Preparing your Portfolio/ Applying to Art School
Do you want to study art after high school? Here are some tips to get you started on that journey!
1. Research Art & Design Colleges. Look at different art school websites and look at the AICAD website (aicad.org). AICAD is the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. Some Art & Design schools do not belong to the AICAD Consortium but many excellent schools are a part of this organization. Their website has a lot of helpful information for students and parents.
2. National Portfolio Review Days. This is a chance to have your portfolio reviewed by representatives from many different art & design colleges in one day. These take place all over the country and throughout the year, but mostly in the Fall. Check the website portfolioday.net for more information on dates and locations.
3. Your portfolio. Most colleges require a portfolio for admission into a visual arts program. Most require students to present 15-20 pieces of artwork. Additionally, some colleges like to see at least 5-7 works from direct observation, Start working on your portfolio the summer before senior year (or sooner!). You should plan on having most of your pieces completed by December of senior year. Colleges like to see your most recent work, so pieces from freshman year are probably not the best (you have probably improved quite a bit since then too!). It's a good idea to set the goal of doing 1 project per week during the summer.
4.Scholarships. There are many scholarships available for students. You just need to find them and apply to them! Start researching all scholarships that you qualify for and try to get them.
The information above is general and should be used as a guideline, but I urge you to look closely at the requirements for every school that interests you. Check the admissions requirements for each school and get on their mailing list. Do your research and know your deadlines!
See Mrs. Sokolowski with any questions you might have about your portfolio or art school! I'm here to help! Stop by room A4 or email me at [email protected].