How to Apply to a Design School: Crafting Your Portfolio

If you’re a teenager -like me- interested in design, you’re probably already imagining a career where creativity, innovation, and problem-solving are part of your everyday life. Whether you dream of designing products, creating digital art, or working in fashion, applying to design school is your first step toward turning those dreams into reality. But where do you even begin?
As someone who has been to a lot of university fairs, I am ready to give all of you the tips and tricks to apply to a design school!
When it comes to choosing a design school, there are plenty of options, and the right one for you will depend on your interests and career goals. A few standout choices for teens wanting to study design include:
University of the Arts London (UAL) – UAL is the second best art university in the world, offering a wide range of programs in everything from fashion design to graphic design to product design. They offer both foundation courses and undergraduate degrees, making them a great choice whether you're sure of your design path or still exploring.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – SCAD is a popular choice in the U.S., with a fantastic reputation for its design programs. They offer a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, but what really makes SCAD stand out is their summer programs for high school students. These are a great way to get a feel for design before committing to a full-time program.
Politecnico di Milano – If studying in Italy sounds appealing, Politecnico di Milano offers some of the best design programs in the world, especially in industrial design, communication design, and interior design. The school’s international reputation and unique location make it a dream for those looking to study design on a global stage.
Foundation Courses – If you’re not entirely sure what type of design you want to focus on, foundation programs can be a great option. Many schools, including UAL, offer foundation courses that give you the chance to explore different design fields and figure out which one excites you the most. It’s also an excellent way to start developing the skills you’ll need to apply for more specialized undergraduate programs.
Undergraduate Programs – Once you know what type of design you want to study, it’s time to apply for an undergraduate program. These programs are typically 3-4 years long and focus on specific fields like graphic design, fashion, industrial design, or interior architecture. Each school’s program will vary in focus, so take your time researching to find the one that suits your interests.
Summer/High School Programs – Many schools, like SCAD and UAL, offer summer programs or workshops for high school students. These shorter programs give you an introduction to the design world and help you build a portfolio that can strengthen your application to a full-time program later.

Your portfolio is the most important part of your design school application, so it’s essential to get it right. But here’s the good news: your portfolio doesn’t have to be perfect. Schools don’t expect flawless, finished products; they want to see your potential as a designer and how you think through problems. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Unfinished Work is Okay – It’s totally fine to show pieces that are still in development. In fact, many schools prefer to see works in progress because they want to know how you approach a design project from start to finish. This could include early sketches, rough drafts, or iterations of a piece you’ve been working on.
Every Step of the Process – A good portfolio doesn’t just showcase finished projects; it should also give insight into your creative process. Schools want to see how you develop your ideas, conduct research, and refine your work. For example, if you're applying for a graphic design program, include the brainstorming phase, concept sketches, and examples of how you refined your ideas before reaching the final design.
Work with Meaning – Try to include projects that have personal meaning or a strong concept behind them. Whether it’s a school project or something you’ve worked on in your own time, projects that show you’ve thought deeply about the subject or theme will stand out to admissions officers. Schools like UAL and SCAD appreciate work that’s authentic and shows passion.
Perfection is Not the Goal – In design, it’s more important to show your creativity and problem-solving skills than to present a “perfect” piece. Don’t stress about every detail. The admissions teams want to see your growth as a designer, so showing them how you experiment and learn from mistakes is just as important as showing polished work.
3-5 Pieces – You don’t need to overwhelm them with a massive portfolio. Typically, 3-5 pieces are enough to showcase your talent and creativity. Focus on quality over quantity and make sure each piece highlights a different skill or approach.
Tailor Your Portfolio – Depending on the program you’re applying for, you may want to tailor your portfolio to highlight certain types of work. For example, if you’re applying for a fashion design program, include sketches or photos of garments you’ve created. If you’re applying for a graphic design program, show logo designs, posters, or digital artwork. Make sure your portfolio aligns with the type of design you want to study. Not only that but depending on the school, they want different levels of artwork. UAL for example prefers works in progress but SCAD prefers finished work.


Now that you know what to include in your portfolio, it’s time to start working on it. A good place to begin is by looking at the last two years of your work. Consider projects you’ve done in school, as well as personal projects outside of class. This will help you reflect on how far you’ve come and show your growth as a designer.
It’s also important to work with your strengths. If you’re more into digital design, focus on creating digital artwork. If you prefer traditional media like sketching or painting, include those types of pieces. Your portfolio should reflect your unique style and strengths as a designer, so don’t feel pressured to conform to what you think schools want to see.
Applying to design school is a big step, but it’s also an exciting one. The key is to focus on showing who you are as a designer, not just presenting “perfect” work. Whether you apply to schools like UAL, SCAD, or Politecnico di Milano, the admissions teams want to see your creativity, passion, and growth. Take the time to develop a portfolio that reflects your process and your personality, and you’ll be on your way to pursuing your dreams in design. Good luck!