Artists at Francis Lewis High School create portfolios in order to organize their work and assist in their future career paths. With technology constantly evolving, many students are creating digital portfolios by including photography of their work. FLHS students try to think about the meaning of their work at the very beginning of the process.
“I first generally think about the meaning behind the piece I want to create,” senior Aaron Park said. “After that I start thinking about the color, the emotion that I want to portray in my art. After that it’s just all work.”
Art students like to think differently, as they have a different perspective of their projects and how they view art, making the meaning of each piece more value to them.
“Together we try to basically find a story, a story or element behind what they’re trying to work on,” art teacher Mr. Mason said. “Something that’s going to tell about their personal views or thoughts or some of the things they want to try to explore, and we go from there.”
Mr. Mason believes that his students should really be striving to be creatively different in order to make their portfolios stand out for future consideration.
“I really kind of push them to step out the box,” Mr. Mason said. “Just copying a piece of work is just copying a piece of work. How do you actually make it your own? I kind of push them to think about different views and different mediums and materials they could possibly use.”
Students think that striving for the best portfolios in the beginning will lead them to be much more successful in the long run, allowing them to pursue art professionally.
“My portfolio will help me accomplish what I want in the future by showcasing my skill level,” freshman Mariana Martinez said.
The best way to improve your art, and your portfolio, is to work on your craft, according to Mr. Mason.
“Practice, practice, practice,” Mr. Mason said. “Get some ideas down, write down your ideas, and really just kind of think about what you’re into and what you like. Don’t let anything sway you from what you are actually really into.”
