CSUF Illustration BFA Portfolio Review

CSUF Illustration BFA Portfolio Review
Students may apply up to two times to be admitted to the BFA in Illustration, provided they meet the criteria and have not exceeded units toward the degree. If a student will submit a portfolio for a second review, it should be within two semesters of the first portfolio review and before finishing 96 units toward their degree. Applicants who are not accepted after the second attempt will not be admitted into the program. Applicants are encouraged to meet with a faculty advisor in the area concentration to verify that they meet the criteria and unit counts, and to discuss their goals prior to applying to the program.

Informational Video: https://youtu.be/C85pPWO5V7w

Application Deadline: Monday, October 6, 2025 @ 5 PM
Email*
example@example.com
CWID*
Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
This is for:*

Illus
Academic Information

Please indicate if you have completed the courses below. If completed elsewhere, please select other and state where it was completed, the transfer course number/name, the grade you received, and the numeric value. If you have been granted an exception, please select other and state the reason.
Have you completed Art 103 or an equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*

YesNoExemption on File
Grade in Art 103 or equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*
Please select your exact grade.
Have you completed Art 104 or an equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*

YesNoExemption on File
Grade in Art 104 or equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*
Please select your exact grade.
Have you completed Art 107A or an equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*

YesNoExemption on File
Grade in Art 107A or equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*
Please select your exact grade.
Have you completed Art 107B or an equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*

YesNoExemption on File
Grade in Art 107B or equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*
Please select your exact grade.
Have you completed Art 117 or an equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*

YesNoExemption on File
Grade in Art 117 or equivalent class (AP credit or Community College course)?*
Please select your exact grade.
How many units have you completed?*
If you are over the unit cap, please provide a brief explanation why:
Please attach your Titan Degree Audit. *

You can find your Titan Degree Audit by accessing your portal. Once you have accessed your portal you can find it on Titan Online in the Student Self Service section. Please submit a current and up to date audit.
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Artist Statement and Portfolio
Is this your:*

First AttemptSecond Attempt
Artist Statement

To be considered for the Illustration concentration, please clearly define your artistic focus, goals, and preferences as a 500-word essay. Please try to answer the following questions:

Why do you think Illustration is a good fit for you?

What illustration industries and careers are you already familiar with and are interested in?

What are you trying to accomplish by graduation? Professional goals post-graduation?

Who are three current illustrators who you consider your art heroes that inspire you?

What do you like to do for fun? What are your hobbies and favorite intellectual properties?
Artist Statement *

Please label your portfolio with LastName_Firstname_IllustrationStatement.pdf
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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:
- Drawing
- Painting
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.
Portfolio*

Please label your portfolio with LastName_Firstname_IllustrationPortfolio.pdf
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Should be Empty:

CSUF Illustration BFA Portfolio Review

Academic Information

Artist Statement and Portfolio