Incoming freshmen applying for scholarship consideration must submit a portfolio containing 10-15 original works of art.

You may submit a digital portfolio by following the steps detailed below.

What to Include

Artwork in the portfolio should represent your current creative and technical abilities.

For high school students, this generally means work completed in your junior or senior years.

All artwork must be original. Copies of published works are unacceptable. Primary consideration will be given to originality and creativity.

If you have taken a number of art courses, try to represent a variety of media. Pick your best work. Selections can come from:

  • classroom assignments
  • sketchbooks
  • workshops
  • pre-college programs
  • work done on your own outside the classroom

When selecting pieces for your portfolio in consider:

  • subject matter
  • technique
  • concept
  • design
  • composition
  • works that demonstrate creative problem solving

Drawings

Drawings from observation are encouraged but not required. Try to include at least three drawings from direct observation, demonstrating a proficient use of line and value to render space and form.

Drawing from observation means working directly from a real object, environment, or person (not from a photograph, a magazine, or copied from a reproduction of another artist's work).

The best drawings are:

  • familiar objects (still life)
  • self-portraits
  • figure drawings
  • landscapes
  • interior/exterior environments

Observational drawing is an important part of your portfolio and should reflect some diversity in subject matter and media such as graphite, charcoal, conte crayon, pastels, colored pencil, or pen and ink.

A painting from direct observation could take the place of a drawing in your portfolio.

Other Art Forms

  • Designs – This can include any two-dimensional artwork or graphic designs, such as logos, cover designs, and posters. While craftsmanship is important and expected, the concept takes precedence.
  • Digital Media – This could include digital imaging, digital video, computer animation, interactive art, net-based projects, and digital drawings.
  • Paintings – Media that can be considered include oils, acrylics, and watercolor, as well as any mixed-media pieces.
  • Photography – This includes black-and-white, color, or digital photography. When selecting photographs, consider idea, composition, and lighting along with color or value. What makes your composition creative and unique?
  • Printmaking – This could include work done in the processes of intaglio, lithography, relief printmaking, serigraphy (silkscreen), and monoprints.
  • Three-Dimensional Artwork – This could include work done in the areas of ceramics, glass, fibers, metals, and sculpture and may also include functional objects and furniture design.
  • Avoid old artwork. Your most recent work (the past one to three years) is usually the strongest work.
  • More is not always better. In other words, don't include more work for the sake of having a lot to show. Choose your best work.
  • Copies from magazines, comic books, animation, CD covers, or movie posters are not acceptable. Remember, work should be your own. What are you trying to accomplish, convey, or express in a piece or series of pieces?
  • Avoid overused, stereotyped, or timeworn imagery.
  • Remove weak pieces. More is not always better; in other words, do not include more work for the sake of having a lot to show.
  • Be sure to choose your best work.

Scholarship Portfolios

You must submit a digital portfolio if:

  • you are applying for School of Art scholarships

If you haven’t already, review the information above on how to prepare and present all of your artwork. When submitting your portfolio, please submit individual images of each piece of work.

Submit Your Scholarship Portfolio

More Information

If you have questions about your scholarship portfolio or application, please contact Heather Myers.