critique thumbnail sketches in groups.
- Discuss the importance of a cohesive narrative within a portfolio.
- Assignment: Finalize the selection of 5-8 pieces to be included in the portfolio.
**Session 4: Medium Exploration**
- Hands-on workshop exploring different materials and techniques.
- Students begin work on their first piece.
- Assignment: Complete the first piece for next session’s critique.
### Week 3: Critique & Refinement
**Session 5: Group Critiques**
- Present and critique completed pieces in small groups.
- Focus on constructive feedback and areas for improvement.
- Assignment: Begin work on the second piece with consideration of feedback.
**Session 6: Incorporating Feedback**
- Instructor-led discussion on refining artistic techniques.
- Studio time to work on the second piece.
- Assignment: Work on the second piece and prepare for next session’s peer review.
### Week 4: Diversifying Your Portfolio
**Session 7: Exploring Different Styles**
- Discussion on the importance of showing versatility (e.g., realism, abstract, multimedia).
- Begin work on a piece in a style that’s outside the student's comfort zone.
- Assignment: Complete at least one piece in a different style.
**Session 8: Digital Portfolio Elements**
- Introduction to digital works and/or including digital representations of physical pieces.
- Basic training on photo-editing and layout software.
- Assignment: Digitally document all completed works.
### Week 5: Finalizing Your Portfolio
**Session 9: Final Touches**
- Review and critique of all portfolio pieces (physical and digital).
- Instructor tips on presentation and professionalism.
- Studio time for final touches on completed works.
- Assignment: Have all pieces ready for final assembly.
**Session 10: Portfolio Assembly**
- Workshop on assembling the physical portfolio.
- Guidance on creating artist statements and captions for each piece.
- Begin assembly of digital portfolios.
- Assignment: Complete both physical and digital portfolios by next session.
### Week 6: Presentation & Review
**Session 11: Final Presentations**
- Students present their completed portfolios to the class.
- Group critique focusing on overall cohesiveness, presentation, and impact.
- Instructor feedback on final refinements.
- Assignment: Prepare a reflective write-up about the portfolio development process.
**Session 12: Reflection & Post-Portfolio Planning**
- Reflective discussion on skills learned and personal growth.
- Tips on using the portfolio for college/job applications.
- Discuss future artistic goals and continuous portfolio development.
- Assignment: Submit final reflective write-up and portfolio for grading.
### Evaluation:
- Participation in discussions and critiques.
- Quality and creativity of the completed pieces.
- Cohesiveness and professionalism of the final portfolio.
- Completeness and thoughtfulness of the reflective write-up.
By the end of these sessions, students will have a polished, professional portfolio that showcases their artistic journey and can be used for further educational or professional opportunities.