What should go in your portfolio:
Self Portrait
Self Portrait
Using a mirror, pencil or pen, and good quality drawing paper (11” x 17” or larger) produce a self-portrait employing a contour line drawing technique. Successful drawings will show a consideration for size, position on the page, line quality and expression.
Still Life and Observational Drawing
Still Life and Observational Drawing
Using charcoal, conte or pastels compose a still life on good quality drawing paper (11” x 17” or larger) that includes 4-5 items of different sizes, shapes and textures. Set up the still life in an interesting arrangement with strong side lighting. Successful drawings will show a consideration for size, position on the page, interaction between compositional elements, variety and quality of value, and expression. Remember – a still life does not have to consist of fruit, vegetables or flowers. Use your imagination to capture something in your everyday world.
Imaginative Drawing
Imaginative Drawing
Using any drawing medium and good quality drawing paper (11” x 17” or larger), compose one drawing of an interior or exterior scene from your imagination. Successful drawings will show a consideration for originality, details, size, position on the page, line quality and expression.
Tips for Animation Students
Tips for Animation Students
Students planning to study animation may wish to submit a portfolio that includes storyboards, concept sketches, character and set designs. Any examples or attempts at any form of animation – drawn, object, experimental, or computer – can also be included.
Tips for Graphic Design + Interactive Media Students
Tips for Graphic Design + Interactive Media Students
Students planning to study graphic design and interactive media should submit portfolio work that displays examples of typography, i.e., headlines, sub-headlines and body copy. Any hand lettered samples should also be included. Work produced in Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premier, Macromedia Dreamweaver or Macromedia Director should also be included. Be sure electronic file copies are organized and clearly labeled.
Tips for Illustration Students
Tips for Illustration Students
Students planning to study illustration should submit work that clearly demonstrates an interest in representational drawing. Both quick sketches and finished artwork in various media should be included. In addition, imaginative drawings that tell stories, interpret literature, and show characters in a variety of situations should also be included. Copying of other artists’ work is permitted as long as due credit to the original source is given on the front of the work.
Tips for Interior Design Students
Tips for Interior Design Students
Students planning to study interior design may wish to include work in their portfolio that demonstrates an ability to formulate a cohesive design concept and translate it into visual representation. Portfolio work should also demonstrate an understanding of the basics of color theory and application of a color scheme. Transfer students or advanced high school students should include examples of drafting, space planning and/or illustrations of architectural/interior space.
Tips for Painting + Drawing Students
Tips for Painting + Drawing Students
Students planning to study painting and drawing should include work in their portfolio that demonstrates a basic understanding of painting techniques, compositional balance, positive and negative space, and figure/ground integration. Examples of patterns of light and shadow and expressive uses of paint should also be included.
Tips for Sculpture Students
Tips for Sculpture Students
Students planning to study sculpture should include work in their portfolio that explores different media in three-dimensional pieces such as clay, mixed media and found objects. Examples should demonstrate development of a focal point area, compositional balance and understanding of positive and negative space.
Portfolio Review
The best way to improve your portfolio is to show it to other artists and listen to their feedback. We can help with this process.
We also conduct a Portfolio Bootcamp each summer designed to help high school students prepare for college admission. Look at our High School Programs for more information.
