Illustration Portfolio
The portfolio will include 1 Cover Page and 25 examples of your artwork: 5 prerequisite classwork, 10 finished personal artworks, and 10 sketchbook pages. Digitally format the 26 pages and assemble them in one .pdf document to upload to the online application.
The portfolio is representative of your original work and should include the following:
1. Cover Page (page 1)
Before showing any of your artworks, leave the first page blank except for your first and last name. Please use an easy-to-read font (like Calibri) and make your name large enough to read.
2. Prerequisite Classwork (5 examples, pages 2-6)
First and foremost, select examples of your best works from prerequisite art classes. Pick one best work from each of your five prerequisite classes:
- ART 103 – Two-Dimensional Design (page 2)
- ART 104 – Three-Dimensional Design (page 3)
- ART 107A – Beginning Drawing (page 4)
- ART 107B – Beginning Painting (page 5)
- ART 117 – Life Drawing (page 6)
The preferred previous class works to pick are ones that can demonstrate your understanding of:
- Composition:
- Focus, hierarchy, grouping, placement, visual weight
- Structure:
- Volume, proportions, perspective, anatomy
- Light:
- Value, color, light/shadow logic, bounce light, atmosphere, color language
Also, try to pick works that can demonstrate your technical skills in:
3. Finished Artwork (10 examples, pages 7-16)
Next, select 10 examples of all your other finished artworks. These should be the best works you’ve done, either in classes or your own personal work. The portfolio should only represent your original work (no fan art, no master copy). In this same spirit, you are discouraged from selecting collaborative artworks; however, if you pick any, make sure you clearly describe your role in their creation. Just like with prerequisite class works, when picking from your best artworks, give preference to those that demonstrate your abilities in:
- Composition:
- Focus, hierarchy, grouping, placement, visual weight
- Structure:
- Volume, perspective, line weight
- Light:
- Value, color, light/shadow logic, bounce light, atmosphere, color language
- Anatomy:
- Gesture, expression, acting
- Imaginative Art:
- Storytelling, creativity, point of view, design language
- Observational Art:
- Detail, proportions, texture, rendering, realism
- Graphic Design:
- Layout, presentation, spacing, optionally some typography/calligraphy
Any form and medium that may be broadly found in illustration is acceptable. If you decide to include any three-dimensional art in this category, they should be a part of your illustration approach (for example, some illustrators create scenes in clay and then photograph those; other illustrators use software such as Maya to create 3D environments or characters for their 2D illustrations – those would be relevant and valuable examples of your work).
4. Sketchbook Artwork (10 examples, pages 17-26)
Select those sketchbook pages that excite you the most. Select examples that provide insight into the kind of art you love creating. Show your interests, style, and creativity with some of your best sketches.
At the end, including the Cover Page, you should have 26 pages total in your portfolio.