I noticed that the description of the end goal for using SVSLearn has a slight change from saying it will help you build an 11 piece portfolio, to 9. I was curious if there might be a list on what they are, since it is a specific number? I didn’t figure out what the 11 were suppose to be, I know what a lot of them could be from a much longer list that was given on the podcast and typed up on the notes for that episode. But since it is now narrowed down to 9, I am even more curious to find out what they are.
Looking forward to seeing the new classes coming this year or later!
@kayleenartlover I always wondered this myself and after two years I still haven’t really got an answer…
I was wondering that too. Maybe there are 9 specific classes with a final assignment that would become a portfolio piece? I’ve just started using any assignment I can as an attempt at a finished illustration.
@kayleenartlover
If you do all of the foundation courses, the homework for each course, those would end up being your portfolio pieces.
@kayleenartlover I guess it could mean to pick top 9 best artwork from the assignments? I just wondered if we were suppose to know which assignments would be considered part of the 9-piece portfolio? Do any of the classes specify which assignments are part of that?
It doesn't matter all that much, but they took the time to make that change from 11 to 9 pieces of art as the end goal / outcome of taking the curriculum which made the change seem important. If anyone knows the reason, I would really appreciate the clarification.
Hi @kayleenartlover,
Personally, I wouldn’t add the homework assignments as portfolio pieces; however, if you make at least 1 piece for each month for the monthly critique arena challenge, you’ll have 12 strong pieces after 1 year.
When I started SVS in 2019, I had zero portfolio pieces and no formal art school training. I went to school for engineering and later business. I started to consume SVS courses like a savage, drawing along with the teachers and doing every assignment religiously as if I will be graded.
Although the course homework assignments are tough and fun, it’s more about taking what you learned and applying it to your own art. This is where the SVS contests bring about the magic.
You see, the contest allow us to flex our artistic muscles and have a friendly competition with each other, even if some of the artists far exceed our skill level.
I’ve entered every single month since joining, and although I’ve made the sweet 16 a handful of times, and almost won once, the point is to build your portfolio with your absolute best work, progressively improving, and having fun!
Wow, this is much longer than I originally envisioned.
Today’s critique arena should be a blast! Check out the top 16 here:
@jeremy-ross Thanks for sharing! I agree I definitely think the monthly critique is perfect for making potential portfolio pieces. I'm hoping to participate each month this year. I wasn't in the top 16 for January but that's okay because it was my first one so it can still be a goal to achieve in the future, for motivation but also accountability to participate every month. 
@jeremy-ross
I agree, I’m excited at the prospect of having a beautiful portfolio after the 12 months of challenges, and getting stronger with each prompt being a push outside of the box. I loved your how to catch a tiger illustration, and definitely felt it deserved a spot in the 16… but competition was fierce (haha).
There are classes outside of the foundations, that have great finished portfolio pieces if you complete the assignment, like Wills class “draw 50 things”
Ah thanks @angelinakizz! So many great pieces, looking forward to see who takes the gold!
@jeremy-ross I went with a very simple kind of composition and didn't have a lot of details, and sometimes that helps, but I guess I was too subtle with the rendering of my tiger... It was kinda hard to gauge people's opinions on it. I'm not gonna change it or redo it though, I'm just gonna move forward.
Since the next prompt is more specific and meant to have more detail, I'm hoping that my next submission will be an improvement compared to my January illustration. I'm still in the thumbnail/composition-planning phase, since mistakes in perspective are gonna be very easy to notice, potentially.
@jeremy-ross Thanks for sharing! I agree I definitely think the monthly critique is perfect for making potential portfolio pieces. I'm hoping to participate each month this year. I wasn't in the top 16 for January but that's okay because it was my first one so it can still be a goal to achieve in the future, for motivation but also accountability to participate every month.
