School of Art and Design at Alfred University

Portfolio

What are the requirements for my portfolio?

Your portfolio should reflect your abilities and your passion. Submit 15 to 20 samples of your best work. At least four of the pieces must be drawing from direct observation. All work should demonstrate your command of elements of visual language including composition, line, form, and color.

The School of Art & Design is a growing community of artists, designers and students dedicated to the teaching, creation, research, exhibition and communication of fine art and design. Our location, in rural Western New York, has few distractions and is a great place to make art.

Your portfolio should also demonstrate your conceptual skills, your willingness to experiment, your respect for craftsmanship, as well as your commitment to visual expression and communication. Not everything in your portfolio has to be finished work. Sketches can provide valuable information about how you see, how you work, and how you think.

How do I submit my portfolio?

Photographic representation of your work may be submitted as 35mm color slides or digital photographs on a CD-R or DVD-R. Submit digital photos as JPEG files. Video, animation, and audio may be submitted on a CD-R or DVD-R in current digital file formats.

Make sure all slides and discs are labeled with your full name. For slides, include image information such as size and media. indicate the top of the slide with the word “top.” Edit, arrange, and number each slide. Use a Sharpie permanent marker for labeling discs. Include a list of disc contents including image information such as size and media in the CD or DVD case. Please edit video, animation, and/or audio clips to no more than five minutes. Send all materials in a crush proof container. PLEASE DO NOT SEND THE ONLY COPY OF YOUR PORTFOLIO.

How can I get my portfolio back?

Include a self-addressed stamped mailer with sufficient postage if you want your portfolio returned. Your portfolio may be submitted with your application or separately.

What is the deadline for submitting my portfolio?

The deadline for regular admission is February 1st. The deadline for early decision is December 1st. Transfer students should contact the Office of Admissions to obtain deadline information.

How to prepare your slides

National Portfolio Days

Graduate Program Portfolio

Applicants to the Electronic Integrated Arts program may submit slides, CD-ROMS, DVDs or cued videotapes.

Applicants to the Ceramic Art and Sculpture/ Dimensional Studies program may submit slides, CD-ROMs or DVDs. All work should be clearly labeled. Slides (20) should be placed in 9” x 11” clear plastic sheets for safe handling and easy return. Each slide must indicate name of artist, date of work, top of slide, medium and dimensions in inches.

Submit digital photos as jpeg files, no presentations such as PowerPoint.

“A self-addressed, postage paid envelope must be included with the application. All portfolio materials will be handled with great care, but neither the School of Art & Design or the Graduate Admissions Office takes responsibility for loss or damage..

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