Portfolio Submission Links
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Applying to College? Need a Portfolio?
What you need depends on:- each individual college or university
- major or degree you pursue
- whether you are applying for a scholarship
Most places require a portfolio which is submitted digitally (if you don't attend a "Portfolio Day"). Each college has different submission requirements for portfolios, with most using Slideroom (for an additional fee). Portfolios usually contain 12 to 20 pieces and should represent your best work. Diversity, creativity, craftsmanship and technique are all important. With very few exceptions, having 3-6 artworks from observation (from real life, not a photograph) is required. Portraits, figures, interior and exterior spaces, and still life objects show a variety of observation skills.
Recommendations:
- Deadlines vary -do your research early.
- Meet with your art teacher.
- Get good images of your artwork.
- Use links below for guidance.
College Visits:
When visiting and investigating art programs, check out what kinds of facilities they have, specifically looking at:
- equipment in technology labs
- hours that art making facilities are open
- art supplies available at school book store and location of off campus art stores.
- private or semi-private art studio space for seniors (and other levels)
- local museums
- spaces and opportunites for undergraduate students to exhibit work
Art School vs Non Art School Art School
Pros
● Your fellow classmates know they want to be around art all the time—they signed up for the experience, and are likely to share your passion for creativity and expression
● Many standalone art schools are some of the highest ranked, and hold some serious industry credibility
● Art schools often have more opportunities to focus on your work, as the majority of your coursework will be in the studio
Cons
● Financial aid is likely to be lower than at traditional universities due to smaller endowments, so you may have a harder time financing your degree
● The required liberal arts/general education courses may be “watered down” compared to what you’d experience at a more
traditional university—that is to say, you may not get the same comprehensive education you would elsewhere
● If you’re looking for the “traditional” college experience (big school pride, athletics, Greek life, student clubs), you’re unlikely to find it at an art schoolMONEY
● Public art schools may cost less for many students
● Other dedicated art schools are generally private NON-profit (such as RISD, Pratt, SVA, MICA, SAIC). Their tuition is generally higher, and there may be some scholarship money.
● Art programs at state and private colleges and universities would have the tuition and scholarship money that is generally available to all of their students
● Private FOR profit art schools have neither the prestige nor the scholarship money of the other options