Introduction
Your process portfolio is one of the most important components of IB Visual Arts. It’s not just a sketchbook — it’s a record of your experiments, reflections, and artistic development. Examiners use it to see how you think, problem-solve, and grow as an artist. But what exactly should you include to make it examiner-ready?
This guide will explain what to include in your IB Visual Arts portfolio and how to present it effectively.
Key Elements to Include
1. Experiments With Media and Techniques
Show a wide variety of approaches:
- Drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles.
- Photography, digital art, or mixed media.
- Risk-taking experiments, even if they failed.
2. Artist Research
Study both historical and contemporary artists.
- Analyze formal qualities, context, and meaning.
- Reflect on how their work influenced your own.
3. Process Documentation
Include step-by-step photos, sketches, and notes.
- Show how ideas evolved.
- Record mistakes, problem-solving, and improvements.
4. Reflections
Use written notes to explain:
- Why you made choices.
- What worked and what didn’t.
- How the experiment connects to your theme.
5. Thematic Exploration
Link your work to a central theme.
- Identity, memory, nature, technology, etc.
- Show how experiments connect to your exhibition direction.
6. Mixed Media and Variety
Examiners expect experimentation across media. Even if you specialize, show variety in scale, style, or approach.
7. Cultural and Contextual Connections
Research artists from different cultures and traditions.
- Link their approaches to your own practice.
- Show global awareness.
How to Structure Your Portfolio
- Organize by theme: Group works that explore similar ideas.
- Organize by media: Dedicate sections to painting, photography, sculpture, etc.
- Organize chronologically: Show growth and evolution over time.
Any structure is acceptable as long as it’s clear and easy for examiners to follow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including only final polished works instead of experiments.
- Writing vague annotations with no reflection.
- Showing too little variety in media or approaches.
- Forgetting to connect research and experiments to your theme.
- Overloading with text and not enough visuals.
FAQs on IB Visual Arts Portfolios
Q1: How many screens should the portfolio include?
- SL: 9–18 screens.
- HL: 13–25 screens.
Q2: Can I include unfinished experiments?
Yes — as long as you reflect on what you learned.
Q3: Do all pages need written annotations?
Not every page, but consistent reflection is important.
Q4: Should I include digital work?
Yes — digital work is encouraged and can be combined with traditional media.
Q5: Do I need to show a link between the portfolio and exhibition?
Yes — your portfolio should demonstrate how experiments influenced your final works.
Conclusion
An IB Visual Arts portfolio should include experiments, artist research, process documentation, reflections, thematic exploration, and cultural connections. By balancing visuals and text, showing variety, and reflecting honestly, you’ll build a portfolio that demonstrates growth, creativity, and critical thinking — exactly what examiners want to see.
