include a variety of mediums for the portfolio?

[rex-craft7]

im noticing that a good majority of the art schools want to see a wide range of mediums in a students portfolio. now im just wondering how much of a range? the only mediums im comfortable with is pencil, color pencil, watercolor, and charcoal. i know for a fact that if i try to use any other mediums, the quality will drop dramatically. how much of a range should i have in order to be safe?

[Eerin]

It really depends on the school you're applying to. Some schools want to see a great variety of mediums, some schools are fine if you stick to three or so mediums. Do NOT use a medium if you're bad at it and/or it will decrease the quality of your portfolio. Remember that you want to show your best pieces, and if that rules out certain mediums then that's fine.

What you listed is okay. =)

Good luck!

[Lizzybeth]

When putting together a portfolio you only want to put in your absolute best stuff. I've heard this before and it's quite true, "You're portfolio is only as good as the worst piece in it," so don't let there be any weak ones, unless the school absolutely insists on seeing fifteen different types of media.

And just because you're not skilled or comfortable with certain materials doesn't mean that you shouldn't use them. They can be a lot of fun and using them can be very insightful and can train you to look at things and visual communicate differently. Just don't put them in your portfolio unless they're strong.

[Storyboard Dave]

If you're looking to impress a school with a variety of what you can do, don't do it unless you consider it your best stuff. There isn't an artist out there that can handle it all.

Show the best and leave it at that. Don't show off any more than that. The worst piece in your portfolio will drag down everything else- it's just simple human nature to focus on the weak.