Portfolio Development

A strong portfolio is incredibly beneficial for anyone looking to start art school. In addition to being an admissions requirement for the majority of our programs, you may be granted class credit for outstanding work. A solid portfolio may also open doors for some types of scholarships.

Your portfolio should include 10 to 15 pieces of your best work in digital format. Clearly label each disk with your name. Each piece should be labeled with your name, medium and include a brief artist statement on the disk. Original work will not be accepted.

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.

Video and Animation

Video and Animation projects may be submitted as part of your portfolio. These are especially encouraged for students interested in studying Digital Media, Animation, Photography or Video. You may submit animations as rendered video, .swf files or animated .gif files. Video should be submitted as a .mpg, .mov, or .avi file with a frame size smaller than 352 x 240 pixels.

Naming your 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 scheduled (or completed) your admissions interview.

Portfolios may either be hand-delivered or mailed to your Admissions Counselor. If you mail your portfolio, please package it securely and mail it to:

RMCAD/Admissions Office
1600 Pierce Street
Denver, CO 80214

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.

Retrieving your portfolio

If you want 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 the term for which you applied for admission. 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.