Writing your Portfolio Piece by Piece J Byrne

Writing your Portfolio Piece by Piece J. Byrne 2014

Introduction � While the introduction is the first section to be read in your portfolio it is sometimes the last section to be written. � Certainly you should be adding material to your introduction in your final stages of writing. � The introduction should introduce the reader to the work undertaken by you for your whole portfolio. It should explain briefly what artefact you have chosen and why. � The introduction should also give a short overview of your work and your conclusion. J. Byrne 2014

Starting the Introduction � Take 3 mins and answer each of the following questions. � Ignore grammar, punctuation and spellings, these can be corrected at a later stage. � What it is you want to make? � Name your artefact. � Give a brief description. � Perhaps include a photo or sketch. (remember to label image) � Next 3 mins. � Why did you choose this artefact? � What appealed to you? � Style, material, period or designer other? J. Byrne 2014

Starting the Introduction � Take 3 mins and answer each of the following questions. � Why did you want to make it? � You can refer back to previous section and expand. � Something you have always wanted to do? � Something that you came across in your research last year? � Something that you think will challenge you? � Something that you know that you are capable of or that will play to your strengths eg. Woodturning, veneering, carving etc. � Did the designer or period influence you and in what way? J. Byrne 2014

Still with the Introduction � Next 3 mins. � How do you propose to make this arefact? � Exact reproduction using traditional methods or traditional joints combination of old with new machining methods. � Or � Modern take on earlier version using modern materials and joints. � Or � Using artefact as a muse to create something new. � For this section a few sentences will do. You can expand on this in your methodology part 1 section. J. Byrne 2014

Finishing the Introduction � Some of this section will need to be written towards the very end, you can include material on : � Your success in making the artefact. � What you had to change from methodology part 1 section. � What you learned from making the aretfact. � What you would do differently. J. Byrne 2014

Context & Rationale � Provide reasons as to why you want to make this piece. � Take statements made in the introduction and expand on them. � Imagine a friend asking you “why did you choose to make that piece? ” How would you explain your reasons to them? � This is very personal section as the reasons come from you. � Perhaps you really like the period, designer, wood used, carving or turning etc. � Don’t fall into the trap of describing what projects you have done in last few years but if there is a particular project that you wanted to expand on or is of relevance to your artefact then do J. Byrne 2014

Research (2000 words) (15 Marks) � Provide evidence on research carried out on this artefact. When did it first appear? Who designed it? How was it constructed and finished? � This is one of the bigger sections of your work. This section needs to provide evidence of research shown. � Don’t spend too much time on only one section for example devoting 15 oo words to animal glue. � Write out a list on what you think is relevant. Expand on each item on the list. � Remember to relate your own personnel views and experience. � Don’t forget to state where original artefact is on display, museum stately home etc. J. Byrne 2014

Methodology Part 1 (2000 words) (10 Marks) � Expand on statements made in introduction. � Discuss how you are going to reproduce your interpretation of the traditional design. � Discuss whether you are going to use traditional or modern methods of construction and your reasons for your choice. � Give details of how your artefact is to be finished (traditional or modern) and give reasons for choice. (Couple of sentences) � Remember to relate your own personnel views and experience. Have you used any of the joints or methods listed before? Are you experimenting with these joints, construction methods. J. Byrne 2014

Methodology Part 2 (4000 words) (20 Marks) � Summarise this section and include it in your introduction. � Describe how you manufactured your artefact, did you deviate from the methods given in your proposal if so why. � Give a complete sequence of events to enable another to duplicate your artefact according to your instructions. This would probably best be achieved by keeping a reflective diary for each day of your work. � Reflective diary can be included in appendix. J. Byrne 2014

Other Sections � Cutting list : Final finished cutting list should probably be inserted before Methodology Part 2. � This list will probably have changed quite a bit from that submitted in semester 1. � Estimated / Actual time chart : This Table or chart should be inserted after Methodology Part 2 section. � You may want to write a few words on the comparisons between both time chart submitted in semester 1 and actual time used. � Don’t forget to include images, sketches and photos of actual work throughout the document. � Remember to label and reference correctly. J. Byrne 2014