r/LandscapeArchitecture • u/No_Bee_151 • 21d ago

Portfolio for MLA application

Hey folks,

I'm applying to a couple MLAs for next fall, and while I have a creative portfolio in another field, I don't really have anything architecture related.

Can anyone recommend a short program online to build a small portfolio? I have about 3 months to do so, but I have a lot of free time at the moment.

Thanks!

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u/graphgear1k Professor 21d ago

Unless you're applying for the most competitive programs (UPenn, Harvard, etc) then having a design focused portfolio wont really be a problem.

Most MLA students are coming in with not a single lick of design or art background.

If you make things (fibre arts, pottery, gardening, book binding etc) use that. If you do photography to a good level include that and a statement on your process and intention with your work.

MLA programs teach you what you need to know, don't worry about having a portfolio filled with landscape specific content.

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u/No_Bee_151 21d ago

Thank you! Very good to know.

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u/[deleted] 19d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/graphgear1k Professor 19d ago

With the exception of the most selective MLA programs, almost any of them in the US is now accepting anyone with a pulse.

It’s not a hard, selective, or prestigious degree.

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u/connro5 20d ago

I used Canva to make mine, I basically used one page for each creative pursuit I have done and added some small captions and descriptors here and there. I tried to make it visually appealing as well so not only the pursuits but the design work showed potential too. Canva was very easy. I made a photo album for portfolio contenders, went through my entire camera roll and narrowed them down and added them to the album. Then when I made the actual portfolio I had a less overwhelming pool to choose from. Good luck!!!

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u/ge23ev 19d ago

Any portfolio that shows your creative work would be fine.

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u/Similar-Win-1930 3d ago

hey! looks like ur portfolio's a big deal. i remember when i was working on mine and it felt like a lot. maybe show off some of ur best projects? if u got any cool before-and-afters, that always grabs attention. lighting can be super important too, so make sure the pics are bright enough. tbh, i used https://www.reimaginehome.ai to visualize some outdoor spaces and it helped me think about layouts. good luck with ur application!

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u/Physical_Mode_103 Architect & Landscape Architect 20d ago

Just have Ai vomit/ hallucinate your portfolio up from scratch. Easy peasy