Portfolio Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students planning to study Communications Design 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, as well as work produced in Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premier, Macromedia Dreamweaver or Macromedia Director. Be sure that electronic file copies are organized and clearly labeled.

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.

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.

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.

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.