A portfolio of your work plays an important role in admissions decisions, and often determines who will receive our talent scholarships.
Your portfolio should include 15 to 20 pieces of your best work. Submit your work in slide, digital or photographic format. Please clearly label each disk, slide or photograph with your name, the name of the piece, medium, size and a brief artist’s statement. Original work will not be accepted. Please do not submit slides or photographs in any kind of notebook or binder; a simple plastic sheet covering is best.
If you do not have a portfolio, please speak with an Admissions Counselor to find out what you should do.
Portfolio Review Day
RMCAD participates in National Portfolio Review Day each year. Meet one-on-one with experts from the top art schools in the nation to review your work and discuss ways to improve your portfolio. Learn about our next event on the admissions overview page, or from the NPDA Website.
Digital Photographs
Scans or digital photographs should be submitted in best quality .jpg format. The file should be in RGB Color Mode (the format produced by most digital cameras) and not be larger than 1280 pixels in height or width. You may submit up to two photos for each work -- a picture of the whole piece, and one shot of a detailed area.
Digital Video
Digital video may be submitted as part of your portfolio. These are especially encouraged for students interested in studying Digital Media, Photography or Video. You may submit digital videos as .mpg, .mov, or .avi files with a frame size smaller than 352 x 240 pixels.
Animation
Animations may be submitted as part of your portfolio. These are especially encouraged for students interested in studying Digital Media or Animation. You may submit animations as .swf files or animated .gif files, or render them as .mpg, .mov, or .avi files with a frame size smaller than 352 x 240 pixels.
Naming your digital files
Name each file with your first initial and last name, followed by a number. If your name is Joe Smith, your files should be named JSmith01.jpg, JSmith02.jpg, JSmith03.mov, JSmith04.swf, JSmith05.jpg etc. Files may be submitted on CD or DVD.
How to get your work to us
Before submitting your portfolio please make sure your materials are clearly labeled, your name is legible, and that you have completed an Application for Admission.
Portfolios may either be hand-delivered or mailed to the Admissions Office. If you mail your portfolio, please package it securely and mail it to:
RMCAD/Admissions Office
1600 Pierce Street
Denver, CO 80214303.753.6046
We suggest using either first-class mail or parcel service so that it arrives on time and in good condition. RMCAD is not responsible for damage or loss incurred during transit.
You may also submit your portfolio via e-mail to: portfolios@rmcad.edu, or bring your portfolio at any RMCAD open house or portfolio review event.
Retrieving your portfolio
If you wish to have your portfolio returned to you please enclose a postage-paid self-addressed envelope or container for this purpose. Otherwise you may call to schedule a time to pick it up.
The Admissions Office will hold your portfolio up to 60 days after the start of term. After 60 days your portfolio will be discarded. If you have any questions or need to make special arrangements for your portfolio, please speak with your Admissions Counselor.
RMCAD is not liable for any loss or damage while your portfolio is in our possession.